The Coolest Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide (Updated 2026)

Gingerbread houses, cozy cafes, and vast golden beaches. Set seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard known for its laid back charm with quaint Inns, New England seafood joints, and go with the flow attitude. In this ultimate Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide you will find everything to do, eat, stay, and see in 2026.

This post is all about your Ultimate Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide.

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About Martha's Vineyard

History - Martha's Vineyard was established in 1642 by Thomas Mayhew Jr. During the colonial period it was used for brick making, farming, fishing, and fish smoking. Later in the 18th and 19th century whaling and fishing industry made the Vineyard's economy skyrocket. Today Martha's Vineyard runs on tourism and the yachting industry.

Weather - Martha's Vineyard is humid and warm in the summers, but never really hot (60s - 80s F). In the fall, it's a bit cooler but still pretty warm (50s - 70s F). The winter stays warmer than the rest of Massachusetts, but it is still pretty cold (30s - 50s). There is not much of a spring or in Massachusetts in general. It doesn't start getting warm until mid May, until then it is gray and bitter.

Getting To Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is easy to get to from The Cape and Boston. If you are flying, the best airport to fly into is Boston Logan Airport. From the airport you can drive or take a bus to Hyannis and catch the ferry. Boston to Hyannis is about an hour drive.

See ferry schedule here. From Hyannis the ferry only takes about two hours. You can also catch a ferry from Falmouth, Woods Hole, and New Bedford.

🚗Martha's Vineyard Day Trip From Boston Tour

Martha's Vineyard Hotels

Luxury Martha's Vineyard Hotel - Harbor View Hotel

Set in the charming village of Edgartown on the eastern side of the island, The Harbor View Hotel perfectly blends laid back island life with luxury. Here you will find views of the Edgartown Harbor, beautifully appointed rooms, close access to the beach, and so many amazing shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Charming Martha's Vineyard Inn - The Attleboro House

Located among the iconic gingerbread houses in Oak Bluffs, The Attleboro House is a historic Inn dating back to 1874. Like many Massachusetts inns, it feels more like you are staying in a home rather than a hotel. Here you can enjoy the wrap around porch, views of Nantucket sound, and walk to nearby shops and restaurants.

Boutique Resort In Martha's Vineyard - The Lambert's Cove Inn

The Lambert's Cove Inn is located in the secluded West Tinsbury. Situated on an eight acre farm, you will find that it is more of a retreat than a hotel. The boutique resort offers farm to table dining, a swimming pool, bikes to rent, and access to a private beach. It is the kind of place you don't need to leave if you don't want to.

What To Do In Martha's Vineyard

Gingerbread Houses

One of the most unique things you can see on Martha's Vineyard are the fairytale like gingerbread houses in Oak Bluffs. Read about the gingerbread houses and the fascinating story behind them here.

Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook

With stunning views of the water, sand dunes, lighthouse, and more you cannot miss the cliffs. There are also shops and restaurants right next to them too.

Explore Downtown Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is one of the most popular places in Martha's Vineyard as it is where all of the ferries dock. Located on the northern part of the island, downtown Oak Bluffs is home to cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, old fashioned ice cream shops, picturesque beaches, and more.

If you want to explore Martha's Vineyard from Oak Bluffs with a local checkout this affordable tour.

Visit Edgartown

Edgartown is stunning little village set on the eastern coast of the island. Full of shops and restaurants, Edgartown is a great area to explore or stay. While in Edgartown visit the lighthouse, Nell Boutique, and Bettini Restaurant.

Go To The Beach

My favorite beaches on the Vineyard are Lighthouse Beach, South Beach, Long Point Beach, Squibnocket Beach, Lambert's Cove Beach, and Inkwell Beach.

If you are doing a Martha's Vineyard day trip than Inkwell Beach is the easiest to get to from the ferries.

Jump Off Of Jaws Bridge

Have you ever seen the movie Jaws? If you haven't I would recommend watching the thriller after you Martha's Vineyard vacation - it is about a killer shark based on the Vineyard.

Jaws Bridge is a popular spot for bridge jumping. Don't jump if you are not a strong swimmer; sometimes the current is strong.

Checkout Edgartown Beach right beside Jaws Bridge.

Chappaquiddick Island

Located on the eastern coast of Martha's Vineyard. Perfect for exploring nature, Chappaquiddick Island is easy to drive or bike to from Edgartown.

The best things to do on Chappaquiddick Island is visit the Cape Poge Lighthouse, take a walk in the Mytoi Japanese Garden, or swim at Wasque Point Wildlife Management Area.

Best Tours To Take In Martha's Vineyard

🚗Martha's Vineyard Day Trip From Boston - Doing a day trip to Martha's Vineyard from Boston is totally doable. If you have an extra day on your Boston trip, going to Martha's Vineyard is a wonderful way to spend it!

🚗3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs - This tour of Martha's Vineyard is a great way to see the island if you have a short amount of time or are doing a day trip.

Getting Around Martha's Vineyard

The easiest way to get around Martha's Vineyard is by car. It is actually pretty affordable to bring your car on the ferry. Read about it here. You can also rent a car once you are on the island.

If you are planning to visit the Vineyard without a car you can take Ubers or the public bus.

Where To Dine In Martha's Vineyard

Best Coffee Shops In Martha's Vineyard

Little House Cafe - Located In Vineyard Haven, the Little House Cafe serves breakfast, coffee, and baked good.

Dock Street Coffee - Located in Edgartown, Dock Street Coffee is a local favorite. The diner serves delicious breakfast and coffee for a reasonable price.

Back Door Donuts - Located in Oak Bluff you will find unique donuts and amazing coffee here.

Nat's Nook - Enjoy crepes, fresh baked goods, specialty coffees, and more at this Oak Bluffs cafe.

Best Restaurants In Martha's Vineyard

The Attic - The Attic is a lovely seafood restaurant in Vineyard Haven. Think fresh New England seafood in a cozy, laid back environment.

The Port Hunter - Laidback eatery in Edgartown, serving everything from traditional New England seafood to burgers. Perfect spot to have long, interesting conversations.

Sweet Life Cafe - Sweet Life Cafe is a fine dining option in Oak Bluffs offering something for everyone. This option is perfect if you are on a day trip and want to experience some of the islands best food right by the ferry.

Martha's Vineyard FAQ's

Is Martha's Vineyard an island?

Yes. Martha's Vineyard is an island in Massachusetts off the coast of Cape Cod.

Is Martha's Vineyard worth visiting?

Absolutely! Martha's Vineyard is stunning and the perfect spot for a vacation. Home to golden beaches, quaint bed and breakfasts, adorable villages, top notch seafood restaurants, and plenty to do you will love Martha' Vineyard.

Is Martha's Vineyard expensive?

Yes. Martha's Vineyard is an expensive destination. It is however, more affordable than the nearby Nantucket.

Does Martha's Vineyard have an airport?

Yes. The Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) is located in West Tisbury and offers commercial flights daily.

Does Martha's Vineyard have a beach?

Yes. Martha's Vineyard is an island, so it is full of beaches! Some of the best beaches in Martha's Vineyard include Lighthouse Beach, South Beach, Long Point Beach, Squibnocket Beach, Lambert's Cove Beach, and Inkwell Beach.

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket?

Both islands are stunning! If you are short on time, Martha's Vineyard is easier to get to from the mainland. If you are on a budget, Martha's Vineyard is a bit cheaper.

The Ultimate Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide Wrap Up

I promise you will love the Vineyard! The island is a magical destination, especially in the summertime. I hope that this Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide helps you plan the best trip ever. Just writing this I am thinking about planning a trip to the stunning island. If you have anything to add please leave me a comment! If you liked this post then checkout our Complete Guide To Nantucket, 5 of The Best Towns To Visit in Cape Cod - From a Local, and A Locals Guide To Boston Massachusetts.