Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (MA)

June 9, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

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. Catboat Charters

Excellent
97%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 92 reviews

Catboat Charters

Private Sailing Charters in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard aboard a traditional Cape Cod catboat.

2. Norton Point Beach

Katama Road, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02534
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Norton Point Beach

This ever-changing environment still provides an important habitat for nesting shorebirds, and a sporting challenge for the fishermen who surfcast from this popular site.

3. Plan Sea

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 119 reviews

Plan Sea

COVID ALERT: WE ARE ONLY TAKING PRIVATE CHARTER RESERVATIONS ON OUR WEBSITE The boat "Plan Sea" is a newly remodeled down east luxury yacht. She seats 18 passengers on teak-trimmed, Sunbrella-cushioned furniture. The open deck and wet bar make Plan Sea the perfect party venue. You may rent (private charter) the entire boat(offered on our website). Public scheduled cruises are DISCONTINUED due to the pandemic. Activities include tours, transportation and parties. Cruises depart from Falmouth on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Sunset cruises are a great cocktail hour cruise out of Edgartown and Falmouth. Plan Sea boat cruises are a great activity for bridal parties, women's weekends, family reunions, couples and other groups to enjoy time on the water and learn about the history and sights around the Cape and Islands. We are a proud recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Cruises fill up fast during our short season, so book now.

4. Anderson's Bike Rentals

23 Circuit Ave Ext, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02557 +1 508-693-9346 http://www.andersonsbikerentals.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 90 reviews

Anderson's Bike Rentals

Reviewed By jnonn12 - Baltimore, United States

Easy walk from the ferry. They have plenty of different bikes to rent. The people who work there were so friendly - he told the time to go over the map with the various bike trail options and gave recommendations along the way. He set us up with 2 bikes, a basket, a bike lock, and bungee to hold our big bag down all for $25 a day per person. I recommend the trail to Edgartown and stopping at beach / Jaws bridge along the way! It was the perfect day that started at Anderson’s!

5. Sun 'n' Fun Rentals

26 Lake Ave, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02557 +1 508-693-5457 http://www.sunnfunrentals.com
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 123 reviews

Sun 'n' Fun Rentals

Reviewed By 493carmenb - Wakefield, United States

The guys working there were so helpful. We rented a jeep and they helped us the next day to put the top down. Gave us a map of the island and told us all the places to see! We will definitely rent from them again!! Super friendly staff!

6. Pirate Adventures: Martha's Vineyard

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 822 reviews

Pirate Adventures: Martha's Vineyard

Ahoy mateys! Join us as we set sail on a pirate's treasure hunt along the shores of beautiful and historic Oak Bluffs on the legendary island of Martha's Vineyard. On our custom pirate ship your kids will dress and talk like a pirate, assemble a treasure map, battle rival pirates with water cannons and hoist sunken treasure from the ocean floor! Once aboard the Sea Gypsy, we must work together to build a treasure map and determine our course. Along the way, we find a message in a bottle and discover that Stinky Pete, the Island’s smelliest pirate, has stolen the keys! We must raise the battle flag, fight off our enemy with water cannons, and steal back the keys to claim our treasure! The voyage culminates as we discover where "X" marks the spot...we must work as a team (heave-ho!) to raise the treasure chest from the ocean as it's heavy with sea water and sparkling booty. Every one of the crew will be rewarded for their efforts and take home their fair share of the loot. There’s singin’, dancin’, and drinkin’ of pirate grog as we sail back to port victorious in our spoils. You’ll be amazed how quickly the Pirate Adventures crew taps into the wonder of your child’s imagination. This wholesome, family-oriented cruise is perfect thing to do on a day trip, vacation, weekend or really just about anytime your are seeking a child-friendly and action-packed bunch of fun while on MV. There is a reason why Pirate Adventures is ranked high on a family’s vacation highlights. This isn’t a performance by actors - this is a highly interactive pirate experience where each of our trained crew makes sure your child is involved and engaged throughout the whole journey. It's a fun, unique, memory-making adventure cruise designed for families by a family (a pirate family of course).

7. Sail The Vineyard

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Sail The Vineyard

Experience Martha's Vineyard sailing aboard our sleek, fast, classic sailboat with Master Mariner & ASA-Certified Sailing Instructor, Captain Wendy. Exploring the beauty & history of the area by sea is the perfect adventure for your Vineyard vacation. The picturesque coastline of lighthouses, historic homes, and beautiful beaches are just a few of the beloved sights of the area. Sail aboard M.S. Resolute with us!

8. All Star MV Bike Rentals

5 Oak Bluffs Ave, Martha's Vineyard, MA 02557 +1 508-693-0062 [email protected] https://marthasvineyardbikerentals.com/
Excellent
96%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

All Star MV Bike Rentals

All Star Bike Rentals has over 30 years in the bike rental industry on Martha’s Vineyard allowing us to provide the best bicycle rental service. With our experience we can offer you the best tips and advice for making your way around the Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and other towns around the island so your trip is memorable on your bike. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call.

Reviewed By maryofmassachusetts - Plymouth, United States

Actually I rented the bike right in Vineyard Haven, as you step off the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole. A large Tony's Bike Rental sign attracts you. They have two locations, the other is in Oak Bluffs. This is on the smaller size compared to the photo of the Oak Bluffs store, however fit my needs perfectly. Friendly staff and very helpful. Just added a basket, a helmet and a bike lock and I was off! Rode from Vineyard Haven to Edgartown, then later in the day to West Chop and East Chop. Off season bike riding is wonderful!!!

9. Island Time Charters

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Island Time Charters

Our company offers customized private sightseeing tours of the island by boat, island hoping and private beach events. Boating on Martha's Vineyard has never been so affordable, tell us when you are visiting Martha's Vineyard and let us create an unforgettable cruising experience for you and your guests. Give us your budget, and we can help you create your own personalized cruising experience.

10. Inkwell Beach

Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 121 reviews

Inkwell Beach

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!

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