Martha's Vineyard
An island escape — six distinct towns, a short ferry away.
Overview
Martha's Vineyard is an island off the Cape's southwest corner — it is NOT part of Cape Cod, and reaching it is part of the magic: a short ferry from Woods Hole. The Vineyard packs six very different towns into one island, from Edgartown's stately whaling-captain homes and Oak Bluffs' candy-colored gingerbread cottages to the working fishing village of Menemsha and the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah. Bigger and more lived-in than Nantucket, it's perfect for biking, beaches, and town-hopping.
Known For
• 'Down-island' towns: Edgartown (whaling elegance, Edgartown Light), Oak Bluffs (gingerbread cottages, Flying Horses — oldest U.S. carousel, Inkwell Beach), Vineyard Haven (main ferry port) • 'Up-island': West Tisbury farms & Alley's General Store, Chilmark's Menemsha fishing village & sunsets, Aquinnah's Gay Head Cliffs & Lighthouse (Wampanoag tribal land) • Great beaches, bike paths, and farm stands
Getting There
By ferry — the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole (45 min; the only car ferry) to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs, plus passenger ferries from Hyannis, Falmouth, and seasonally New Bedford. Fly into Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY). Most visitors come car-free.
Best Time to Visit
June–September for full island life; the Vineyard quiets dramatically off-season. Mid-June and September offer warm weather without August crowds. Book early for summer ferries and lodging.
Good to Know
• Car ferry reservations sell out months ahead for summer — reserve early or, better, come CAR-FREE • Getting around without a car is easy: VTA buses, bike paths, and taxis connect the down-island towns • Tisbury (Vineyard Haven) was historically 'dry' — rules have eased, but dining-out alcohol varies by town • Aquinnah's Gay Head Cliffs are sacred Wampanoag land — stay on marked overlooks
Highlights
Gingerbread cottages & Flying Horses, Oak Bluffs • Edgartown Lighthouse & captains' homes • Menemsha sunset & lobster rolls • Aquinnah (Gay Head) Cliffs • biking the island • State Beach
Fast Facts
ISLAND — NOT Cape Cod • 6 towns • ~96 sq mi • Ferry 45 min from Woods Hole • Come car-free if you can