Top Things to do in Martha's Vineyard
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The 5 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (MA)
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.
Restaurants in Martha's Vineyard
1. AFAM History Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The af/am history tour is one of the most treasured tours here. We will visit most or all of the sites that have to do with af/am history and heritage. There are 27 sites to visit. We will see the Rebecca Amos farm, The Shearer Cottage, the Denniston House of worship, The Highlands, and many many others. We will also visit places that are not listed on the trail.... This tour can take 2 hours or up to 5 hours depending on what you would like to see...
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Screen to see what certain sites looked like in the 1800s
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ebony3052404
Very informative but wish we could have time for more questions and answers. But she was thorough and enjoyed it. Can someone contact me so I can tip her? Unfortunately we didn't have cash and I couldn't find her in Venmo. Her tip is well deserved and I whirls really like to give it to her
2. Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 59 reviews
New England Excursions is a veteran owned coach service to Martha's Vineyard. Our ease of booking, convenient pickup and drop-off locations and comfortable, air-conditioned coach will provide you with a memorable experience. You'll enjoy a short ride from Boston to Woods Hole where you will board the Steamship Authority with no lines or waiting in a holding area. With us, you will have time to enjoy breakfast, coffee or shopping before boarding. As always, round-trip ferry tickets, snacks, water, island maps, discount food cards and commentary are all free of charge. Island tour option; You'll have a wonderful 4 hour, full island tour in one of our 14 passenger air-conditioned, high-top vans. Tour goes through all 6 towns with stops along the way for snacks and pictures. A one-hour lunch break in Edgartown is very pleasing. Our guides are the best in the business. Enjoy the intimate experience by asking questions and being part of the New England Excursions family.
Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, maps, Discount food card, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Ferry Tickets
Exclusions: Island tour only available as an add-on, Food and drinks on the ferry and the island are up to the traveler unless specified otherwise
Reviewed By MendyG_12
We were in Boston for my husband's 50th birthday. We booked a tour with New England Excursions. So glad we did! Matt, the owner and driver communicated with us the day before and verified the time he would arrive at our hotel to pick us up. Matt was punctual, professional, friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about everything Boston and the surrounding areas. My hubby and I were extremely grateful with his help in securing two seats for a 2hour tour on Martha's Vineyard. I would definitely recommend this tour and will use this company when we visit Boston again. ???? Got our eyes on Kennebunkport Maine! ????
3. 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Experience our famous 3-hour full Island tour for a budget friendly rate! This 3-hour tour will introduce you to our 100 square mile island by giving you the history, both past and present, of our 6 unique towns. In all, 2 ½ hours of the tour is narrated, and you'll have two 15-minute stops in Menemsha & Cliffs of Aquinnah. Top highlights on this tour include Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Aquinnah, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Menemsha.
Inclusions: 3-Hour Island Tour of Martha's Vineyard from Oak Bluffs, Small-group tour for a more personalized experience, Professional Driver/Guide, Live commentary on board, Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle, Experience top Martha's Vineyard areas including Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Aquinnah, 15-minute photo stop at Aquinnah (Gay Head Cliffs), 15-minute stop in Menemsha, an Idyllic fishing village
Exclusions: Gratuities, Snack & Water
Reviewed By 509fernt
Great way to see the Vineyard if you are visiting without a car. Interesting information about the island. Rich was very kind and friendly.
4. All Island Bus Tour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Our All Island Bus tour is for those that want to get an overall idea of what Marthas Vineyard is and be able to do a little shopping, eating and sightseeing. Being narrated by a third generation Islander, we have loads of history to tell along with personal stories to highlight.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Lite snacks: pretzels, fritos, chips, crackers, cookies, Rain ponchos, Air-conditioned vehicle, Screen at front of bus shows what certain sites looked like in the 1800s, Feel the Vineyard thru items passed around: cedar shingles, quahog shells, wool, etc, Tshirts, homemade items (key chains, jewelry) available for sale, Charging station for your phones or tablets.... no computers., swag bags: Every passenger receives a swag bag: included are maps, guides, coupons and surprises
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Susan S
I spent three hours touring Martha's Vineyard in a private van with Donna as my driver/guide. It was a delightful afternoon, and I am so happy I took the tour today. The sun was shining the whole day, and Donna enhanced the trip by offering all kinds of historical information along the way and in all the places we visited. It was great to be with a long-time local, as Donna filled me in with details that perhaps I would not have experienced with someone else. Again, a delightful afternoon.....Thank you!
5. All Island Tour by Bus in Oak Bluffs
Our tours are one of a kind, I'm a 3rd generation islander with roots dating back to 1909. We offer cold bottled water, lite snacks, ponchos for those spot showers, we pass around items to show how we began and continue to live here. There's a screen at the front of the bus to show what certain sites looked like in the 1800s.
Inclusions: Bottled Water and lite snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ebony3052404
Very informative but wish we could have time for more questions and answers. But she was thorough and enjoyed it. Can someone contact me so I can tip her? Unfortunately we didn't have cash and I couldn't find her in Venmo. Her tip is well deserved and I whirls really like to give it to her
