Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (MA)

March 29, 2022 Harland Bartelt

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. Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary

West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, MA http://www.sheriffsmeadow.org/sheriffs-meadow-property-detail.php
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary

A good description of the many natural activities found on the island

Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States

Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary has it all: great hiking trails, a beautiful forest, great views, large boulders and a fabulous beach. Four hundred acres were purchased or received through donation to create this treasure. Some of the paths are a bit steep but not too challenging. One leads to the beach where you will fine pristine water and fine sand. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed. To get there, take State Road to Indian Hill Road, follow this to Obed Dagger Road and look for sanctuary signs. The road is narrow and unpaved and not for the faint of heart, but in about a mile, you will arrive to the parking area. There, relax and enjoy!

2. Waskosim's Rock Reservation

Parking areas on North Rd., Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, MA +1 508-627-7141
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Waskosim's Rock Reservation

3. Great Rock Bight Preserve

37 Brickyard Rd, Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02535-1948
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Great Rock Bight Preserve

4. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

100 Felix Neck Drive, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02539 +1 508-627-4850 [email protected] http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/felix-neck
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

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.

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.

5. Peaked Hill Reservation

Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, MA +1 508-627-7141 http://mvlandbank.com/23peaked_hill.shtml
Excellent
25%
Good
75%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Peaked Hill Reservation

6. Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Dike Road Chappaquiddick Island, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02539 +1 508-627-3599 [email protected] http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/cape-cod-islands/cape-pogue.html
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Explore this magnificent barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, expansive salt marsh, beautiful salt pond, and unique colony of hardy red cedars.

Reviewed By lindapX661MN - Ballston Spa, United States

Getting to Martha's Vineyard needs planning and continuing to Chappaquiddick requires more. We spent the week, so had plenty of time to plan, rode the ferry across from Edgartown and took bikes so we could go to the front of the ferry line. Stop at the Mytoi garden first, the fee covers the beach as well at the end of the road. $5.00- dirt roads, but mostly level. Lots of sand, extremely clean, not a wide beach but really LONG, you can walk the entire side of the island. We took our lunch, lovely. 4 wheel drives with permits pass on regular basis, we returned on the pond side versus the ocean. Birds, shellfish, crabs, quiet.

7. Long Point Wildlife Refuge

Long Point Rd, West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02568 +1 508-693-3678 [email protected] http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/cape-cod-islands/long-point.html
Excellent
81%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Long Point Wildlife Refuge

Whether you want to body surf in the ocean, splash with the kids in sheltered salt- and freshwater ponds, or explore a rare grassland habitat, this spectacular reservation will become a favorite escape.

8. Menemsha Hills

345 North Rd, Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02535-1974
Excellent
64%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Menemsha Hills

Experience the drama of a rocky shoreline and scenic vistas across Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands from the second-highest point on the island.

Reviewed By lindapX661MN - Ballston Spa, United States

The bus drivers are so helpful. We started at Great Bight Rock trail and Menemsha Hills trail is down the road. A beautiful lush trail to overlooks, beach if you want to climb, a brick work site with foundation evident. Extreme hills down to village of Menemsha but the bus will pick you up across from fish market and bring you back up- we were on bikes. Strange to seem so alone but hear sounds of new building going up. The Land Trust protects the property

9. Wasque

Wasque Road Chappaquiddick Island, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02539 [email protected] http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/cape-cod-islands/wasque-reservation.html
Excellent
50%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 6 reviews

Wasque

This southeastern corner of Martha's Vineyard is a saltwater angler's paradise. It's also a superb spot for birdwatching and for strolls along a beautiful shore.

10. Fulling Mill Brook Preserve

Middle Rd, Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

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