Top Things to do in Martha's Vineyard
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do 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. Inkwell Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
This Oak Bluffs beach and surrounding area of colorful gingerbread Victorian houses have strong links to African-American heritage on Martha's Vineyard, dating back to the Revolutionary War. The beach was the setting for a teenage romance movie called "The Inkwell."
Reviewed By Hgtravl - Marlton, United States
I had no clue just how beautiful the beaches where at Marthas Vineyard until I arrived. As soon as we left the ferry, we noticed the aqua crystal clear beaches! I cannot get over how "tropical" colored the water was- felt like we where in Flordia! The beach was spotless clean. Not a single piece of trash- even for peak tourist times. Beautiful beach with crystal clear waters... Loved the beautiful tumbled rocks by the jettys- found a few keepers!
2. Joseph Sylvia State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
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.
Reviewed By ebrraiin - Jersey City, United States
Great beach, east to get to via bike or car. The water is clear and warm. The waves were quiet. Looking forward to going back.
3. Ocean Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Victorian mansions surround this charming Oak Bluffs park.
Reviewed By HollsinSavannah - Fryeburg, United States
Wonderful park to listen to bands in summer. Also great place to walk to with a coffee and a back door donuts donut and sit
4. Circuit Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Off-beat and quirky shopping enclave in Oak Bluffs.
Reviewed By py236 - Albany, United States
Circuit Avenue is in the heart of Oak Bluffs once upon a time where African Americans went on vacation because they weren't allowed to be anywhere else. Restaurants, tourist shops and ice cream stores line the street. Every night, people walk up and down the block, gather to talk or sit outside. It's just down the block from the pier, which has a wide range of food and activity offerings. Truly the heart of the town and walking distanxe to the beach and town square.
5. Flying Horses Carousel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
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.
Reviewed By joettek2015
The kiddos loved trying to get the brass ring all while riding the oldest carousel in the country! Fun experience for all!
6. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
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.
Reviewed By peachcouv - Manchester-by-the-Sea, United States
Beautiful trails that have been re-routed one way for safety during Covid-19. We were warned it would be buggy and were offered bug spray and some details on the trail. It wasn’t buggy by the water and we enjoyed the sandy paths. One pond had several enormous swans. Near the end, we were pleasantly surprised by a labyrinth that we all walked through.
7. Katama Beach (South Beach)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
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.
Reviewed By BeachEnthusiast01 - Edgartown, United States
Lovely beach! Great access, plenty of parking and portapotties - excellent setup. The wave action is strong; not for the faint of heart. Strongly suggest to go a low tide; beach space becomes cramped at high tide. All in all a great experience.
8. Lucy Vincent Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Exclusive Martha's Vineyard beach.
Reviewed By G9552VEroberts
"Lucy" is a private beach for residents and guests of the Town of Chilmark. Nice clean sand and somewhat rocky surface going into the water
9. Old Whaling Church
10. Menemsha Public Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 69gtojim - Shrewsbury, United States
Great little beach near the fishing pier. There are a few great restaurants nearby for takeout. Good swimming area, though there was a band of rocks you had to walk through. Great view of the Elizabeth Islands and Falmouth.
