WHERE MY BEACHES AT
Located 8 miles out to sea and surrounded by incredible waterfront, Martha’s Vineyard offers more room to spread out and endless opportunities to explore.
Traveling to Martha's Vineyard
Getting out to Martha's Vineyard is easier than you’d think with frequent ferry and flight services providing direct access to the Island.
BY SEA & Car
If you wish to travel to Martha's Vineyard, you can depart from New Bedford, Woods Hole, or Hyannis. If you want to bring a car, you must depart from Woods Hole on one of the slow ferries operated by The Steamship Authority that runs to Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. However, if you’re looking to get out there quickly and are packing light, there are several fast ferries, including ones departing from New Bedford operated by seastreak (which lets you dodge Cape Traffic) or Hyannis operated by Hy-Line Cruises. There is also an inter-island ferry that runs seasonally between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard operated by Hy-Line Cruises.There is also an inter-island ferry that runs seasonally between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard operated by Hy-Line Cruises.
By Air
You can fly into Martha’s Vineyard easily with major airlines servicing direct flights from Boston, New York, and other regional airports. The airport code is MVY and flight selection is best in season during the summer.
Getting Around
If you’re staying on Martha's Vineyard, there is a robust bus system that can get you between towns efficiently and runs late into the night. Uber and LYFT are always available as well. If you wish to rent a car check out the following resources:
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Sun ‘n’ Fun (Oak Bluffs) Budget Car Rental (Oak Bluffs) |
A-A Island Auto Rental (Vineyard Haven) Hertz (Vineyard Haven) |
Martha’s Vineyard Auto Rental (Edgartown) |
Where to stay
Martha’s Vineyard is made up of several different distinct towns that all have a totally different vibe and offer a unique experience. It is one of the charms of the island.
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Vineyard Haven
Located on the northernmost tip of Martha's Vineyard closest to the mainland, Vineyard Haven feels like an old port town with a bit of an industrial touch. The true roots of the Town. Vineyard Haven offers great restaurants, shopping, and is a blast to visit in the early morning hours and midday.
Oak Bluffs
Located just east of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs is home to the oldest carousel in the country and famous gingerbread houses. It is a busy harbor with ferries and boat traffic running in and out and sprawling lawns overlooking the ocean at sunset. It is a great spot for sunsets, dinner, and partying at night.
Edgartown
On the eastern end of Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown is comprised of a well-protected harbor, quiet roads, and well-manicured yards. It is a hotspot for dining and nightlife and provides access to some of the best kiteboarding on the island.
Menemsha
On the Southwestern corner of Martha’s Vineyard, Menemsha is a quiet fishing town that offers the best sunsets around and unbelievably good seafood as you relax by the beach.
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After a long day of riding and exploring the island, you won't be short of world class accomodations. Below are a few recommendations of places to stay from inconic bed and breakfasts to oceanside resorts.
The Harborview Hotel edgartown
Newly renovated and tucked in right on the waterfront in Edgartown The Harborview is a high end option that is both beautiful and convenient.
The Winnetu Hotel edgartown
Located next to Katama Bay on the South Shore, The Winnetu offers impeccable service and quick access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
The Summercamp Hotel oak bluffs
Tucked right on the waterfront on the harbor in OB and minutes walk from nightlife The Summercamp is a historic hotel and great place to stay.
The Narragansett House oak bluffs
Stay in a Gingerbread House! The Narragansett offers a taste of old school Island charm close to the action in Oak Bluffs.
The Mansion House vineyard haven
With water views and prime access to all of Vineyard Haven, this is where you want to stay if you’re going to be staying on this part of the island.
Best Places to Eat
Breakfast & Lunch
Mocha Motts vineyard haven + oak bluffs
An island staple, Mocha Motts has great coffee, muffins, and breakfast sandwiches. Be prepared with cash.Behind the Bookstore edgartown
Incredible coffee, strong internet, great staff, and healthy food. Cannot recommend Behind the Bookstore enough for breakfast and lunch.Dock Street Cafe edgartown
Classic, no frills, sit at the bar and watch them cook your food diner spot. Extremely good, cheap food.The Black Dog vineyard haven + edgartown
From our Martha's Vineyard Team Rider Max - "I like the Black Dog because they have a lot of pastries, the food doesn’t take long, and the menu is really big."Harborview Hotel edgartown
From our Martha's Vineyard Team Rider Max - "On Sundays they have brunch and it’s always really good because you can have your own custom omelet and fresh waffles."
Dinner
Taco MV edgartown
A hidden gem in Edgartown. Amazing tacos and Margaritas with friendly staff in a completely casual atmosphere. Perfect after a long day of kiting and cannot recommend enough.Offshore Ale oak bluffs
With peanut shells littering the floor and fresh brewed beer flowing from their taps, this spot serves amazing bar-style food.Nancy's oak bluffs
Try their mudslide. Enjoy it as you look out on a harbor full of boats. That is all.The Wharf edgartown
Amazing clam chowder, lobster rolls and classic bar food. They also have a bar that can get quite rowdy.The Newes from America edgartown
Delicious burgers, salads, soups, etc. with a great beer selection and outdoor seating.Home Port menemsha
From our Martha's Vineyard Team Rider Max - "They have really good food. You can go searching for crabs when waiting for food, and then, after dinner, you can go to The Galley and get ice cream.Atlantic Restaurant edgartown
Right on the waterfront in Edgartown overlooking the water with fine food in a more upscale atmosphere.
Dessert & Something Sweet
Enchanted Chocolates oak bluffs
You must go here: amazing chocolate, a true island vibe, and friendly owners who will make your day.Back Door Donuts oak bluffs
Literally a door on the back of a building in Oak Bluffs with the best donuts you’ve ever had. Especially at one in the morning.
Nightlife & Libations
The Ritz Cafe oak bluffs
Live music and attentive bartenders make for a very fun night out.The Seafood Shanty edgartown
Rooftop bar that overlooks the Edgartown Harbor. Drink prices are reasonable and they maintain a fun atmosphere. If you’re out to dance in Edgartown, it’s the place to be. Warning: the lines can be long, but are worth it.Dos Mas oak bluffs
Small taco joint with margaritas to die for. It is the same owner as Taco MV in Edgartown, but seats more people.The Loft oak bluffs
Big, unique venue with an open floor and bar games. Home of the loud, young crowd.The Wharf edgartown
After serving food all day, the nighttime fires up with DJ music and partying in the back. It is a blast!
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE WATER
- Charter a boat. You’re on an island, always looking out at the water, might as well get out on the ocean for sprawling majestic views. We'd personally recommend a sailing charter, such as The Black Dog Tall Ships. Take an evening cruise aboard the Alabama or send your kids off to the most incredible camp for a week to live-aboard the Shenandoah. Being aboard a 150’ ship under sail power is an unforgettable experience. For those of you looking to fish, Jen Clarke runs Captain Clarke’s Charters - one of the best on the island.
- Have a clambake. Whether you’re on the beach with a fire or cozied up at your Martha's Vineyard abode, a clambake is the perfect way to slow down island style and celebrate time together. For the freshest seafood make your way to the Menemsha Fish Market. Find a giant pot, and invite your favorite people over.
- Go to The Grey Barn. In seeing their unassuming farm stand you’d never believe that they make internationally awarded cheeses onsite from their own dairy herd’s milk. It’s the only Certified Organic Farm on Martha's Vineyard. They also make amazing fresh bread, grow tons of vegetables, and have their own meat for sale. Even better, stop there and pick up supplies to make the ultimate beach side cheese plate. Be sure to say hello to our friend Chelsea (the author and Martha's Vineyard expert for this section!) when you do!
- Check out The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival and see what events they have going on. I’ve been to a handful of outdoor movies the past few years. Bethany Hamilton’s documentary was screened in Owen Park overlooking Vineyard Haven harbor. The Biggest Little Farm was screened on the coldest night last fall at the Chilmark Community Center. Lastly, I went to the Aquinnah Lighthouse to watch the documentary on what it took to move it. During the screening the lighthouse was flashing in the background. These all had speakers at them. TMVFF always puts on a good show!
- The open market scene here is strong. Wednesdays and Saturdays are The West Tisbury Farmers Market and The Chilmark Flea Market. Thursdays and Sundays are The Artisans Fair. The First Friday of every month in the early evening Vineyard Haven Main Street shuts down to liven up for First Fridays Vineyard Haven. You can find music, food and art all on one street!
- Go beach driving. Get a drive on pass (OSV Permit) from The Trustees and drive the south shore beach. It's stunning and the best way to bring your beach essentials with you. Just remember to put your car’s tires at 12PSI.
- Go on a nature walk. I can’t say ‘take a hike’ because it strikes a nerve as it’s simply too flat here in my eyes to hike. However, there are a bunch of trails to access. Check out the TrailsMV App. I must also advise to go walk around Polly Hill Arboretum. It’s a stunning public garden.
- Spend a day on Chappaquiddick. Play golf at the Royal and Ancient Chappy Links, even if you're not a golfer. I’m not, but I have a whole bunch of family and friends that are and it's a great course to spend time with them on without breaking the bank. There is no pressure to be good and it's only 9 holes. This course is a little gem. You can play in groups of any size and there is absolutely no dress code. Remember to hit Trader Fred's on the way to the Chappy Ferry for bulk golf balls & Tees.
