TIPS 11 Things To Do (and See) On Martha’s Vineyard
This past week, when the skies were blue and the days were sunny, we took a trip to Martha’s Vineyard.
(total aside: I have to tell you this before I begin to prose on about Martha’s Vineyard and forget. I am in the middle of THE BEST BOOK. It’s the perfect summer read and perfect for a trip to Martha’s Vineyard. It’s called The Rose Code and a story about three codebreakers during World War II and I’m on the edge of my seat to see what happens next.
If you are looking for your next good summer read you can see The Rose Code here.)
Now where was I?
Oh, that’s right.
Telling you all about Martha’s Vineyard.
And why you should add it to your bucket list of places to visit.
There were 11 of us on the trip and we all chose different adventures so we have a well-rounded take on the adventure to the island.
I wanted to write this post so I have it all down, so next year when I visit I can check off my list.
I’m counting the minutes.
Here are 11 things to do (and see) on Martha’s Vineyard.
How to Get To Martha’s Vineyard
Before we discuss what we did?
Let’s chat about how to get there.
Martha’s Vineyard is an island and the only way to get there is by ferry or boat or plane or helicopter or going all Little Mermaid and riding a dolphin.
We took a ferry (my recommended form of travel). I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard, but we found a new ferry out of Falmouth called The Island Queen that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It’s a little smaller boat (so the ride is a little choppier), but it’s under $30 for a ticket and the ease of getting in and out of the parking lot and the ferry is the best.
Here are all the ferry options and the pros and cons of each:
Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard (Steamship Authority)
This is the most popular year-round ferry route, with options for both passengers and vehicles. It’s the only ferry that allows cars. There are two options to land on Martha’s Vineyard—Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs (Oak Bluffs is much better IMHO).
- Pros: More ferry time options, reliable service, car-friendly, relatively short ride (about 45 minutes)
- Cons: parking is off-site with shuttles (I didn’t like the parking) to the terminal, reservations for cars fill quickly, traffic can be heavy in summer
Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard (Hy-Line Cruises)
A passenger-only ferry that operates seasonally. A longer ride than Woods Hole but offers a scenic trip. This ferry drops you at Oak Bluffs.
- Pros: walkable downtown Hyannis location, scenic route, easy boarding for foot passengers
- Cons: no vehicles allowed, limited to spring through fall, longer crossing time (about 1 hour and 10 minutes)
Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard (Island Queen) IMHO the BEST
Seasonal passenger ferry. A smaller operation that runs from late spring to early fall. This ferry drops you at Oak Bluffs.
- Pros: less crowded than Woods Hole, walkable location with nearby parking, short trip (35 minutes)
- Cons: no vehicles allowed, weather-dependent service, limited schedule
One quick note: there is free bus transportation all over the island, so you can map out your visit and see all the cities without any additional cost.
The first thing we did when we arrived on Martha’s Vineyard was get COFFEE.
Of course, we did.
I think coffee tastes so much better when you are looking at the ocean on an island.
And then?
After coffee?
It was time to take on the island.
After coffee here are 11 things to do (and see) on Martha’s Vineyard.
11 Things To Do (and See) On Martha’s Vineyard
1. Visit the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs
I wish I had a better picture of the cottages.
I was just so blown away by how amazing they were. There’s an original Wesleyan Grove campground on the island in Oak Bluffs with cottages built around the center. Long ago, people came to the campground and built colorful, ornate Victorian cottages that look like they came straight out of a storybook.
They are breathtaking and so many of them have been restored.
You could spend two hours walking through the campground, or take a bus ride by them to see them.
2. Ride the historic Flying Horses Carousel
The carousel is in Oak Bluffs and it’s the oldest operating platform carousel in the country.
It’s housed inside the original building and you grab for rings as you go around.
My sister and my niece got the brass ring (and then you get a free ride).
I think that’s where the saying came from about reaching for the brass ring.
3. Take a bike ride
I saw people taking bikes on the ferry, so if you have a bike where you are staying, you can bring it with you on the ferry.
They also have TONS of bike rental places all over the island.
My best bike riding advice? Don’t ride through the center of the island—it’s not very scenic.
Ride around the edges on the roads closer to the island because it’s so beautiful.
4. Visit a local farmer’s market
They had the cutest farmer’s market in Oak Bluffs with fresh produce and a few booths with artisans, too.
It’s right on the water and shopping for vegetables by the sea should be on your list.
Save this until the end of your day trip so you don’t have to carry the fruits and vegetables around for the entire day.
5. Eat lobster
There is nothing like eating seafood on an island.
We had lunch at the Seafood Shanty on the deck overlooking the island.
The lobster was OUT OF THIS WORLD.
6. Explore Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
This is just outside Edgartown and you can take the bus between Edgartown and Vineyard Haven and get off at the stop across from Felix Neck.
There’s the prettiest trail that’s under half a mile that crosses Turtle Pond.
You could spend the day here or an hour taking in the flowers and the wildlife.
Amazing way to spend a summer afternoon.
7. Visit the Bookshop Cafe (and Bookstore) at Edgartown
You know that I couldn’t have a list without a bookstore.
I LOVE bookstores that have been around for centuries and just feel like Jane Austen might have visited on her trip to the states.
(total aside: if you are on the Cape, I highly recommend Parnassus Bookstore in Yarmouth).
There’s also the cutest little cafe next to the bookstore that’s a must visit.
8. Hike the trails at Long Point Wildlife Refuge
We didn’t visit this (I think it’s a little more of a commitment), but it’s highly recommended, so I wanted to include it.
Take the bus to West Tisbury Town Hall and then you can take a shuttle to the wildlife refuge.
You can walk along quiet walking trails, a freshwater pond, and there’s a beach as well.
The main loop trail is about 2.1 miles.
9. Take a sailing or fishing charter
If you like to sail or fish—there are tons of options.
You can book in advance, but I saw tour operators who greeted people when they got off the ferry.
Book a boat tour to fish, sail, or just cruise along the scenic coastline (you can usually see seals and there’s the prettiest lighthouse, too).
10. Eat ice cream at Mad Martha’s at Vineyard Haven
Is this really a list if I didn’t include ice cream?
Ice cream is a tradition here at the Cape and Mad Martha’s has one of the best reviews on the island.
My nephew said he highly recommends Lemon Meringue.
11. Shop the shops at Edgartown
Shopping is an art form and I am a professional.
I LOVED the shops at Edgartown (super similar to Martha’s Vineyard).
I thought that Edgartown and the best shops, so I’d save my pennies until you visited there.
I bought the cutest blue and white dress (please act surprised).
The streets are cobblestone and the shops all look like this and it’s just fun to window shop and walk around with coffee.
Here I am.
On the streets of Martha’s Vineyard.
It was the most wonderful way to spend the day with my family.
And now?
How about you?
Do you want to visit?
Have you visited? I’d love to hear shops or restaurants or things to do that you recommend.
Let’s discuss in the comments.
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Edith Pickens
Jul 10, 2025 at 7:45 am
This is on my bucket list and I love all of your suggestions. I adore your blue and white dress and you look fabulous!!!
Rebecca Ann Dexter
Jul 10, 2025 at 7:53 am
The Black Dog…
Mary Ann Bassett
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:13 am
Second The Black Dog!
Lorri
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:08 am
Yes I was so surprised to see you in a blue and white dress🤭 Martha’s Vineyard is the best. I was there in 2019 and loved every minute of it. We hired a Cab driver and he brought all over the Island. We went for I think..2 hrs and my g/friends and I enjoyed it immensely. Cant wait to go again. You are so lucky to be able to go to Cape Cod every year!!
Barbara
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:17 am
Where did you get that cute dress you wore in Martha’s Vinyard? it’s adorable
KariAnne
Jul 15, 2025 at 12:12 pm
I got it back at the beginning of the summer! It’s from Belk and there are a few sizes left! You can shop it here: https://bit.ly/3Fi92Ww
Niki
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:18 am
A note about Hyline- they also offer an inter-island ferry that goes to Nantucket. (You can do both islands in one day!). I used to work for Hyline during my college years (actually met my husband on a blind date, arranged by his sister, who was my coworker!). Anyways, a nice place to walk is the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury. It’s open year round.
Peg
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:18 am
Gay Head!! There is a nude beach there which we did not visit!!! xx
Jo
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:43 am
Thank you for the very informative tour! The pics were beautiful. And as usual, you look lovely!
Michele M.
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:43 am
it all sounds so wonderful! Funny the pic of the water with boats in background and the jutting land looks actually VERY much like my childhood island home area! I just spent a week there boating and beaching and shopping and playing and resting and reading. So glad you had an enjoyable time. Thanks for the recommendations!
Susan Sikes
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:49 am
It’s all so beautiful. I hope to visit someday.
Martha
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:51 am
THANK YOU for these tips KariAnne! I’ve always wanted to go to (My) Vineyard as well as Nantucket (thanks to Elin Hilderband’s books)! Maybe this will be the summer we’ll go…. I hope you’ll post more pictures. Have a blast!!
Diana C
Jul 10, 2025 at 9:45 am
I’ll remember this if I get a chance to go. Such great ideas. You do look so cute in the blue and white dress. I wish I had been in your purse for the day!
Betty Brault
Jul 10, 2025 at 10:55 am
Life time New England girl here who has spent lots of time on “The Vineyard”, as we call it in Massachusetts. The most spectacular place and views in my opinion are out at Aquinnah, Gay Head at the west end of the island, it is sacred Wampanoag land with a rich history. Gay Head light house is there upon the cliffs over looking Moshup beach. Lots of gorgeous Rosa Rugosa and wild flowers skirt around the trails down to the deep soft sand where the beach will often toss up large waves for surfing. It is absolutely pristine and a very spiritual place. On the way back from there you can stop in at the little fishing village of Manemsha, made famous by Carly Simon’s song. In Edgartown you can also take the ferry out to Chappaquiddick (Chappy) where there is a beautiful and very peaceful Japanese garden. Other very popular places on MV are Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs, people line up for them as soon as they smell them fresh out of the oven, and Nancy’s restaurant on the wharf also in Oak Bluffs. You can take in all the yachts as you sip on a handmade and blended drink from Donovan’s Reef drink stand. He sings, dances and twirls to Reggae music as he works his magic whipping up Dirty Bananas, Bahama Mamas, and Pina Coladas! Oh, and of course, there is also the very famous Black Dog restaurant and ship where the Black Dog clothing line all began!! Thank you for visiting and loving our precious little corner of the world here on the East coast!
Teresa Gonzales
Jul 10, 2025 at 12:34 pm
What a beautiful tour! I have always wanted to visit. I am a Susan Branch fan and she wrote several of her illustrated books about Martha’s Vineyard.
Marlene Stephenson
Jul 10, 2025 at 1:38 pm
You look so cute in your blue dress, yes I would love to visit and thanks for all the places to see.
Allison barnes
Jul 10, 2025 at 2:14 pm
Hi. Where did you get the blue and white dress? Love it
KariAnne
Jul 15, 2025 at 12:12 pm
I got it back at the beginning of the summer! It’s from Belk and there are a few sizes left! You can shop it here: https://bit.ly/3Fi92Ww
Liz Shivel
Jul 10, 2025 at 2:17 pm
I visited MV about 20 years ago! Loved it! In town, there’s a small bookstore, and if you like to read murder mysteries, pick up a couple written by Philip Craig. He was a writer who lived on MV and all of the stories take place on the island. So, if you’ve visited the island, when you read these, you can visualize where everything happens!
Rachel Harper
Jul 10, 2025 at 2:44 pm
It sounds amazing. It’s on my bucket list.
Jodena Beale
Jul 10, 2025 at 3:13 pm
I’ve been to Martha’s and loved it. Would return again for sure. So pretty.
New England Girl
Jul 10, 2025 at 3:44 pm
7/10/25 Hi, Enjoyed hearing and seeing your trip to MV. Like many of the comments, I, too love your blue dress and bag. Can you share where you got them?
Victoria
Jul 10, 2025 at 5:07 pm
Never been to Martha’s Vineyard and always wanted to. So nice you could take a nice ferry to get there!. So in case I don’t ever get there, I just took a mini trip vicariously with you! Loved rhe buildings, docks, the ferry, ships. All so quaint, neat, and colorful! Thanks for taking great pics and narrative along the way! Plus I’m glad you found a blue and white outfit to wear, your signature colors. Though I must say last week I saw an ad for a white dress with shades of red all over it like flowers. A match for your lipstick and nails, plus set off your hair! Glad you’re having fun as a whole family. May the rest of the time be as fun as the start! I’m going to look up the Rose Code. Sounds intriguing! Have fun up there!
Claire
Jul 10, 2025 at 5:31 pm
Adorable dress!!! It looks great on you! Please share the source. Really enjoying your adventures — Thanks for sharing with us all.
Virginia Baker
Jul 10, 2025 at 8:41 pm
Where did you get your blue dress from!
KariAnne
Jul 15, 2025 at 12:13 pm
I got it back at the beginning of the summer! It’s from Belk and there are a few sizes left! You can shop it here: https://bit.ly/3Fi92Ww
Karen B.
Jul 11, 2025 at 7:41 am
I have always wanted to visit. Thank you for the list of worthwhile stops and for the armchair tour. Summer fun at its finest. Karen B.
Janet S Kenney
Jul 11, 2025 at 10:33 am
I’ve always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard! It sounds and looks amazing. Your little tour even makes me want to go more. Thanks for sharing! Of course, a blue and white dress, coffee, and a bookstore in the tour!! Wouldn’t be Kari Anne’s tour without it!!
Vicki
Jul 13, 2025 at 4:10 pm
Walk around the streets of Edgartown seeing Captain’s houses – and the flowers are amazing!
Leslie Watkins
Jul 13, 2025 at 11:08 pm
So glad you got to go! We were a couple of weeks early for most things to open. Black Dog Bakery Cafe was our favorite. And car rental was a lifesaver since there was no room to bring ours over. We spent a lot of our week back on Cape Cod! Loved the lobster and clam chowder. Found great local spots on Cape Cod from conversations on the Vineyard. Great memories!