Martha's Vineyard is a quintessential island located south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and known for being the perfect summer getaway for those who live on the East Coast or for us Texans who want to beat the heat! In this post I'll outline our recommendations for the island, how to get there and a brief perspective of Martha's vs. Nantucket.
Getting to Martha's Vineyard
I searched the internet forever to figure this out, so hope my experience cuts down research for first-timers to the island like we were! There are two ways to get to The Vineyard, by ferry or plane. We chose the ferry route and arranged a car service through Blacklane to pick us up from the airport and drive us to the Woods Hole Ferry Terminal.
1. Plane: There are direct flights into the island with the most common flights from Boston or Newark; book in advance during the summer!
2. Ferry: The Steamship Authority has multiple ferries that leave from the Woods Hole Terminal and take you to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs on a 30 - 45 minute ride. The terminal is about 1.5 hours from the Boston Airport but took us est. 3.5 hours due to summer traffic! To get on the ferry, you will need to purchase a ticket through the Steamship Authority website or at the ticket office when you arrive. Tickets are not for a specific time and no need to worry about it being too full as it is a huge ship!
Once you get to the terminal (all outdoors) you will see a ticketing office in the middle of the parking lot and docks with signs for Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. You will line up near the sign for the ferry you are taking and get on once the incoming ferry passengers have gotten off. The ferry has a luggage cart you can load your bags on before you board, so you don't have to lug them around (we learned this the hard way!) Once you get off the ferry, you can call an Uber to get you to your accommodations and voila you made it!
Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket?
You might be wondering which island to choose for your coastal vacation, both are really lovely and you can't go wrong. Martha's Vineyard is much bigger with six main towns which means there is a lot more to do and see, while Nantucket is a smaller island you can bike from one end to the island to the other. If you can't decide I recommend making your home base in Martha's and take the Hy-Line Ferry over to Nantucket for the day and checking both islands out for yourself!
When to Visit Martha's Vineyard
- You cannot beat the festive feeling of being in The Vineyard on the 4th of July! We loved all the festivities and the parade that starts in Edgartown at 5 followed by fireworks at about 9! I was worried about it being hectic but didn't find the crowds too bad in comparison to other places we've been on the 4th like Rosemary Beach in Florida.
- Summer time of course is the prime time to visit but definitely the busiest, we were told by locals that September and October are the best months to visit with the best weather and least amount of people.
Where to Stay in Martha's Vineyard We stayed in Vineyard Haven at the Charles and Charles bed and breakfast and loved it. The service was incredible and the gourmet breakfast every morning was such a treat. There are three towns you will want to stay in:
- Vineyard Haven: A more quiet and relaxed vibe, known for being more local with less crowds. We loved getting to unwind here after a day of exploring.
- Oak Bluffs: The most happening town and can get pretty crowded in the summer. If you have a large, younger group this might be a good option!
- Edgartown: Loved, loved, loved this town and highly recommend staying on this side of the island! Accommodations tend to be pricier with a lot of boutique hotel options and close to many - shops and restaurants.
What to Do in Martha's Vineyard
- Relax in Vineyard Haven: Shop on main street and don't miss Off Main for the best Martha's Vineyard swag. Also grab a latte at Guy's Espresso Bar for a real treat!
- See the Attractions in Oak Bluffs: You have to go to Oak Bluffs to see the oldest carousel called the flying horses and explore the gingerbread houses. The main street here is much busier as many people visiting the island for the day tend to stick around this area.
- Wander through Edgartown: Edgartown is so cute, you'll definitely spend an afternoon here shopping, check out Rags an affordable boutique, and enjoy great restaurants overlooking the harbor.
- Explore Up Island: Rent a car for the day and venture to what is called up island to Aquinnah. In Aquinnah you can visit the Aquinnah Cliffs and make sure to stop at Chilmark General Store for a sandwhich or giant pizza slice!
-Visit Farms: In up island visit Beetlebung Farm and the Grey Barn, in Edgartown don't miss Morning Glory Farm for provisions for your stay!
- Sunset Sail: When in Martha's you have to go sailing! Catboat Charters is a great option for groups or a private sail or Black Dog, a byob sailing option that is also super kid friendly but great for couples too!
Where to Eat Winston's Kitchen: Grab a sandwhich and sit on the harbor in Oak Bluffs for an easy lunch
Larsen's: If you have a chance to make it to Menemsha (you will need a car) stop by this fresh off the boat fish market! The Atlantic: Grab drinks on the patio at this super vibey spot in Edgartown
Atria: Another must dine in Edgartown! Make reservations for this one, as it is popular!
Beach Road: Don't miss this spot for dinner in Vineyard Haven for a casual dinner with great service!
Garde East: We loved sitting on the patio overlooking the harbor in this Vineyard Haven spot! There is also a lot of unique, vegetarian friendly dishes here - do not miss this one!
I feel like we've only scratched the surface of all there is to do and see on The Vineyard. Looking forward to more time there and hearing about some of your favorite spots too!