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About this guide

There’s a serene and captivating island nestled just a few miles off the coast of Massachusetts and famously known as Martha’s Vineyard. The idyllic New England destination beckons travelers seeking a coastal escape with touches of luxury and relaxation. The famous picturesque haven preserves the natural beauty of the pristine beaches, rolling hills, and charming buildings. Martha's Vineyard takes every traveler on a journey through its tranquil shorelines, local cuisine, and small-town luxury living.

Get Away: Getting To And Around Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

By Air 

Since many high-profile visitors to the island go to enjoy a private vacation, the area has its own Martha's Vineyard Airport. There are direct flights when flying out of certain cities like Boston, New York City, New Jersey, and Nantucket. These routes can save time and be more convenient by avoiding additional layovers or transfers. If no direct flights are available, nearby airports include Boston Logan International Airport or T.F. Green Airport in Providence.

By Car

Travelers can bring a car via ferry services since there’s no way to directly drive to the island. The most common departure points at Woods Hole, Falmouth, and Hyannis offer regular ferry service. It's best to make a reservation to transfer from car to ferry, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends. The ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard can take up to one hour, depending on the departure point.

By Public Transit

The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) operates a bus network that serve various towns and destinations on Martha's Vineyard. The buses run year-round, although schedules vary depending on the season, with fixed-route buses, shuttle buses, and paratransit services. The affordable and convenient public transit system allows visitors to easily reach the local attractions and beautiful beaches.

Explore Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts On Foot

With a planned route, map or guidebook, travelers can take in the sights in Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs with coastal views and gingerbread cottages. After that, walk down the charming streets of Edgartown and Aquinnah to find local dining, shopping, and relaxation spots.

Quick facts

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

USD ($)

English

Good For

Nature Enthusiasts

Art and History Lovers

Family Friendly Fun

Luxury Relaxation

Keep in mind

  • Vineyard Artisans Festivals (year-round)
  • African American Film Festival and Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival (August)
  • Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival (September)
  • Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival (October)

Gourmet

Gourmet: Places To Eat In Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Winston’s Kitchen

Husband and wife team, Winston and Lisa Christie, have over 30 years of experience serving home-style food at Winston’s Kitchen in the Oak Bluffs area. This Black-owned restaurant uses the freshest ingredients to create breakfast sandwiches, Winston's Jamaican Jerk chicken, curry chicken, and even vegan dishes.

Biscuits

For over 20 years, Black family-owned and operated Biscuits restaurant has served delicious Southern-style breakfast and lunch menus with the finest seasonal ingredients. Dishes include classic favorites like the Western Omelet and Fried Chicken and Waffle, Pigs in a Biscuit, Lulu's Twisted Stuffed French Toast, and so much more.

Waterside Market 

The beloved year-round market and café Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven offers all-day breakfast, salads, and sandwiches. There’s also convenient online ordering and curbside pickup, outdoor seating, and delicious grab-and-go options. 

Soul Of Sonoma 

Black-women-owned food and wine hotspot Soul of Sonoma offers curated wine pairings, chef-inspired menus, and picturesque views for wine enthusiasts. Sample award-winning black- and women-owned wine, dine al fresco in the lush English Garden, or attend their annual Wine Festival.

Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine

Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine prides itself on serving the most authentic Jamaican dishes in Martha’s Vineyard prepared by Jamaica native Executive Chef Newton Waite. This Black-owned takeout restaurant serves delicious classics from Jerk chicken, curry goat and roti, oxtail, and Island Vanilla Rum Cake.

Bobby B's Restaurant And Bakery

Bobby B’s Restaurant and Bakery serves classic American dishes, including Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, seafood, pizza, subs, and salads. With outdoor seating and participation in community events, it's a great spot to enjoy delicious food and engage with the locals.

Play

Play: Things To Do In Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

African American Heritage Trail Of Martha's Vineyard

Visitors learn profound stories about the African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard at over 30 dedicated sites. They highlight the unrecognized historical contributions of African descendants with a tour showcasing the island’s Black entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. 

Venture Scavenger Hunt

Guided by a live and interactive remote host, this Venture Scavenger Hunt starts at a beloved local spot and ends with fun memories. Guests can walk or drive around the town to solve clues, take on bonus challenges, and have fun on themed excursions. 

Day Trip With Round-Trip Ferry And Island Tour

This day trip with round-trip ferry and island tour goes from a scenic bus ride from Cape Cod to the beaches near Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah. Visitors get convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off from six local towns, complimentary bottled water, snacks, and island guide books.

Caleen’s Day Spa

Black-women-owned Caleen’s Day Spa offers a wide range of services including manicures and pedicures, waxing, massage, facial treatments, and body treatments. This local salon takes pride in its selection of locally made products, including natural and organic soaks, scrubs, oils, and butters, and nail polishes. 

Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse

For the traveler who loves theater, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse in Downtown Vineyard Haven is worth a visit. With year-round operations, visitors can enjoy contemporary and classic plays, including staged readings, workshops, and even world premieres.

Island Alpaca Company Of Martha's Vineyard 

The Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard offers unique self-guided walking tours and informative video presentations for all ages everyday. Visitors can take Alpaca yoga sessions with friendly alpacas or learn about alpaca care and living through educational workshops.

Edgartown Lighthouse 

The Edgartown Lighthouse, managed by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, has breathtaking views of Edgartown Harbor, Chappaquiddick, and Cape Cod. This historic landmark can also be rented for special occasions like proposals, weddings, or other family-friendly activities.

First Friday Artist Market  

The community-inspired First Friday Artist Market in Vineyard Haven is a free event celebrating local art and culture every first Friday from June to October. There’s live art experiences, music performances, silent disco parties with DJs, and local food pop-ups.