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Martha's Vineyard

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Martha's Vineyard
Yes, getting there is a bit of a project. But vacationers have been braving the ferry for years, and this tiny island off Cape Cod remains one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in New England. Among the island's towns, you're sure to find the Vineyard that's right for you. With stately Greek revival houses dating back to the whaling era of the early 19th century, Edgartown is a seaside village of boutique shopping and pristine harbor views. For more of a "beach town" feel, Oak Bluffs has the Flying Horses carousel, an arcade and an easy walk to the beach, plus the history and charm of the "gingerbread" houses in the Methodist campgrounds. Vineyard Haven offers visitors a blend of both. For a real retreat, Chilmark/Aquinnah is the place to get away from it all. In the off-season, the island is quieter and far less crowded, but the shore is always beautiful. Whenever you visit, leave your car behind! Cabs are plentiful and greet the incoming ferries to help you reach your destination. Most visitors prefer to explore the island on a bicycle, scooter or tourist-friendly public buses.
 
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General Travel Info and Advice
Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Nearby Places Worth A Visit
Where to stay
Harbor View Hotel & Resort
Clarion Inn Martha's Vineyard


General Travel Info and Advice
Insider tipsInsider tips
Note: The driving directions will take you to the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole. The Steamship Authority operates year-round ferry service to the island. Insiders leave their cars behind (see above). If you do need your car on the island, a ferry reservation is absolutely critical and should be made weeks or months in advance of your crossing, depending on the time of year. (Fast ferry service from New Bedford, Mass., is also now available year-round.)

Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
BeachesBeaches
Gay Head: The 10-minute walk from the parking lot is well worth the trek to this spectacular beach with its magnificent multi-colored cliffs, which are a national landmark. The lack of commercialism means a true escape and relaxation, but you'll need to bring food and supplies.
Address: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Parking Fee
Menemsha Public Beach: This calm surf beach, next to Menemsha Harbor, has food and restrooms nearby making it a hot spot for families, especially with young children. The beach is thought to have the best sunset on Martha's Vineyard.
Address: adjacent to Dutcher's Dock, Menemsha, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Free
Katama Beach: Jump the waves or ride the great surf on the Atlantic Ocean side of this three-mile barrier beach, or enjoy a more relaxed pace on the tranquil Katama Bay side, a protected salt pond with lovely views of the bay. Katama is the largest public beach on the island.
Address: Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Free
Joseph Sylvia State Beach: Small waves, low dunes and lots of seashells make this narrow, two-mile stretch of public beach popular with families. The beach runs between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and is called "Bend-in-the-Road Beach" on the Edgartown side.
Address: btwn Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, off Beach Rd, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Free
Nature centerNature center
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary: This 350-acre sanctuary is home to 100 species of birds, including cormorants and ospreys, and other wildlife. Follow one of the six well-marked trails for views of all the island's ecosystems: marshland, ponds, woods and grasslands.
Address: Vineyard Haven Rd, Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Phone: 508 627 4850
Admission fee
Family funFamily fun
Flying Horses Carousel: Try your luck at catching the brass ring and winning a free ride on the oldest working carousel in the U.S., which has been enchanting children and adults for over a hundred years. The 20 hand-carved horses on this official historic landmark have real horsehair manes and tails.
Address: Oak Bluffs Ave., Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Phone: 508 693 9481
Admission fee; Closed November-March
Local flavorLocal flavor
The Black Dog: A trip to the Vineyard is not complete without a visit to this popular gift shop, restaurant and bakery, known for its seemingly ubiquitous T-shirt. The creation of Captain Robert Douglas, a retired air force jet fighter pilot, the 30-year-old Black Dog Tavern has a simple decor, fresh local fish and vegetables daily and crowds in-season. There are four locations on the island.
Address: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Phone: 800-626-1991
RestaurantsRestaurants
Black Dog Tavern: Cool T-shirts carry the black dog logo of this Vineyard favorite known for serving seafood and baked goods to patrons since 1971.
Address: Vineyard Haven Harbor, Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Phone: 508 693 9223
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Things to doMore attractions
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Martha's Vineyard Trip Lists

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Nearby Places Worth A Visit
Nearby placeWorth exploring
Woods Hole
On your way to or from Martha's Vineyard, save some time to stroll around the tiny Falmouth Village of Woods Hole, a world-renowned marine research center since 1871. If you're up for meeting sea creatures face to face, visit the National Marine Fisheries Service Aquarium, where you're welcome to touch sea cucumbers, starfish and lobsters. Stop in at the Marine Biological Laboratory for a tour and a chance to watch marine scientists at work or at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, the largest independent institute of its kind in the U.S.
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Harbor View Hotel & Resort
Popularity index: #2 in Edgartown
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Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Clarion Inn Martha's Vineyard
Popularity index: #5 in Edgartown
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Recommended Reading
"Martha's Vineyard Dazzles Visitors With Local Color"  AtevoTravel.com
Whether you're looking for beaches, lovely villages, outdoor activities or even the occasional celebrity, Martha's Vineyard is a great place to visit.
"On Martha’s Vineyard on a Budget. Seriously."  New York Times (free registration required), Jun 13, 2008
You might be surprised at how affordable a Martha's Vineyard vacation can be.
"36 Hours In: Martha's Vineyard"  New York Times (free registration required), Jul 22, 2005
This classic summertime destination is still bound to please.
"A Wedding Planner For Guys"  TravelLady, Jan 1, 2005
Hey guys: Atria, a glittering restaurant on Martha's Vineyard, is a wedding spot she'd be delighted with.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Martha's Vineyard