Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide

Martha's Vineyard has been on our travel list for a while but we aren't huge fans of road trips so it was just something we never got around to.  After many trips were cancelled this spring/early summer with more to come as the year goes on, we decided a road trip was our best bet this summer and to take the opportunity to try something new.  We had the best time and it was a wonderful week away after not traveling since the start of February.

Travel & Overview:

The ferry is the way to get onto the island, since we were going to Nantucket also, we took the Hyline Ferry out of Hyannis but the Steamship Authority out of Woods Hole is most popular for the Vineyard.

The Vineyard is more spread out and is made up of six towns - Edgartown (being the most popular), Oaks Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Aquinnah, Chilmark, West Tisbury.

You can bring a car over on the ferry but we found it easy to get around without one.  The hotel had a shuttle into Edgartown and jeeps are easy to rent.  We didn't use them but taxis and ubers are usually plentiful too.

Beach season was a fun time to go but it would definitely be fun to go back and visit in the cooler fall weather or over the holidays.

Stay:

The Winnetu:  This is where we stayed and the only resort like hotel on the island.  It's great for families because there is plenty of space for kids to run around, a pool, short walkway to the beach, lawn games and cottages as well as regular hotel rooms and suites.

Harborview Hotel: This was our second option.  A plus is that it's a short walk into Edgartown and right across from Edgartown Lighthouse

Kelly House: There are many boutique hotels and smaller spots to stay on the island.  If we wouldn't have been traveling with a toddler, this would have been a good option too.

Eat:

The Atlantic: Our favorite meal out of our entire time in New England.  A great setting and the lobster mac and cheese is out of this world

Seafood Shanty: Views of Edgartown Harbor and casual seafood with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating

Black Dog Tavern: A total tourist spot as it's probably the best known restaurant on the island with Black Dog Gift Shops all over the island but for good reason.  The food was delicious and the clam chowder the best we had.

Nancy's: On the water in Oaks Bluffs, a popular spot for a big menu of seafood with indoor/outdoor seating.  They're known for the dirty banana drink so make sure to try one.

Ice Cream & Candy Bazaar:  Some people like Mad Martha's but in our opinion this was the best ice cream on the island.  We all tried different flavors but Tatum's campfire s'mores was beyond tasty)

To Do:

Rent a Jeep: The best way to see the whole island.  We rented one for a day and that was plenty.  

Aquinnah Cliffs: The best views on the island.  Also stop by Gay Head Lighthouse (we couldn't go in because of Covid).

Island Alpaca: Great spot for kids, you don't need to spend a lot of time here and it's only a few dollars to visit.

The Cove Mini Golf: If you have a little golf fan like us, this is a great spot to spend an evening after dinner.

Beaches:  We only did South Beach, one of the biggest beaches on the island but there are plenty to choose from whether big or small.

Shop:

We made our way to many of the shops on the island.  One thing to note is for more touristy shopping, head to Oaks Bluffs.  For nicer and boutique like shopping, head to Edgartown.  For a mix, it seemed like Vineyard Haven was a good spot.  Make sure to stop by the original Vineyard Vines too. 

Wish You Were Here: Our favorite spot for Vineyard gear.

Soft as a Grape: Another popular spot for Vineyard gear with a few locations.

Murdick's Fudge: A classic on the island and honestly the best fudge we've had.  We left with a bag to bring home to family.

Boutiques: Katydid, Bell, Island Outfitters, Lilly Pulizter