New England is known far and wide for its many beach-side towns and cities and fresh seafood restaurants. Each summer season families from all over the country flock here for a memorable vacation filled with rest and relaxation. When you think of classic New England vacation spots places like the Jersey Shore, Long Island, and Rhode Island immediately jump to mind. However, if you’re planning a summer vacation to New England, Martha’s Vineyard is far and away the best place to visit! Today, we’re running down exactly why Martha’s Vineyard is so much better than places like the Jersey Shore for your New England getaway.

 

Clean Beaches with No Entry Fees
Chances are if you’re eyeballing New England as the area for your summer vacation, you’re looking to spend some serious time at the beach. While the Jersey Shore might seem like the best in class location (it does have shore in its name after all), Martha’s Vineyard is a much better spot in New England for a relaxing day at the beach! The majority of beaches along the Jersey Shore require a $10+ entry fee per person per day to get on specific beaches during the morning or afternoon, and it's common for those packed beaches to end up with trash floating in the ocean. Is there anything worse than paying for entry to the beach and then seeing an empty bag of chips floating alongside you in the water? You don’t have to worry about that here on the island! While some beaches are private, there are dozens of beaches with crystal clear water free to entry for all who visit. 

 

No Chain Restaurants or Shopping Centers
For many people, a getaway to New England is about a change of pace from their everyday lives. One major aspect that makes Martha’s Vineyard a truly unique getaway spot is that it's free from major chain restaurants and shopping centers. When you’re exploring the island’s quaint towns you’ll see that everything is locally owned! So instead of another strip mall with a Wal-Mart and McDonalds, your shopping and eating experiences will be brand new and unlike anywhere else in New England.

 

Excellent Night Life Scene
Even though the Vineyard doesn’t have any chain restaurants or shopping centers, the nightlife scene is just as thriving as the popular vacation spots on “mainland” New England. Concentrated in the towns of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, you’ll find dozens of bars and places to dance with your friends in the evening after a day at the beach. Also, if you’re traveling with your family and have younger kids there are plenty of spots to quickly jump in for a few slices of pizza, fried seafood, or ice cream without needing to sit down so you can explore the downtown areas with a snack in your hand!

 

Peace and Quiet
Like we said at the beginning of this blog post, rest and relaxation are crucial parts of any summer vacation. When you come to Martha’s Vineyard you get to have your cake and eat it too: Even though there's a happening nightlife scene, when you return to your rental house for the night you’re not bombarded with the sound of cars along a highway, you’ll only hear sounds of nature. Furthermore, since there's nothing resembling skyscrapers on the island we have no light pollution, so on clear nights you can check out the stars as far as the eye can see. Truly, there’s no better place in New England to find some peace and quiet after a stacked day of vacation activities.

There you have it, that’s why we think Martha’s Vineyard is the best summer vacation spot in New England. If you’re planning a summer trip to the island then make sure to check out our variety of vacation rentals or reach out to us directly for any questions about the best places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard!

It’s finally coming: summertime on Martha’s Vineyard. The past few months have seen the island slowly starting to open back up, but June is when things kick off for real. Admittedly, June isn’t as stacked with summertime action as July and August tend to be, but there is still tons of fun to be had for vacationers looking to visit in the early days of summer. Let’s jump in and look at what to do on Martha’s Vineyard this June!

 

Take the Kids to a Farm Animal Meet & Greet

The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society is best known for its annual ag fair celebration in late August, but if you’re coming to the island with younger kids in early June then don’t miss an adorable farm animal meet & greet! Taking place on June 4th from 10 am - 1 pm friendly animals big and small will be there and waiting for your visit. While this is great for families, if you’re an animal lover of any age this will be a great start to your day. Learn more about this and other events on the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society’s website.

 

Catch an MV Sharks Game

I’m willing to bet that first-time visitors to Martha’s Vineyard wouldn’t think the island has a thriving summer baseball scene, but believe it or not, it does! The MV Sharks are the island’s own collegiate summer baseball team and their season kicks off in June. If you’re a baseball fan, this is a no-brainer and a perfect early evening activity before hitting the town with your friends or shutting it down for an early night. Learn more about the MV Sharks and their June games here.

 

The Taste of the Vineyard

For many people, the Taste of the Vineyard event is what signals the true beginning of summer on Martha’s Vineyard. The Taste was originally launched as a fundraiser for restoring the famous Flying Horses Carousel,  but this small event has grown to be a huge two-night affair, with many of the island's best restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues appearing on the scene. Tickets are a bit pricey, but if you’re looking to enjoy a night stacked with great food and entertainment then it's worth it! Check out more about the Taste of the Vineyard on their website.

 

FILMUSIC Festival

The MV Film Society is closing out the month of June with a bang by putting on the FILMUSIC Festival from June 23 - 26. The festival will showcase feature films and musical performances that celebrate the convergence of music, culture, and film. The final lineup will be available in the coming weeks, but this is a must-see activity for all of you movie buffs out there. Learn more about the MV Film Society and their other events on their website.

 

These are just a few great activities awaiting you on Martha’s Vineyard during June. If you need a place to stay for your visit, regardless of the season, take a look at our many rental properties today!

Martha’s Vineyard has something for every kind of visitor, but if you’re planning a trip to the island with your family then you’ll want a very different itinerary versus coming with a group of friends from college! It can be extremely stressful to plan out a vacation that everyone remembers fondly - especially so if you have young kids. To help take some of that stress away, we’re going to share five of the essential activities to do as a family on Martha’s Vineyard.

 

The Flying Horses Carousel
This is the perfect activity for a family with younger children. The Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest platform-style carousel in the country. One of the longest-lasting attractions on the island, the Flying Horses Carousel has been a mainstay for visiting families since 1884. The carousel itself is an incredible piece of history and includes stationary carved wooden horses with manes and tails of real horsehair and inset glass eyes. Each horse is brightly painted and fixed to the rotating platform by a metal post. The operators do their best to keep the experience as close to the original 19th-century era tradition, and if you get the brass ring you’ll get to ride again for free!

 

Discover Your Favorite Island Beach
Above all else Martha's Vineyard is known for its excellent selection of beaches, so you'll have to find your family’s favorite one before you leave. If you’re visiting Martha’s Vineyard in the summer and you have toddler-age children with you the Owen Park or Oak Bluffs Town beaches are perfect places for you because of their calm waters and close proximity to plenty of different spots to eat. On the other hand, if your family is really into the beach and you want to come packed and set up for the day, then Edgartown’s expansive South Beach or the famous State Beach are both places to check out. 

 

The Island Alpaca Company
Don’t miss out on this truly adorable destination on Martha’s Vineyard. The name says it all, when you visit you’ll be treated to dozens of friendly alpaca - an especially fun time for animal lovers! While even a quick visit here is worthwhile, if you’re interested in a longer stay you’ll have opportunities to learn more about these extraordinary animals from the on-site staff, take a self-guided walking tour, and watch an informative video-presentation.

 

The Gay Head Cliffs
It's hard to imagine any trip to Martha’s Vineyard without making the journey over to the island’s most iconic scenic destination. The major caveat for parents here is that this is going to be a 30 - 40ish minute drive from the most popular hotels in towns like Oak Bluffs and Edgartown and that’s if you’re driving the car yourself. Relying on the island’s bus network, the VTA, will take even longer. You won’t find a prettier family photo opportunity on Martha’s Vineyard but just make sure you have everything you need to keep your kids entertained while making the trip to the Gay Head Cliffs.

 

The Sunset at Menemsha Beach
In many ways, seeing the sunset at Menemsha Beach is just as key to a visit to Martha’s Vineyard as experiencing the Gay Head Cliffs. They’re both incredibly scenic outdoor locations, and crucially for parents they’re both a bit of a drive from many of the primary hotels on the island. That all being said as long as you and your family are up for the drive, watching the sun set is the perfect way to close out a day on Martha’s Vineyard. Of course, if you’re traveling with toddlers who have earlier bed times, you might not want to shake up their sleep schedule by keeping them up and away from bed this late, but this is an ideal spot for every other age group!

Those are our picks for some essential family activities here on Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re looking for a place to stay on your upcoming trip check out our many rental properties available today. We can’t wait to see you and your family on the island this summer season!

From the fictitious beaches stalked by a certain shark in the classic movie "Jaws",  to the real-life ones covering the island, if there’s one thing Martha’s Vineyard is known for it's the array of incredible beaches that come to life in the summer months. Some folks might think “a beach is a beach” but there is so much variety across the numerous beaches waiting for you on Martha’s Vineyard, and you’ll have a much better time on some beaches depending on what you’re looking for in a visit by the sea. Today we’re going to run down five must-see beaches when you visit Martha’s Vineyard in the summer, so let’s jump in!

 

Oak Bluffs Town Beach

The Oak Bluffs Town Beach is probably the least “picturesque” of the beaches on this list, but it's still better looking than just about any beach on the Jersey Shore! Big waves and amazing views aren’t the reasons you visit this beach - the Oak Bluffs Town Beach shines because of its proximity to downtown. Are the kiddos getting hungry and you didn’t pack a sandwich? You’re a 5-minute walk from a dozen restaurants. Had a few drinks with your friends on a hot day and want to cool off in the ocean? The Oak Bluffs Town Beach is just a short stroll away. 

 

Menemsha Public Beach

Looking for some epic views on your trip to the beach? Well, then you have to visit the Menemsha Public Beach in the afternoon and stay until the sunset! This is the beach where everyone flocks for the perfect skyline view of the sunset. The skies light up many different shades of orange and pink as the sun makes its descent, and you’re close to a handful of good seafood spots in the summer months. The Menemsha Public Beach is a bit out of the way if you’re staying in Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, or Edgartown but if you come on a day with clear skies you won’t regret it!

 

South Beach

South Beach spans a massive amount of the southernmost end of Martha’s Vineyard. This is a big wave beach so bring your boogie board and ride them in! It's best known for attracting a large number of families and group beachgoers with its large waves and volleyball courts. Even though erosion has worn down areas of South Beach, this is the ideal spot if you’re looking to spend a long time at the beach with your family or friends. Unlike the other beaches we talked about above, South Beach is far away from all but one restaurant so make sure to have lunches packed and a cooler full of water before you make the journey.

 

Edgartown Lighthouse Beach

The appeal of this beach is just as much about the journey to get there as it is the experience of relaxing on the beach itself! You’ll enter this beach from the top of a hill with the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse in full view, and take a relaxing walk down some winding sandy paths. After a brief stroll you’ve got a wide open beach beside the lighthouse, perfect for a photo op with your vacation crew.  This is a shallow shore for most times of the day, so the water is very warm and perfect for younger ones to sit and splash in the sand and water.

 

Joseph Sylvia State Beach

If you can only visit one beach on your stay to Martha’s Vineyard, this is the one to see. Spanning the entirety of the gorgeous stretch of beach road that connects Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, State Beach blends South Beach’s expansive feel and “stay all day” vibes with the more relaxed waters of the Oak Bluffs Town Beach that makes the ocean perfect for younger kids to play in (while supervised). There are tons of different areas to setup across State Beach, but the go-to spot is by the Jaws bridge or “second” bridge that was famously featured in the classic horror flick. The bridge has gotten some updates since the time of Jaws and is still a great place to setup for some sun and swimming!

 

That’s our list of five must see beaches on Martha’s Vineyard. When you visit this summer, one of them is sure to be your new favorite! If you’re looking for a place to stay when you visit the island, be sure to check out our rental properties or reach out to us directly on our website.

When people think of Martha’s Vineyard, they imagine lovely beaches and seaside towns full of couples and families enjoying the summer sunshine, and can’t imagine another time of the year people would visit the island. While summer on the Vineyard is the iconic trip idea (to the point where everyone refers to the non-summer months as the “offseason”) travelers looking to come to the island for the first time could have an even better time in the offseason. So, should your first trip to Martha’s Vineyard be during the summer or the offseason? We’re going to run down some of the major qualities of both periods and you be the judge!

 

Why Your First Visit to Martha’s Vineyard Should be During Summer

• The Full Beach Experience: The picturesque beaches of Martha’s Vineyard are at their best when you can take a swim on a hot summer afternoon. All of the beaches from Lucy Vincent to South Beach and the Oak Bluffs Town Beach have a different feel to them and you’ll only get the full beach experience when you visit during the summer. Sure you can try and take a swim in the ocean during your Thanksgiving visit but we wouldn’t recommend it!

• Peak Island Nightlife: The summer season is when the nightlife scene on Martha’s Vineyard is thriving. Many tentpole bars and activities are only open during the summer season, so you’re missing out on the full potential if you come during the offseason. If you’re looking to have an ice-cold drink down by the harbor and do a bit of bar crawling with your friends or family on your vacation then make sure you make your first trip to the island during the summer!

• Major Annual Events: The biggest events of the year on Martha’s Vineyard happen in the summer, and many tourists plan their trips around each one of them. The annual Agricultural Fair is a fantastic pop-up-style event that’s fun whether you’re here with your family to go on rides and play games, or if you and your significant other are looking to chow down at the many food stands. Illumination Night is an incredible experience you’ll only get on Martha’s Vineyard in August, where every gingerbread house in the campgrounds lights up in a major way. And of course, there isn't a better spot to enjoy fireworks than on a beach for the 4th of July!

 

Why Your First Visit to Martha’s Vineyard Should be During the Offseason

• Peak Time for Tranquility: First and foremost, if you’re looking to get some real peace and quiet on your vacation then you should definitely visit Martha’s Vineyard in the off season. With nothing resembling a major city or highway, days and nights on the Vineyard are extra relaxing. The past two years have been tough on all of us, and if you prioritize rest over partying or swimming at the beach then the offseason on Martha’s Vineyard is the place for your vacation. 

• The True “Islander” Experience: Even though everyone says that summer on Martha’s Vineyard is the best time to be there, there’s something to be said about the true “islander” experience that only year-round residents - and people who make the trip during the offseason - will get to see. That quiet early morning walk on the beach followed by a great cup of coffee at Mocha Motts, the peaceful and scenic drive up-island to explore Chilmark and Aquinnah, and so many more calm moments. While you can do similar things in the warmer months, the overall “islander” experience can’t be replicated in the summer season.

• All of the Sights and None of the Crowds: The Gay Head Cliffs, Ocean Park Gazebo, and sunsets on Menemsha Beach are essential sites for any first-time visitors. They’re here for everyone year-round, but when the population of the island explodes in the summertime getting that perfect picture becomes a lot more difficult. There’s something extra satisfying about getting all of your vacation shots without crowds of people in the background, and that’s an experience you’ll only get during the off-season!

There’s our list on why you should visit Martha’s Vineyard for the first time during the summer or the offseason. Regardless of when you decide to come to the island, we can’t wait to see you!  If you’re planning a trip to the island make sure to check out our variety of vacation rentals or reach out to us directly for any questions about the best places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard!

We can’t believe it's almost May on Martha’s Vineyard! While things don’t start getting crazy on the island until late June when schools break for summer, May is an excellent and warm time to have fun on Martha’s Vineyard before the “official” start of the summer season. So what is there to do on Martha’s Vineyard next month? Let’s take a look at a few great activity options!

 

Pink and Green Weekend

Even though spring starts in March, anyone in New England will agree that it doesn’t really start feeling warm and outdoorsy until late April/early May. Running from May 6th - 8th, the annual Pink and Green weekend is a collection of activities celebrating all things Spring and Mother’s Day. Whether you’re with your family or traveling solo, you can have a weekend full of local activities including the 5K fun run/walk to the Pink & Green Dog Show, as well as sipping, shopping, and eating your way through downtown Edgartown. Check out more information about the event on the Pink and Green Weekend website.

 

Bird Bingo Safari

Those are three words nobody expected to see put together! This upcoming event on May 14th will give attendees a look at the islands’ unique wildlife with a twist! You’ll grab a bingo board along with the Trustees of Reservations to explore Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge via oversand vehicle. The program starts at the Mytoi Garden parking lot and requires registration in advance so check out the event website today to sign up.

 

Martha's Vineyard Marathon & Half Marathon

Who says you can’t stay in shape on vacation? The Martha’s Vineyard Marathon & Half Marathons take place on May 21st and will not only give you a great dose of cardio but provide an excellent and intimate look at key areas of the island. Both runs kick-off at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, and while they go on different paths both will see you running over the iconic “Jaws” Bridge. You’ll receive goodie bags, professional race photos, and finishers get a t-shirt and medal for their efforts. Register in advance online at the MVM website.

 

Nature as Inspiration Environmental Film Festival

Closing out the month is the island’s own “Nature as Inspiration Environmental Film Festival” which spans May 26th - May 29th and combines environmental films, discussions, and an art exhibit by MVRHS students in the Film Center. Over the course of the event, there will also be films that include a Q&A following their screening with experts, community members, and special guests. You can get your tickets ahead of time on the MV Film Society’s website.

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg for what Martha’s Vineyard offers visitors in May. If you need a place to stay for your visit, regardless of the season, take a look at our many rental properties today!

 

When it comes to food on Martha’s Vineyard the first thing that pops into people's minds is “seafood”. Even though the island has an incredible array of fresh seafood restaurants and take-out spots, it has plenty of different options across all of the main island towns. If you’re making a trip to Martha’s Vineyard and don’t eat meat then have no fear, Martha’s Vineyard has some great food waiting for you as well. Here’s a rundown of a few of our favorite vegetarian/vegan spots on the island that you shouldn’t miss, even if you’re traveling with some carnivores!

 

Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven

Scottish Bakehouse is one of the main staples of takeout dining on Martha’s Vineyard. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round in Vineyard Haven you’ll be hard-pressed to find an islander who has bad things to say about the bakehouse. The menu has a little bit of everything so you can come here with non-vegetarian or vegan friends. However, vegetarians and vegans on Martha’s Vineyard will love options like the Coconut Tofu, Mushroom Nut Roast, and a number of different baked goods on each day of the week - my favorite are the tahini-chocolate-oat cookies! 

There are no downsides when heading over to the Scottish Bakehouse, but our favorite vegetarian and vegan food from here fits more into the lunch and dinner categories so keep that in mind when planning what time of day you visit. Check out Scottish Bakehouse’s full menu.

 

Tigerhawk Sandwiches in Oak Bluffs

Tigerhawk Sandwiches is one of the best newer restaurants on the island. Situated right in the middle of Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs, Tigerhawk feels like a place you’d find in trendy Brooklyn or Burlington VT with its Asian-fusion approach to sandwiches and salads - luckily for us, it's right here on Martha’s Vineyard! During breakfast time there’s an array of different vegetarian breakfast sandwiches and vegan options for avocado toasts. The vegetarian/vegan choices really kick it up a notch for lunchtime with multiple sandwiches and a mix of “salad-poke-bowls” with a Korean flair. 

The only real downside of Tigerhawk is that it isn’t open 7 days a week and closes around 3, so make sure you’re not planning your dinner around this location! Take a look at Tigerhawk Sandwiches' full menu here.

 

Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown

Is putting a market on a list of the best vegetarian or vegan food cheating? Well a little bit, but Morning Glory Farm absolutely deserves a shout-out. Sure, anyone can go to their local Shoprite, buy some tofu, vegetables, and sauce to put together a good vegan meal but Morning Glory Farm takes it to a different level. In addition to your standard grocery items, Morning Glory Farm has fresh produce and an excellent mix of baked goods, a salad bar, and takeaway food onsite. Soups, mac and cheese, pickled veggies, all of excellent quality and ready to please even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian/vegan meal, or you’re just loading up on groceries for your stay on Martha’s Vineyard, Morning Glory is the place to go. Check out their website here.

That’s our list of a few favorite spots for vegetarian or vegan food on Martha’s Vineyard, we can’t wait for you to try them out! If you’re planning a trip to the island make sure to check out our variety of vacation rentals or reach out to us directly for any questions about the best places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard.

Every islander has gotten the “should I bring my car to Martha’s Vineyard?” question at least once in their life. First and foremost, you can bring a car to Martha’s Vineyard. There's no bridge connecting the island to the mainland but you can bring a vehicle over via the Steamship Authority vessels that regularly make trips between the island and the mainland. However, whether or not you actually need to bring a car with you to Martha’s Vineyard isn't a simple situation and will ultimately depend on what you’re doing while on the island. So, should you bring your car to Martha’s Vineyard? Let’s run down some of the pros and cons of coming to the island with and without a vehicle.

 

The Pros of Bringing Your Car to Martha’s Vineyard

• Easily See the Entire Island. Without a doubt the biggest benefit of bringing your car to Martha’s Vineyard is that you can easily see the entire island, even on a relatively short visit. Martha’s Vineyard has notable landmarks in every major town and although the island is small overall, you’ll still be driving about 40 minutes from Oak Bluffs to the iconic Gay Head cliffs. No matter how in shape you are, that's not a reasonable walk or bike ride kind of distance!

• Your Trip on Your Schedule. Planning your vacation can be stressful, and waiting around for public transportation or missing a bus that makes you late for an activity or get together isn’t a fun time. With a car on Martha’s Vineyard you can take your schedule into your own hands in a way you can’t without one. Not feeling the beach you’re at in Edgartown? No problem, just hop in your car and cruise down beach road to Oak Bluffs to see if that town fits your style better.

 

The Cons of Bringing Your Car to Martha’s Vineyard

• Tight and Costly Boat Reservations. If you’re planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for July 4th and its June 30th when you’re trying to make a boat reservation… Well, let’s just say that's not going to happen. Bringing a car to Martha’s Vineyard, especially in the summer, requires planning well in advance to secure a round trip boat reservation. A round trip ticket to take your vehicle over can cost around $200 so it's nothing to scoff at either.

• Roads Unlike Any Other. Have you spent a lot of time driving on highways or in the suburbs? Well you’re in for a very different driving experience on Martha’s Vineyard. There’s no two lane highways, zero traffic lights, and stretches of road where a 40 MPH speed limit suddenly drops to 25 MPH. This isn’t to say driving on Martha’s Vineyard is inherently dangerous, but you’ll need to be on your driving A-game if this is your first visit.

• Parking in the Summer. Every popular vacation or downtown spot has parking difficulties, but finding parking in the main downtown stretches on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer can sometimes be a major challenge. There’s no parking garages to be found, and even if you do find parking if you stay over the time limit at all you will definitely get a ticket. Repeat visitors will be more comfortable with parking on the surrounding backroads but first time visitors could end up annoyed and late for a dinner reservation as they round Circuit Ave for a 5th time waiting for a good spot!

 

The Pros of Going to Martha’s Vineyard Without a Car

• Come and Go as you Please. Like we’ve already covered, bringing a car to Martha’s Vineyard requires a boat reservation in advance. But if you leave your car behind you can buy a ticket for any steamship time slot on the spot and walk on with no prior reservation! This added convenience is huge for people who’s traveling plans came together quickly, or ended up deciding they’d like to stay a little longer in the summertime.

• A More Intimate View of the Island. Driving your car around the island will show you some epic sights, but it's nothing compared to the things you can only experience while walking or biking to and from key destinations on the island. All too often cars can zip right by excellent scenic overlooks or hidden trails. A vacation to Martha’s Vineyard is all about taking it easy, and each town on our small island has all of your essentials. So if you’re looking for a lower key and more intimate view of the place you're staying on Martha’s Vineyard then you can leave your car behind. 

• Public Transportation can Supplement Longer Trips. While Martha’s Vineyard is known for its quaint and quiet island vibes, it isn’t some area that technology and all modern convenience has left behind! If you’re staying in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven and want to check out the sites Up-Island then taxis, ubers, or the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) network of buses can help you make the journey without you needing to haul your car over to the island.

 

The Cons of Going to Martha’s Vineyard Without a Car

• Impossible to See the Full Island without a Car or Car Service. In spite of the benefits we’ve listed that come with visiting the island without a car, it's a fact that you’re not going to be able to easily see the whole island on foot or by bike. If you’re a first time visitor interested in seeing everything the island has to offer, then coming here without a car, or at least regularly using a car service, will leave you a bit more limited in terms of what you can do and where you can go outside of your immediate location on the island.

• Rainy Days are Going to be Rough. Rain on any vacation isn’t a great time, but that negativity will get amplified ten-fold if it happens while you don’t have a car with you. Restaurants get extra packed on rainy days and waiting for a cab or by an unfamiliar bus stop in the rain to get around on vacation is going to be a bad time all around.

Those are our key pros and cons of coming to Martha’s Vineyard with or without a car. We hope these insights help you decide how to best enjoy your trip to the island! If you’re looking for a place to stay on your upcoming trip, then make sure to check out our array of rental properties today.

Martha’s Vineyard has so much to do that you might end up finishing your trip with some activities that you didn’t have a chance to get done. With so many different options for visitors to the island, we’re going to run down the essential activities to do on Martha’s Vineyard whether you’re making the trip in summer, fall, winter, or spring. Better yet, if you time things out just right you can do all of these in one day!

 

Visit the Gay Head Cliffs

Perhaps the single most important destination for your trip to Martha’s Vineyard, no visit to the island is complete without seeing the Gay Head Cliffs! The cliffs themselves have been a tourist attraction since the 1800s and are an enchanting blend of multi-colored clay. Wampanoag legend says that the benevolent giant Moshup would throw whales against the cliffs and cook them over his fire to provide the Wampanoag people with food, with the whales' blood staining the cliffs red and Moshup’s fire coloring them black. Visitors are treated to a truly breathtaking view of the cliffs as well as the beach and surrounding ocean beneath them. Make sure to go when it's clear skies for the best picture opportunity!

 

Find Your Favorite Island Beach

Martha's Vineyard is known for its excellent selection of beaches, so you'll need to find your favorite one before you finish your trip. Ultimately, with so many different beaches on the island, your favorite beach is going to depend on what else you’re doing on your vacation. If you’re visiting Martha’s Vineyard in the summer with your family you could fall in love with the Owen Park or Oak Bluffs Town beaches with their close proximity to downtown shopping and dining destinations. If you’re looking to come prepared with food, an umbrella and spend a long time at the beach then Edgartown’s lengthy South Beach might be the place for you. On the other hand, if you’re here in the offseason and aren’t thinking about swimming you might enjoy the more picturesque Lamberts Cove and Great Rock beaches. Regardless of what you’re looking for in a beach, don’t leave the island without picking a favorite.

 

See the Sunset at Menemsha Beach

Have you ever met anyone who doesn’t love a nice sunset? Well, the sunset view at Menemsha Beach is nothing short of legendary. While sunsets anywhere on the island are quite nice, watching the sun slowly descend below the ocean skyline in Menemsha is the perfect way to close out a day on Martha’s Vineyard. The beach around sunset draws a decent crowd and you’ll regularly hear applause when the sun finally sets. Even more so than the Gay Head Cliffs, make sure you’re here on a day with clear skies - it can be pretty disappointing watching the sun slip behind a cloud instead of the ocean skyline.

 

Drive or Bike Beach Road Connecting Oak Bluffs and Edgartown

Another uniquely Martha’s Vineyard style experience, getting up close and personal with this stretch of the island will be unforgettable whether you’re here solo, with your significant other, friends, or family. Beach Road goes on for a while on the island, but the part connecting Edgartown and Oak Bluffs is a thin stretch of road completely surrounded by water on each side. You’ll be treated to one of the best views on the island and even pass by the iconic Jaws Bridge. Also, this entire stretch of Beach Road has a dedicated bike path but be warned that you’re looking at an over two-mile bike ride one way, so you may want to take the cruise in your car if you aren’t up for a longer bike ride!

 

Make the Trip up Circuit Ave Oak Bluffs and See the Gingerbread Houses

Circuit Ave is right in the heart of Oak Bluffs and feels like the “main street” of the entire island, making it an absolute must-see for visitors to Martha’s Vineyard. Circuit Ave has the highest concentration of dining and shopping options on the island ranging from coffee spots like Mocha Motts, the Flying Horses Carousel, plenty of nightlife destinations and you can see it all in just a short stroll. Whatever you’re looking for on Martha’s Vineyard, Circuit Ave is sure to have it. After you’ve explored Circuit Ave a bit, a short detour will take you on a walking tour of the island’s “gingerbread” houses. These brightly colored cottages are all clustered together with an architectural style and colors reminiscent of an old fairy-tale village. While the hundreds of cottages all look similar, there are many unique design and color choices across them as you take a closer look at this signature island destination. Like all of our other activity recommendations, make sure you have space on your phone because you’ll definitely end up with a lot of selfies by the gingerbread houses.

These ideas are all perfect if you’re visiting the island and you’re either short on time or ideas of what to do during your trip. If you’re looking for a place to stay on your upcoming trip to Martha’s Vineyard check out our many rental properties available today. We can’t wait to see you on the island this season!

Spring has sprung on Martha’s Vineyard! The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the island is starting to look like its iconic summer self. However, even though we’re still a few months away from summertime activities there’s still plenty happening on the island during April. So what is there to do on Martha’s Vineyard next month? Let’s take a look!

 

Exhibit Opening: Wampum - Stories from the Shells of Native America

This upcoming exhibit at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum opens on April 8th and runs through May 8th. The gorgeous purple and white-colored wampum that lucky visitors can find on some of the island’s beaches have a rich cultural significance to the Wampanoag people that have lived in the northeastern US for over 12,000 years! This exhibition is a retelling of history from the indigenous perspective and through a powerful piece of traditional art. It features a one-thousand bead wampum belt made in the style and traditions of the Wampanoag people - a definite must-see for people looking to learn a little more about the history of the island during their stay! Check out more details about the exhibit on the MV Museum website.

 

Spring Into Nature at Felix Neck

A perfect outdoor activity if you have kids ages 5 - 10 joining you on your vacation. Taking place from 4/18 - 4/22 attendees will spend the week exploring different island properties, learning about wildlife, growing food, making crafts, singing songs, listening to stories, and much more. You can register for this event on the Mass Audubon website or by calling 508-627-4850.

 

MVM Nightlife: Island History Trivia Night

Everyone’s done at least one pop culture trivia night, but how well do you know the history of our little island? Taking place on 4/22 at 5:30 PM the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is hosting its first-ever Island history trivia night. This 21+ only event is perfect for repeat visitors who really know the island (or have islander friends that can carry their trivia team). Registration opens on April 1st and each ticket includes two drink vouchers. You can find more information on the MV Museum website.

 

Visit Iconic Outdoor Locations While Avoiding the Summer Crowds

While this idea isn’t something specifically happening in April, the spring season is the prime time to get some amazing pictures at signature island locations like the Gay Head Cliffs, Edgartown Lighthouse, or a Menemsha Beach sunset while avoiding the crowds that come in the summer months! While you might need to wear a light jacket in your pictures, you can enjoy these iconic island destinations to the fullest during an April trip.

 

Bike MS: Ride the Vineyard

Biking around Martha’s Vineyard is its own reward, but on April 30th you can do it to help fight MS! The National MS Society is running one of its Bike MS events on the island offering 18, 30, and 60 mile options for a full day of biking. To date, Bike MS cyclists, volunteers, and donors have raised more than $1.3 billion dollars to put a stop MS and restore what's been lost, and you can join in to help the cause on Martha’s Vineyard! If you aren’t up for a bike ride you can still help out by volunteering too. For more information or to register check out the Bike MS website.

Our list above is just the beginning of what Martha’s Vineyard has to offer for spring time visitors. If you’re still considering whether or not you should make the journey to the island during spring check out our recent blog post on the benefits of a spring vacation to MV. If you need a place to stay for your visit, regardless of the season, take a look at our many rental properties today!