Jul 032018
There are so many can’t miss things to do in Martha’s Vineyard. This beautiful island location is in Massachusetts just south of Cape Cod and can only access Martha’s Vineyard by boat or air. It features Gothic cottages as well as several ferry ports, depending on which end of the island you venture to. Today I am sharing 25 things to do in Martha’s Vineyard to assist you in planning your vacation itinerary.
- Edgartown Lighthouse – this historic lighthouse is open from late May until early October where you can capture a glimpse of a the island’s rich history of coastal life.
- South Beach – enjoy one of the most pristine locations in Martha’s Vineyard, where you’ll find much history as this was a military barracks back in World War II.
- Offshore Ale – during quiet hours you may be able to get a tour of the brewery where the staff will gladly show you the process, during peak hours you may enjoy a delightful meal.
- Flying Horses Carousel – established in 1876 this is our nation’s oldest platform carousel that you must enjoy at least once while in Martha’s Vineyard.
- Gingerbread Cottages – feel as though you’ve been transported into a Hansel and Gretel storybook with a trip to Oak Bluffs gingerbread cottages area.
- Alley’s General Store – there’s nothing better than stepping back in time to visit a retailer that’s been in operation since 1858, that’s what you’ll experience at this general store.
- Jaw’s Bridge – take a bike tour and stop at Jaw’s Bridge where the most of the vicious shark attack scenes in the movie Jaws was filmed.
- Rent a Jeep – get a jeep rental and go exploring Menemsha where the movie Jaws was filmed and enjoy the Menemsha Fish Market where fresh lobster is available.
- Murdick’s Fudge – enjoy some delicious fudge in Edgartown before heading out to view the historic lighthouse.
- Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse – open all year round, you must experience a theater performance on the island before your vacation is over.
- Edgartown’s South Beach – this is a great location to enjoy three miles of surf and the iconic sand dunes in this area.
- Aquinnah Cliffs – formerly known as Gay Head, this location offers bike tours and is the most popular tourist attraction in Martha’s Vineyard.
- Oak Bluff Campground – step back in time to the 19th century Methodists where more than 300 properties are still owned by descendants of the original inhabitants.
- Island Alpaca Company of Martha’s Vineyard – if the family wants to enjoy a zoo-like trip, then this alpaca farm is the place to visit some friendly animals.
- Watch a Movie – Martha’s Vineyard has a cinema but also has the MV Film Society where you can sometimes enjoy a documentary or foreign film.
- Sea Spa Salon – get pampered at this salon with a spa treatment that is offered with discounts and special promos located in Vineyard Square.
- Take a Zumba Class – there’s a studio on the island where you can detach and go enjoy some Zumba or even yoga while on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard.
- Chappaquiddick’s East Beach – enjoy a ferry ride tour where you can enjoy learning more about the rich history of this part of Martha’s Vineyard.
- Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing Bus – you can experience a bus tour of the whole island while on vacation at Martha’s Vineyard with this sightseeing bus.
- Chilmark Chocolates – indulge in these homemade chocolates that are only available in 1 or 2 locations on the island.
- Take a Jaws Tour – ask for a map of the Jaws film and take a little tour to become a groupie of the Jaws movie that was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard back in 1974.
- Emily Post House garden – the current owners still tend to Emily Post’s Dahlias that she wrote about often, this is a beautiful location that simply adds to the islands history.
- Take a Hike – there are many nature trails on the island that offer you a scenic view of Martha’s Vineyard with or without foliage.
- Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge – visit the Japanese garden found in this area where the beaches are endless and nature roams free.
- Art Cliff Diner – enjoy breakfast at this diner that’s been whipping up breakfast since 1943 to locals and tourists.
No matter how long you plan to have a vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll surely not have enough to capture the full beauty that this island has to offer. With this list of 25 things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, at least you’ll be able to experience as much as possible and return home feeling rejuvenated.
I’ve always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard. That spa sounds like a great place for relaxing and getting pampered. I’d also like to rent a jeep and go exploring.
I wish I could move back to MA… I come from Holyoke. But hubby can’t leave his job for 10 more yrs T^T One day I’ll get to see this stuff. One day~
We have never visited Martha’s Vineyard or been out east before. You have given everyone tons of fun things to choose from and visit. Not sure about the Jaws thing, might pass on that one.
I’ve always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard. It looks like such a beautiful place to visit during the warmer months. Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful things to do when I do decide to visit.
I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard with the family one day. We’ve been to New England a few times, but it’s never taken us to that area. It looks so beautiful there!
What a great list! Who knew all these great things were there? I’d love to take my family for a low-tech beautiful vacation! I went there years ago and still remember how amazing it was. What a great place to take your family for a wonderful trip!
We want to go there! We’ve tried to several times, but the timing wasn’t right or the hotel we wanted wasn’t available. Figuring out how to get to the island, that always has us stumped.
Martha’s Vineyard is some place I have always wanted to visit and one day I Pray I will be able to because from the pictures I have seen is so calming and pretty.
It looks like there is so much to do there. I have always heard of it and have to get there some day. I might need you to guide me to the best places when I go..
I have always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard. Thanks for the tips. I think I am ready to plan that trip
I would love to get to Martha’s Vineyard one day. It’s so pretty up there. I’d want to go to all of these places–especially the diner. I love diners!
Now these all sound like some amazing things to do – I have to admit as I don’t drink I’ve never thought of going to anywhere vineyard related – perhaps I need to rethink that.
I always thought of Martha’s Vineyard as an adult getaway. I had no idea it had kid-friendly options too.
I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard and have always wanted to go. Your list has lots of great suggestions on it.
Love the fact that the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse is open all-year round. This is something my family would really love and enjoy!
I had no idea there was so much to do there. I bet J would love it too
Oh there is a ton of things to do in Martha’s Vineyard! I had no idea. I think we’ll have to add it to a bucket list.
Martha’s Vineyard looks like a gorgeous place to visit! I would love to go there someday! Great list of family friendly things to do!
Wow! Lots of fun things to do! Such a great place to explore!
Never heard of Martha’s Vineyard before but it sounds like an amazing place to visit. Those are some great list of ideas, family friendly indeed.
I’ve always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard. It looks like such a charming place to vacation. I would definitely head to the lighthouses first! They’re just gorgeous.
I’ve always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard. I have so many friends that have gone and loved it!
Martha’s Vineyard seems to be a cute island. And there are quite a lot of interesting things and activities to do!
I wanted to go to the beach and also the carousel!
We haven’t been to Martha’s Vineyard since just after we were married. We went in the off-season, in October and it was really fun. I’d love to go back!
Thanks for sharing I learned a lot. That is a place that I would love to visit.
My sister and her family has been there last year and that they said it was one of their best vacations ever. I haven’t been there, but hearing my sister’s stories make me want to go so bad. We have it on our Bucket list this year. Hopefully, we can make it there this summer!
What a pretty place. If I went I’d try and do all 25 things too! My first stop would be the lighthouse. I’ve never seen one in person.
How cute is this little town?! Is it bad that I didn’t realize Martha’s Vineyard was a real thing?