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About this guide
Just a short ferry ride off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is magnetic. The beloved New England island is known for its calm beaches, rolling green hills, and storybook towns lined with historic cottages and weathered harbors. Long celebrated as a coastal retreat for artists, writers, and summer travelers, it also holds deep cultural significance. It’s one of the most historic Black vacation destinations in the United States, particularly in Oak Bluffs, where generational Black families have gathered for decades. The sunlit shorelines, local seafood, and bike-friendly streets, Martha’s Vineyard has a pace all its own.
- Best time to travel: June to September (peak season), May and October (shoulder seasons), November to April (off season)
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Language: English, Portuguese, Spanish
- Noteworthy: Vineyard Artisans Festivals (year-round), African American Film Festival (August), Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival (August), Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival (September), Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival (October)
- Best for: New England American History, Art and Music Festivals, Family Friendly Vacations, Luxury Getaway
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
Good For
New England American History
Art and Music Festivals
Family Friendly Vacations
Luxury Getaway
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
Husband and wife team, Winston and Lisa Christie, have over 30 years of experience serving homestyle 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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
The African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard has over 30 dedicated sites with profound stories. The tour highlights the unrecognized historical contributions of African descendants and showcases the island’s Black entrepreneurs and restaurateurs.
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.
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.
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.
For the theater lovers, 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.
The Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard offers unique self-guided walking tours and informative video presentations for all ages everyday. Guests can take Alpaca yoga sessions with friendly alpacas or learn about alpaca care and living through educational workshops.
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.
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.
