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Martha’s Vineyard is a stunning island off the southeast coast of Massachusetts. There isn’t a vineyard on this island, but there are beautiful coastal towns, incredible restaurants, great bike roads, and dreamy lighthouses. So I’ve created this Martha’s Vineyard travel guide to help you plan the perfect trip.
Whether you’re on a New England Coastline road trip or a weekend getaway from Boston, Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect vacation destination.
Pro Tip: you can fly directly to Martha’s Vineyard, or you can take a ferry from Cape Cod.
Here’s the ultimate Martha’s Vineyard travel guide!
When To Go
May – September is the peak travel season when the beaches are sunny, and the water is warm enough for swimming. But evenings can still be cool, so bring a layer with you. All restaurants, ferries, tours, and attractions are open, and the summer is perfect for biking. Crowds and prices are at their highest during these months, so book your accommodation and tours in advance to ensure availability.
October – November is a shoulder season when crowd and accommodation prices drop. The water will be too cold for swimming, but it should still be mostly sunny if you want to walk on the beaches. Daytime temperatures will drop to the mid-50s, so bring warm clothes. Martha’s Vineyard has beautiful Fall foliage, and everything on the island should still be open and operating.
From December – March, the island can seem deserted. Tourists are few and far between, and many locals “snowbird” for the winter. Temperatures will be in the 20s and 30s, but snow is rare on the island. Many shops, restaurants, ferries, and attractions close or reduce their hours for the winter season. So if you want to get away from it all, then you can score some great accommodation deals during these months.
April – May is the other shoulder season. The flowers will be blooming, and daytime temperatures will rise to the high 50s. Tourist numbers and prices will still be relatively low, and most attractions and restaurants will have re-opened by now. These are the rainiest months of the year, so always keep a rain jacket with you.
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Where To Stay
Martha’s Vineyard has some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. My favorite is The Christopher! So from boutique hotels to historic inns to waterfront resorts, I’ve rounded up the best hotels on the island.
If you want to camp, Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground is your best bet. Martha’s Vineyard also has some incredible vacation homes.
What To Do
Rent a motorized bike to visit Edgartown, Oaks Bluff, and Vineyard Haven via the Seaview Avenue
Climb up the Edgartown Lighthouse
Have a beach day (if it’s warm enough)
Visit the Aquinnah Cliffs
Marvel at the views from Prospect Hill
Explore the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a boat tour along the island’s coastline
Wine and dine yourself
Where To Eat
Edgartown: The Terrace at the Charlotte (International, $$$$), Alchemy Bistro & Bar (American, $$$), The Seafood Shanty ($$), Chesca’s Restaurant (Italian-American, $$$), Square-Rigger Restaurant (Seafood, $$).
Vineyard Haven: The Black Dog Tavern (American, $$), Garde East (Seafood, $$$), Copper Wok (Chinese, $$), La Soffitta Restaurant (Italian, $$$), Little House Café (Great for Brunch, $$).
Oaks Bluff: Lookout Tavern (Seafood, $$), Lobsterville Bar & Grille ($$), Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company (Seafood, $$), Sharky’s Cantina (Tex Mex, $$).
Chilmark: Menemsha Galley (Seafood, $$-$$$), Chilmark Tavern (American, $$), State Road Restaurant (New American, $$).
Best Day Trips
Cape Cod. Take a 30-minute ferry ride to Cape Cod and rent a car for the day. Walk around the picture-perfect town of Falmouth, visit the Nobska Lighthouse, seal watch at the Chatham Pier, marvel at the Cape Cod National Seashore, do a wine tasting at Truro Vineyards, and visit Provincetown.
Nantucket. This tiny, isolated island is about an hour ferry ride from Martha’s Vineyard. You should spend your day visiting the Whaling Museum, seeing the iconic steepled churches, shopping, and wining and dining yourself.
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Martha’s Vineyard Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martha's Vineyard a good vacation?
Yes! Martha’s Vineyard is a stunning island off the southeast coast of Massachusetts. There isn’t a vineyard on this island, but there are beautiful coastal towns, incredible restaurants, great bike roads, and dreamy lighthouses. So I’ve created this Martha’s Vineyard travel guide to help you plan the perfect trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Martha's Vineyard?
May – September is the peak travel season when the beaches are sunny, and the water is warm enough for swimming. But evenings can still be cool, so bring a layer with you. All restaurants, ferries, tours, and attractions are open, and the summer is perfect for biking. Crowds and prices are at their highest during these months, so book your accommodation and tours in advance to ensure availability.
October – November is a shoulder season when crowd and accommodation prices drop. The water will be too cold for swimming, but it should still be mostly sunny if you want to walk on the beaches. Daytime temperatures will drop to the mid-50s, so bring warm clothes. Martha’s Vineyard has beautiful Fall foliage, and everything on the island should still be open and operating.
From December – March, the island can seem deserted. Tourists are few and far between, and many locals “snowbird” for the winter. Temperatures will be in the 20s and 30s, but snow is rare on the island. Many shops, restaurants, ferries, and attractions close or reduce their hours for the winter season. So if you want to get away from it all, then you can score some great accommodation deals during these months.
April – May is the other shoulder season. The flowers will be blooming, and daytime temperatures will rise to the high 50s. Tourist numbers and prices will still be relatively low, and most attractions and restaurants will have re-opened by now. These are the rainiest months of the year, so always keep a rain jacket with you.
Is Martha's Vineyard walkable?
The towns on Martha’s Vineyard are very walkable. To travel between the towns, there are buses that run every day, or you can rent motorized bikes.
What is the nicest part of Martha's Vineyard?
Most people who visit Martha’s Vineyard stay in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven.
Are cars allowed on Martha's Vineyard?
Yes, there are cars on Martha’s Vineyard. But you don’t need to rent or bring a car when you visit. Buses and ride shares can transport you all over the island, and the island has lots of bike roads if you want to rent motorized bikes.
What can you do on a day trip to Martha's Vineyard?
Martha’s Vineyard is just a short ferry ride from Cape Cod. This island is the perfect biking destination, so I recommend renting a motorized bike when you get to Martha’s Vineyard. Then spend the day biking between Oaks Bluff, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven.
How many days do you need in Martha's Vineyard?
Give yourself at least 3-4 days on a trip to Martha’s Vineyard. This will give you plenty of time to explore the towns, enjoy the food scene, bike around the island, and take a day trip.
Should I go to Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard?
Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod are both incredible destinations, and they will each give you very different experiences. So I highly recommend visiting both of these places in Massachusetts!
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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Martha’s Vineyard travel guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Martha’s Vineyard travel guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
