Aerial view of Oak Bluffs taken by drone, Martha's Vineyard

Things to do in  Martha's Vineyard

Fresh air, fresher seafood

Though it sits just 7 miles (11 kilometers) off the Cape Cod coastline, Martha’s Vineyard is a universe unto itself. This unique island melting pot sets celebrity holidayers, resident creatives, and scores of day trippers against a postcard-perfect backdrop of historic shingle cottages and cliff-lined beaches—and the mix is magical. Visitors from all walks of life come to experience plenty of things to do, ranging from the boutique B&Bs, farm-to-fork local eateries, and independent shops and galleries that seem worlds away from the mainland, as well as to bask and boat along its pristine coastline.

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Top activities in Martha's Vineyard

2 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

2 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

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5
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$595.00
per group
Martha's Vineyard Tours Private and Fun!

Martha's Vineyard Tours Private and Fun!

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54
From
$450.00
per group
Private tour of Martha's Vineyard with lunch included

Private tour of Martha's Vineyard with lunch included

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$700.00
3 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

3 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

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$785.00
per group
Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour

Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour

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From
$14.99
per group
Martha’s Vineyard Venture Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Martha’s Vineyard Venture Scavenger Hunt

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$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
East Coast USA: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle

East Coast USA: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour Bundle

From
$74.99
per group
Private, Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marthas Vineyard Island(2hrs)

Private, Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marthas Vineyard Island(2hrs)

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12
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$450.00
per group
All Island Bus Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

All Island Bus Tour

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123
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$65.00
6 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

6 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

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$1,375.00
4 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

4 Hour Sailing Tour of Vineyard Haven Harbor and Sound

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$945.00
per group
Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour

Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour

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2
From
$7.75
Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour

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6
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$12.50
3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs

3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs

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974
From
$65.00
Private, Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marthas Vineyard Island(3hrs)

Private, Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marthas Vineyard Island(3hrs)

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36
From
$550.00
per group
See all Martha's Vineyard tours

All about Martha's Vineyard

When to visit

Though ferries to the island run all year round, many businesses on Martha’s Vineyard shutter in the quiet winter months. Summer is when the island pulsates with life, shops, and restaurants are open, and beaches and boat excursions are at their most inviting. This is also the season when events like the Beach Road Weekend music festival, three different film festivals, and the Oak Bluffs and Fourth of July fireworks take place.

Getting around

Private vehicles are allowed on Martha’s Vineyard (you must book a spot for your car on the ferry well in advance), but Vineyard Transit Authority buses frequently run between the main towns, so you can easily explore the island via public transportation. There are also taxis, rental car companies, and rideshare services to get around by car. In addition, Martha’s Vineyard is very bike-friendly, with a network of dedicated cycling trails and bike rental shops on the island.

Traveler tips

Martha’s Vineyard is known for having no chain or fast-food restaurants, so fresh local seafood gets top billing here. However, you don’t have to bust your travel budget at a white-tablecloth restaurant to sample the day’s catch. Try a lobster roll or bowl of lobster bisque, fresh fried clams or creamy clam chowder, and local oysters farmed just off the coastline—all can be found at casual seafood or shuck shacks for a fraction of the cost of a high-end eatery.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
15
Reviews
1,246
EN
0a631be8-53d2-4826-a306-f180783520dc
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People Also Ask

Is Martha’s Vineyard worth visiting?

Yes, the largest island off the coast of Massachusetts is also one of its most picturesque, with verdant inland hills encircled by sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, ideal for hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. Martha’s Vineyard also has delightful resort towns with independent shops and restaurants found only on the island.

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Is Martha’s Vineyard expensive?

The island is a favorite haunt for celebrities and wealthy vacationers from Boston and New York City, and an extended stay can be pricey. However, there are budget accommodations for visitors who are watching their wallets, and a day trip by ferry is not expensive—especially if you opt for basking on the free beaches and eating at a seafood shack.

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Is Martha’s Vineyard walkable?

Martha’s Island covers about 100 square miles (250 square kilometers), so you can’t explore its entire area by foot. Each of its towns, however, is relatively compact and easy to explore without a car. There is also regular bus service between the three port towns of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown, so you can visit each even if you don’t have wheels.

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How many days do you need in Martha’s Vineyard?

You should spend at least three days on the island to fully appreciate its natural beauty and pretty port towns. The first day you can dedicate to the less-touristed areas “up island,” including West Tisbury, Menemsha, and Aquinnah Beach. On the second day, explore the sights in and near Edgarton. Take in the charming port town of Oak Bluff on your final day.

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Are Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard the same place?

No, Cape Cod is a peninsula along the coast of mainland Massachusetts while Martha’s Vineyard is an island just south of the cape. Ferries connect the island and Cape Cod via the port towns of Hyannis and Woods Hole and also run to the neighboring island of Nantucket.

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How did Martha’s Vineyard get its name?

Martha’s Vineyard, also called The Vineyard by locals, is said to have been named by British explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, who chartered the island in 1602. He dubbed the cape where he landed Cape Cod because of the abundant fish in its waters, while the nearby island was named for either his daughter or mother-in-law (both named Martha) and the wild grapes that once grew on the island.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top activities in Martha's Vineyard?
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