Dad-tested, kid-approved. We woke our 5- and 7-year-old at 4:15am, were parked at the Shining Sea Bikeway by 5:15, and biked ~25 miles across two ferry rides to spend a whole day on Martha's Vineyard — no car on the island. Here's the exact plan so you can do it too.
Why go car-free
Island car reservations are expensive and book out; once you're there, traffic and parking are a headache. With bikes, the getting-there IS the adventure — and the Vineyard is made for two wheels.
The plan at a glance
- Park (free): Shining Sea Bikeway lot, Falmouth.
- Bike the Shining Sea Bikeway to Woods Hole (flat, paved, ocean views).
- First Steamship Authority ferry, Woods Hole → Vineyard Haven (~45 min; one-way bicycle fare $5.25 per bike — confirm current first-ferry time — steamshipauthority.com).
- Bring the bikes on the ferry and explore Vineyard Haven → Oak Bluffs → Edgartown.
Our hour-by-hour
- 4:15am wake the kids · 5:15am park & ride the bikeway at first light
- an early-morning ferry to Vineyard Haven
- Bike to Oak Bluffs — breakfast, the gingerbread cottages
- Beach stop in Oak Bluffs on the ride to Edgartown — great vibe
- Edgartown lunch; watch the kids fish off the pier
- Jaws Bridge — the famous jump + swim; hang out
- Dinner — outdoor venue with live music, raw bar + BBQ, games for the kids
- Mad Martha's ice cream in Vineyard Haven
- 7:15pm ferry back to Falmouth · bikeway to the car · home 9:15pm, kids asleep
Doing it with little kids (the honest version)
~25 miles is a real day for a 5- and 7-year-old. Know your kids' range — or rent e-bikes / use a bike trailer, or do the shorter version below. Go on the first ferry: empty roads, cool morning, no crowds.
Pack: water, snacks, swimsuits + towels, sunscreen, bike locks, cash, layers for the morning ferry.
The shorter version
Not ready for 25 miles? Drive to Woods Hole (or the Falmouth bikeway lot), ferry over as walk-ons, and rent bikes on-island in Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. Same island day, less mileage.
What it costs (verify current rates)
Ferry: adult passenger fare is $11 one-way / about $22 round-trip, plus a $5.25 one-way bicycle fare (about $10.50 round-trip) per bike (steamshipauthority.com); children 5–12 are $5.75 one-way. Parking at the bikeway: free. Food + ice cream extra.
Beaches & trails in this guide
Worth Having in the Car
Cape Cod Certified picks — essentials worth packing for this trip:
- MalsiPree Portable Dog Water Bottle — $15: One-handed, leak-proof bottle with a built-in bowl that recycles unused water back into the bottle. Under six ounces and ready for every boardwalk, trail, and dune walk.
- LA Fresh DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent Wipes — $42.32: Naturally derived, DEET-free wipes that keep bugs at bay through sunset cocktails and beach bonfires. Toss a few in the tote so guests can stay comfortable from porch to shoreline.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my bike on the ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard?
Yes, the Steamship Authority allows bikes on the Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven ferry alongside passengers. A separate bicycle fare applies in addition to the passenger ticket; check steamshipauthority.com for current pricing before you go.
Do kids need separate ferry tickets to Martha's Vineyard?
Yes. Children have their own fare category on the Steamship Authority ferry. Confirm current fares and age ranges at steamshipauthority.com when you book.
Is the Shining Sea Bikeway easy enough for young kids?
The Shining Sea Bikeway is flat and paved with ocean views, making it manageable for family riders. It connects Falmouth to Woods Hole, where you board the ferry. For very young children, the guide suggests a bike trailer or e-bikes to reduce the effort.
What should we pack for a bike and ferry day trip to Martha's Vineyard with kids?
The guide recommends water, snacks, swimsuits and towels, sunscreen, bike locks, cash, and layers for the cool morning ferry crossing. Having those essentials ready keeps the day moving smoothly for young children over what amounts to a full, active day out.
What if my kids aren't ready for a long bike ride to Martha's Vineyard?
You can drive to Woods Hole, take the ferry as walk-ons, and rent bikes on the island in Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. The guide calls this the shorter version — same car-free island day, significantly less mileage.
