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When we set off on our family trip to Martha’s Vineyard MA, we had one thing on our mind – sharks!
In case you didn’t know, the iconic horror movie Jaws was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, but of course that movie was fictional, and it turns out there is more to this quaint island off Cape Cod than a simple movie set.
As it’s a small island, there are not a lot of things to do on Martha’s Vineyard, but there is a vibe here that beckons you to switch off, relax, and let the power of nature detox you.
If that’s your kind of vacation, Vineyard has it.
But you can’t spend the whole vacation lying in a hammock on a porch. When you want to get out and explore, here are some top attractions not to miss.
Things To Do In Martha’s Vineyard
1. Find serenity and mystery on Chappaquiddick Island
Chappaquiddick Island, located on the West coast of Martha’s Vineyard, is a rural and rugged island with a limited number of historic England cottages, but is mostly wild and left to the elements, which is why we loved it.
There is a 3-car-3-minute “Chappy Ferry” ride over to the island, which has maintained the Vineyard’s old world charm.
There is a spectacular 3 mile walk along a sand spit from South Beach over to Chappaquiddick Island if you want a more adventurous way to explore for the day.
Chappaquiddick is much wilder than the main island, and a peaceful retreat to what you’ll find in Oaks Bluff and Edgartown.
There are no stores or restaurants on the island, so be sure to pack everything you need for the day.
Chappaquiddick is most known for the tragic Kennedy accident back in 1969.
Senator Ted Kennedy was driving a young woman named Mary Jo Kopechne home when he drove off the side of the Dike Bridge.
He attempted to rescue her, but she drowned and he didn’t report the accident until the next day.
It gave us a great story to discuss later on.
We stood at the spot where the accident happened and could see how in the dark of night you could be disorientated and come off it, especially if driving too fast.
They have barriers on either side of the bridge now though.
As well as this, there are plenty of beaches and hiking trails to enjoy on Chappaquiddick.
I would have loved to have ridden a bike over from the mainland to explore it that way. It’s small enough that you could.
There is also a 14-acre Japanese garden, Mytoi and the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, the nesting area for a variety of New England shorebirds.
The beach here was pretty wild but pretty, and after reading the Great White Shark warning sign on the boardwalk down to the beach, we decided swimming would not be an option for us here.
We finally had confirmation that Jaws actually does exist on Martha’s Vineyard.
It has to do with the increase of seals in the area. And yes, they have been seen eating them. This was an official sign, not a scare mongering tactic.
See prices and timetables for the Chappy Ferry here.
2. Roam around Edgartown
Edgartown is Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest and most stylish town, with tidy streets that has preserved a lot of its elegant and wealthy whaling past.
You’ll see an abundance of stately white Greek Revival houses Captain’s homes lining the streets with well manicured gardens and lawns, and shady oak trees.
Many have plaques signifying which Captain owned the house.
And many of the whaling Captain’s homes have been converted into inns, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops and cafes.
I would have much rather rented one of the vacation rentals in Edgartown than where we stayed at in Oaks Bluff.
It would have been nice to wander around this area at night.
There’s not a lot to do in Edgartown, but walk and browse the shops and enjoy a vineyard gourmet fare.
Among the Flowers was a lovely cafe in town, where we had a delicious home made lunch on the patio among the flowers! For other Martha’s Vineyard restaurants ideas click here.
3. Visit South Beach, the filming location for Jaws
Drive around the bay near Edgartown and you’ll find the wide open windswept, South Beach, also known as Katama Beach, where the opening scene for Jaws was filmed.
Martha’s Vineyard, more specifically the town of Edgartown, was taken over by Spielberg and his cast and crew to film what turned out to be the epic Black Panther style blockbuster of its time.
It was a summer smash hit that ruined me for life.
4. Admire the Edgartown Lighthouse
Walk about 10 minutes along North Water Street to admire the homes and visit the Edgartown Lighthouse, which is set on the public beach.
You get panoramic vistas of Edgartown Harbor and over to Chappaquiddick Island.
Look back and check out the gorgeous Harbor View Hotel on the water here.
Those views are something special and it looks very elegant and refined.
If you can get a water view room, sunrises are meant to be pretty here. See it from the comfort of your bed even.
5. Get high spirited in Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is known for its high spirits and fun, which is what makes it a different experience to Edgartown.
Its main street is filled with restaurants, cafes and shops, including the popular brewery Offshore Ale and Red Cat Kitchen. It’s also the place to go for nightlife. A popular place to go at night is the Ritz, and no it’s not as fancy as you’d expect, it’s actually a humble dive bar with live music and cocktails.
Oak Bluffs is a pretty town with Victorian homes and Oak Bluffs Campground, which is not your typical campground, nor is it opened to the public.
The campground is actually rows of extravagantly decorated historic summer gingerbread cottages.
19th Century Methodist would retreat here to worship in summer camps. They soon became residents and replaced their canvas tents with colorfully painted Gothic designed cottages.
More than 300 proprieties are now privately owned by descendants.
You can look from the outside or take a tour of the Cottage Museum to glimpse inside. There are free concerts and movie nights held during the summer in the Tabernacle Complex in the middle of the homes.
After exploring the town, take the drive to the East Chop Lighthouse, high atop a 79 foot bluff with vies of Nantucket Sound.
On the East Chop Road, you’ll find many grey shingled mansions along the bluff road overlooking the sound. You can drive or walk along here.
In Oaks Bluff, grabbing the brass ring on the famous Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in the country, and grabbing a tasty treat from Back Door Donuts, are some other popular things to do.
6. Drive the scenic drive from Edgartown to Oaks Bluff
It’s a short scenic 6-mile drive between the towns of Edgartown and Oaks Bluff.
Along the way you’ll find The Bridge – you know the one from Jaws.
The stone quay Roy Scheider ran during the Jaws attack at the bridge is still there and runs perpendicular to the bridge.
Stop and jump off if you dare. It’s the thing to do in Martha’s Vineyard, you can even get T-Shirts that verify your triumph.
If the movie Jaws made me afraid of swimming pools, then there is no way I’d take the bridge jumping challenge.
Even though I know Jaws was a six-foot mechanical object, I don’t think I could bring myself to dip a toe.
I’m not quite sure of the depth and my ability to land without hurting myself.
You’ll also find Joseph A Sylvia State Beach, a 2 mile long sandy beach popular with families.
This is where the beach scene from Jaws was filmed with all the kids swimming.
Parking is limited so it is better to go early or bike, walk or take the shuttle.
7. Visit Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse
Aquinnah is the official Native American township on the island and the Wampanoag tribe are the guardians of the region.
Previous to 1997, this area was known as Gay Head and is located in the south west corner of Martha’s Vineyard.
The town is best known for its terra cotta clay cliffs.
For over a 100 million years, glaciers, sea and land have twisted layers of soil into colorful, waving bands that are perched above the sea.
The Cliffs of Aquinnah are really beautiful.
I love the Wampanoag myth to explain the creation of these sacred cliffs.
Moshup, the giant Creator, would wade into the ocean, pick up a whale, fling it against the Cliffs to kill it, and then cook it over the fire that burned continually.
The blood from these whales stained the clay banks of the Cliffs dark red.
You can explore the lower beach paths to see the cliffs up close and stretch along the sands at Moshup Beach, or take the upper trails to the top of the cliffs to catch a glimpse of Gay Head Light and nearby Elizabeth Islands.
The cliffs are protected from erosion so no walking on them or collecting them!
The Gay Head Lighthouse is an iconic structure at the top pf the cliffs that you can also visit.
There are a few gift shops on the small bluff near the cliffs, which have a lovely collection of Native American jewelry or paintings, or handcrafts.
I highly recommend purchasing some for these unique and meaningful souvenirs.
We arrived in the morning to the cliffs covered in fog. We came back before sunset at Menemsha and it was clear and pretty.
It’s well worth the 30 minute drive from Edgartown. The locals told us you just never know what it’s going to do. Good luck!
If you’re staying over the other side of the island, I’d save a visit here until before sunset at Menemsha to reduce driving time.
8. Pair lobster with your sunset at Menemsha
Menemsha on the west coast of Martha’s Vineyard is a quintessential New England fishing village.
We really enjoyed experiencing the sunset on the waterfront by Menemsha Beach on our last evening in Martha’s Vineyard.
Behind the beach at Menemsha is a small fishing port with old boats tied up at the dock, weathered shacks, drying nets, and lobster pots.
Eating freshly steamed seafood, particularly lobster in brothy chowder or stuffed clam, from one of the several fishing markets in the harbor is the thing to do for sunset.
You’ll see groups of people sitting on the rustic chairs on the dock eating lobster and drinking wine before they move over to the beach.
They close before sunset though so get in early!
Menemsha Fish Market was about to close, but they let us come in and order, but they had no lobster available. Larsen’s Fish Market next door is also said to be good.
The main event in Menemsha is the gorgeous sunset over the ocean.
There are plenty of rocks for the kids to scramble over while you watch the sun go down behind ocean views.
I loved the giant bell ringing out in the water with each movement of the ocean.
It felt very Jawsish!!
If the harbor looks familiar, it’s because several scenes from the Jaws was filmed here.
Menemsha Hills is also recommended for it beautiful hiking trails and high elevations.
9. Get acquainted with Vineyard Haven
You may get confused on the island as to where the dividing line between Tisbury and Vineyard Haven is – there is none; Vineyard Haven is Tisbury.
It’s actually the name of the ferry port, so most people call it Vineyard Haven, but it is Tisbury.
On the elegant to rowdy scale, it sits somewhere in the middle between Edgartown and Oaks Bluff.
You’ll find plenty of stores to browse in the small town here. Don’t miss a pub lunch at the Black Dog Tavern and a walk around the quaint Vineyard Haven harbor, and the drive from Oaks Bluff to here along the coastline is quite pretty.
You can also learn more about the history of Martha’s Vineyard at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, located here.
If you’re looking for fresh produce to cook meals at home, you must visit Vineyard Grocer, located in a cute red barn on the main road.
We were impressed with the amount of gluten free and healthy food here, and for a decent price too considering where it is located.
On the drive between Vineyard Haven and Menemsha, you’ll find the Scottish Bakehouse. We were so happy with the variety of gluten free sweets and bread – it’s a rare treat for us!
Except for Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, the Vineyard is “dry,” but many restaurants allow you to bring your own beer or wine.
The town of Vineyard Haven allows beer and wine – but no liquor – sales in restaurants only.
10. Bask on the island’s beaches
One of the main reasons people visit Martha’s Vineyard is for its beaches. We weren’t blown away by the beaches here, but for those who don’t get the luxury of visiting beaches often, you may disagree.
For families, State Beach in Edgartown is a good choice, as it has calm waters and shallow slopes, perfect for little ones.
Nature lovers will appreciate the serene beauty of East Beach on Chappaquiddick, which is wild and windswept, with some secluded spots for solace.
Norton Point Beach is the barrier beach between Chappaquiddick and South Beach and is often full of 4X4 cars driving between the islands. It’s not aesthetic, but beach driving is a unique experience.
How To Get To Martha’s Vineyard
To get to Martha’s Vineyard, you need to take a fast ferry across the Vineyard Sound from either Quonset Point, Rhode Island (takes about 1 hour 45 minutes), or take the Woods Hole, MA, ferry to Martha’s Vineyard (takes approximately 45 minutes).
If you’re taking your car over on the Martha’s Vineyard ferry, it’s best to reserve your ticket in advance so you don’t miss out.
If you are traveling via Woods Hole, it’s about a two-hour drive south of Boston and New York and takes approximately 5.5 hrs. Check traffic as this can drastically change on the East coast.
Check here for ferry times and prices with the Steamship Authority, as it varies depending on vehicles and passengers.
Getting Around Martha’s Vineyard
We took our vehicle over on the car ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. As we visited outside of peak time, we didn’t experience traffic problems or difficulty parking.
It’s meant to be a nightmare during the peak summer months, and through my research, I learned that it’s best not to take your car over to Martha’s Vineyard if you can get away with it.
It will be cheaper on the ferry and the public bus can take you around to different parts of the island.
The island isn’t very big. It’s 9 miles (12.8k) wide and 26 miles (40k) long at its furthest points; the total land area is approximately 96 square miles.
The longest drive would be from Oaks Bluff to Aquinnah, which is 19 miles and would take approximately 40 minutes by car.
So it’s possible to travel using public transport as most attractions are near to one another.
However, where you choose to stay will be very important to you if you don’t have your car. You want to stay in the area you most want to spend time in.
I’d recommend taking bikes if you have them as you can get around easily enough on them in the area you are staying in.
It is 6 miles from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown, which would be about a 40-minute bike ride.
Where To Stay In Martha’s Vineyard
We stayed at a cottage located in a quiet neighborhood between Vineyard Haven and Oaks Bluff.
It was cute and comfortable with everything we needed in the kitchen.
I thought it was overpriced compared to other places we’ve stayed at before, but I think accommodation on Martha’s Vineyard is more expensive in general.
If you plan on visiting Martha’s Vineyard with kids, especially in the peak season, be sure to book your accommodation in advance as far as you can.
Best Time To Visit Martha’s Vineyard
The best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard is in the shoulder seasons (May and September) which is between the peak summer seasons. Public holidays, such as Labor Day and 4th July, are usually busy.
These months provide fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and a more chilled-out vibe.
The peak season is June to August, which I would say is the worst time to visit Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a tiny island, and during these months, it just becomes crowded and unpleasant.
In the winter, many hotels and activities close down, so from October to March, you may get a quiet island to yourself but expect a lot of attractions to be shut.
April could be a good time to visit as it’s starting to warm up, but businesses may still be closed.
Is Martha’s Vineyard Worth Visiting?
We didn’t visit Martha’s Vineyard to scout out Jaws filming locations – we visited as it’s a place I’ve heard my parents mention as a popular vacation destination, as well as being a notable connection to the Kennedy family.
It’s not just the Kennedy’s who have lived or spent time on the island. Celebrities frequently visit and can often be seen in the summer months. Obama and his family rented a farm here one year at Chilmark, for example.
This celebrity status tends to put the price up at Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s seen a more of an affluent coastal retreat for the wealthy – so we thought we’d be in for a major treat.
I mean, when you have all that money and opportunity and you choose Martha’s Vineyard, it has to be something special.
After my visit, I’d have to say I was a little disappointed with Martha’s Vineyard, simply because we are from Australia and have been fortunate to have the opportunity to experience hundreds of beaches and islands (Australia is surrounded by 10,000+ beaches!)
Sadly, one downfall of living a nomadic life for as long as we have, is that you do experience so much, and it’s very difficult to not let that comparison creep in and dull a new experience.
I am very aware this is a problem specifically for us, especially when it comes to beaches.
So, while I know you trust our opinion, and that’s why I tell it to you straight, also be mindful of where our opinion comes from.
When you visit Martha’s Vineyard it may be a completely different experience for you and I don’t want to taint that because of my somewhat jaded eyes.
However, although we weren’t wowed, we did have a good time on Martha’s Vineyard with our family.
I think it’s important to make the most of every travel opportunity and love it for what it presents to you, even if it does fall below your expectations.
How did it fall down for us? OR how did we get it wrong?
I didn’t think the Martha’s Vineyard beaches were all that spectacular.
The weather wasn’t warm enough for swimming, although we visited Martha’s Vineyard in May, for some of you it may have been okay.
I don’t usually go swimming unless it’s baking hot and the water temperature warmish.
Looking at our photos you might think otherwise.
I had done my research before visiting Martha’s Vineyard and a couple of “oh my God, so spectacular scenic drives” came up.
I was super excited to take them, only to be left with a “wait, was that it?”
Maybe if I was like my Mum who doesn’t like to do much research and just likes to show up and be surprised, I may have been more wowed.
My expectations were placed too high.
Mostly though, I don’t think we experienced Martha’s Vineyard in the right way.
We were more on a sightseeing trip with my parents. So we wanted to move around and see notable places and experience cool local things.
I think a Martha’s Vineyard vacation is more of a rent a cottage and chill out on the beach for a week or two kind of place, which we weren’t in the right mode for.
I imagine if you rent a bike and cruise around the island on the many bike paths – that’s the right kind of Martha’s Vineyard vacation.
Because we were a little before peak season, some cool places like Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium of Martha’s Vineyard, known for their lobster ice cream and innovative desserts, weren’t open.
I can see how lingering at places like that would enhance your Martha’s Vineyard vacation.
A positive for visiting Martha’s Vineyard was we visited the week before memorial weekend, so it did mean the crowds hadn’t entered the island yet, so it was peaceful.
We can’t imagine what it must be like on Martha’s Vineyard during the peak summer season. The crowds and the traffic is meant to be intense.
Many people visit on day trips, which is possible. I think to fully appreciate its beauty, it’s best to stay on Martha’s Vineyard for at least two to three days.
Final Thoughts
Now that I’ve written this and looked back at the photos and the memories, I’m sad to have departed Martha’s Vineyard.
This pretty island is the perfect spot for a relaxing family vacation, and though it’s small and only has a handful of attractions, it meant we had more time to build a better connection as a family.
Isn’t it funny how sometimes you appreciate a place more after you’ve left it?
Video: Our Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
More Massachusetts Travel Tips
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- Legendary Things to do in Boston MA with kids (or without)
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What are you most excited to do in Martha’s Vineyard? Let us know in the comments.
When we set off on our family trip to Martha’s Vineyard MA, we had one thing on our mind – sharks!
In case you didn’t know, the iconic horror movie Jaws was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, but of course that movie was fictional, and it turns out there is more to this quaint island off Cape Cod than a simple movie set.
As it’s a small island, there are not a lot of things to do on Martha’s Vineyard, but there is a vibe here that beckons you to switch off, relax, and let the power of nature detox you.
If that’s your kind of vacation, Vineyard has it.
But you can’t spend the whole vacation lying in a hammock on a porch. When you want to get out and explore, here are some top attractions not to miss.
Things To Do In Martha’s Vineyard
1. Find serenity and mystery on Chappaquiddick Island
Chappaquiddick Island, located on the West coast of Martha’s Vineyard, is a rural and rugged island with a limited number of historic England cottages, but is mostly wild and left to the elements, which is why we loved it.
There is a 3-car-3-minute “Chappy Ferry” ride over to the island, which has maintained the Vineyard’s old world charm.
There is a spectacular 3 mile walk along a sand spit from South Beach over to Chappaquiddick Island if you want a more adventurous way to explore for the day.
Chappaquiddick is much wilder than the main island, and a peaceful retreat to what you’ll find in Oaks Bluff and Edgartown.
There are no stores or restaurants on the island, so be sure to pack everything you need for the day.
Chappaquiddick is most known for the tragic Kennedy accident back in 1969.
Senator Ted Kennedy was driving a young woman named Mary Jo Kopechne home when he drove off the side of the Dike Bridge.
He attempted to rescue her, but she drowned and he didn’t report the accident until the next day.
It gave us a great story to discuss later on.
We stood at the spot where the accident happened and could see how in the dark of night you could be disorientated and come off it, especially if driving too fast.
They have barriers on either side of the bridge now though.
As well as this, there are plenty of beaches and hiking trails to enjoy on Chappaquiddick.
I would have loved to have ridden a bike over from the mainland to explore it that way. It’s small enough that you could.
There is also a 14-acre Japanese garden, Mytoi and the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, the nesting area for a variety of New England shorebirds.
The beach here was pretty wild but pretty, and after reading the Great White Shark warning sign on the boardwalk down to the beach, we decided swimming would not be an option for us here.
We finally had confirmation that Jaws actually does exist on Martha’s Vineyard.
It has to do with the increase of seals in the area. And yes, they have been seen eating them. This was an official sign, not a scare mongering tactic.
See prices and timetables for the Chappy Ferry here.
2. Roam around Edgartown
Edgartown is Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest and most stylish town, with tidy streets that has preserved a lot of its elegant and wealthy whaling past.
You’ll see an abundance of stately white Greek Revival houses Captain’s homes lining the streets with well manicured gardens and lawns, and shady oak trees.
Many have plaques signifying which Captain owned the house.
And many of the whaling Captain’s homes have been converted into inns, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops and cafes.
I would have much rather rented one of the vacation rentals in Edgartown than where we stayed at in Oaks Bluff.
It would have been nice to wander around this area at night.
There’s not a lot to do in Edgartown, but walk and browse the shops and enjoy a vineyard gourmet fare.
Among the Flowers was a lovely cafe in town, where we had a delicious home made lunch on the patio among the flowers! For other Martha’s Vineyard restaurants ideas click here.
3. Visit South Beach, the filming location for Jaws
Drive around the bay near Edgartown and you’ll find the wide open windswept, South Beach, also known as Katama Beach, where the opening scene for Jaws was filmed.
Martha’s Vineyard, more specifically the town of Edgartown, was taken over by Spielberg and his cast and crew to film what turned out to be the epic Black Panther style blockbuster of its time.
It was a summer smash hit that ruined me for life.
4. Admire the Edgartown Lighthouse
Walk about 10 minutes along North Water Street to admire the homes and visit the Edgartown Lighthouse, which is set on the public beach.
You get panoramic vistas of Edgartown Harbor and over to Chappaquiddick Island.
Look back and check out the gorgeous Harbor View Hotel on the water here.
Those views are something special and it looks very elegant and refined.
If you can get a water view room, sunrises are meant to be pretty here. See it from the comfort of your bed even.
5. Get high spirited in Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is known for its high spirits and fun, which is what makes it a different experience to Edgartown.
Its main street is filled with restaurants, cafes and shops, including the popular brewery Offshore Ale and Red Cat Kitchen. It’s also the place to go for nightlife. A popular place to go at night is the Ritz, and no it’s not as fancy as you’d expect, it’s actually a humble dive bar with live music and cocktails.
Oak Bluffs is a pretty town with Victorian homes and Oak Bluffs Campground, which is not your typical campground, nor is it opened to the public.
The campground is actually rows of extravagantly decorated historic summer gingerbread cottages.
19th Century Methodist would retreat here to worship in summer camps. They soon became residents and replaced their canvas tents with colorfully painted Gothic designed cottages.
More than 300 proprieties are now privately owned by descendants.
You can look from the outside or take a tour of the Cottage Museum to glimpse inside. There are free concerts and movie nights held during the summer in the Tabernacle Complex in the middle of the homes.
After exploring the town, take the drive to the East Chop Lighthouse, high atop a 79 foot bluff with vies of Nantucket Sound.
On the East Chop Road, you’ll find many grey shingled mansions along the bluff road overlooking the sound. You can drive or walk along here.
In Oaks Bluff, grabbing the brass ring on the famous Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in the country, and grabbing a tasty treat from Back Door Donuts, are some other popular things to do.
6. Drive the scenic drive from Edgartown to Oaks Bluff
It’s a short scenic 6-mile drive between the towns of Edgartown and Oaks Bluff.
Along the way you’ll find The Bridge – you know the one from Jaws.
The stone quay Roy Scheider ran during the Jaws attack at the bridge is still there and runs perpendicular to the bridge.
Stop and jump off if you dare. It’s the thing to do in Martha’s Vineyard, you can even get T-Shirts that verify your triumph.
If the movie Jaws made me afraid of swimming pools, then there is no way I’d take the bridge jumping challenge.
Even though I know Jaws was a six-foot mechanical object, I don’t think I could bring myself to dip a toe.
I’m not quite sure of the depth and my ability to land without hurting myself.
You’ll also find Joseph A Sylvia State Beach, a 2 mile long sandy beach popular with families.
This is where the beach scene from Jaws was filmed with all the kids swimming.
Parking is limited so it is better to go early or bike, walk or take the shuttle.
7. Visit Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse
Aquinnah is the official Native American township on the island and the Wampanoag tribe are the guardians of the region.
Previous to 1997, this area was known as Gay Head and is located in the south west corner of Martha’s Vineyard.
The town is best known for its terra cotta clay cliffs.
For over a 100 million years, glaciers, sea and land have twisted layers of soil into colorful, waving bands that are perched above the sea.
The Cliffs of Aquinnah are really beautiful.
I love the Wampanoag myth to explain the creation of these sacred cliffs.
Moshup, the giant Creator, would wade into the ocean, pick up a whale, fling it against the Cliffs to kill it, and then cook it over the fire that burned continually.
The blood from these whales stained the clay banks of the Cliffs dark red.
You can explore the lower beach paths to see the cliffs up close and stretch along the sands at Moshup Beach, or take the upper trails to the top of the cliffs to catch a glimpse of Gay Head Light and nearby Elizabeth Islands.
The cliffs are protected from erosion so no walking on them or collecting them!
The Gay Head Lighthouse is an iconic structure at the top pf the cliffs that you can also visit.
There are a few gift shops on the small bluff near the cliffs, which have a lovely collection of Native American jewelry or paintings, or handcrafts.
I highly recommend purchasing some for these unique and meaningful souvenirs.
We arrived in the morning to the cliffs covered in fog. We came back before sunset at Menemsha and it was clear and pretty.
It’s well worth the 30 minute drive from Edgartown. The locals told us you just never know what it’s going to do. Good luck!
If you’re staying over the other side of the island, I’d save a visit here until before sunset at Menemsha to reduce driving time.
8. Pair lobster with your sunset at Menemsha
Menemsha on the west coast of Martha’s Vineyard is a quintessential New England fishing village.
We really enjoyed experiencing the sunset on the waterfront by Menemsha Beach on our last evening in Martha’s Vineyard.
Behind the beach at Menemsha is a small fishing port with old boats tied up at the dock, weathered shacks, drying nets, and lobster pots.
Eating freshly steamed seafood, particularly lobster in brothy chowder or stuffed clam, from one of the several fishing markets in the harbor is the thing to do for sunset.
You’ll see groups of people sitting on the rustic chairs on the dock eating lobster and drinking wine before they move over to the beach.
They close before sunset though so get in early!
Menemsha Fish Market was about to close, but they let us come in and order, but they had no lobster available. Larsen’s Fish Market next door is also said to be good.
The main event in Menemsha is the gorgeous sunset over the ocean.
There are plenty of rocks for the kids to scramble over while you watch the sun go down behind ocean views.
I loved the giant bell ringing out in the water with each movement of the ocean.
It felt very Jawsish!!
If the harbor looks familiar, it’s because several scenes from the Jaws was filmed here.
Menemsha Hills is also recommended for it beautiful hiking trails and high elevations.
9. Get acquainted with Vineyard Haven
You may get confused on the island as to where the dividing line between Tisbury and Vineyard Haven is – there is none; Vineyard Haven is Tisbury.
It’s actually the name of the ferry port, so most people call it Vineyard Haven, but it is Tisbury.
On the elegant to rowdy scale, it sits somewhere in the middle between Edgartown and Oaks Bluff.
You’ll find plenty of stores to browse in the small town here. Don’t miss a pub lunch at the Black Dog Tavern and a walk around the quaint Vineyard Haven harbor, and the drive from Oaks Bluff to here along the coastline is quite pretty.
You can also learn more about the history of Martha’s Vineyard at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, located here.
If you’re looking for fresh produce to cook meals at home, you must visit Vineyard Grocer, located in a cute red barn on the main road.
We were impressed with the amount of gluten free and healthy food here, and for a decent price too considering where it is located.
On the drive between Vineyard Haven and Menemsha, you’ll find the Scottish Bakehouse. We were so happy with the variety of gluten free sweets and bread – it’s a rare treat for us!
Except for Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, the Vineyard is “dry,” but many restaurants allow you to bring your own beer or wine.
The town of Vineyard Haven allows beer and wine – but no liquor – sales in restaurants only.
10. Bask on the island’s beaches
One of the main reasons people visit Martha’s Vineyard is for its beaches. We weren’t blown away by the beaches here, but for those who don’t get the luxury of visiting beaches often, you may disagree.
For families, State Beach in Edgartown is a good choice, as it has calm waters and shallow slopes, perfect for little ones.
Nature lovers will appreciate the serene beauty of East Beach on Chappaquiddick, which is wild and windswept, with some secluded spots for solace.
Norton Point Beach is the barrier beach between Chappaquiddick and South Beach and is often full of 4X4 cars driving between the islands. It’s not aesthetic, but beach driving is a unique experience.
How To Get To Martha’s Vineyard
To get to Martha’s Vineyard, you need to take a fast ferry across the Vineyard Sound from either Quonset Point, Rhode Island (takes about 1 hour 45 minutes), or take the Woods Hole, MA, ferry to Martha’s Vineyard (takes approximately 45 minutes).
If you’re taking your car over on the Martha’s Vineyard ferry, it’s best to reserve your ticket in advance so you don’t miss out.
If you are traveling via Woods Hole, it’s about a two-hour drive south of Boston and New York and takes approximately 5.5 hrs. Check traffic as this can drastically change on the East coast.
Check here for ferry times and prices with the Steamship Authority, as it varies depending on vehicles and passengers.
Getting Around Martha’s Vineyard
We took our vehicle over on the car ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. As we visited outside of peak time, we didn’t experience traffic problems or difficulty parking.
It’s meant to be a nightmare during the peak summer months, and through my research, I learned that it’s best not to take your car over to Martha’s Vineyard if you can get away with it.
It will be cheaper on the ferry and the public bus can take you around to different parts of the island.
The island isn’t very big. It’s 9 miles (12.8k) wide and 26 miles (40k) long at its furthest points; the total land area is approximately 96 square miles.
The longest drive would be from Oaks Bluff to Aquinnah, which is 19 miles and would take approximately 40 minutes by car.
So it’s possible to travel using public transport as most attractions are near to one another.
However, where you choose to stay will be very important to you if you don’t have your car. You want to stay in the area you most want to spend time in.
I’d recommend taking bikes if you have them as you can get around easily enough on them in the area you are staying in.
It is 6 miles from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown, which would be about a 40-minute bike ride.
Where To Stay In Martha’s Vineyard
We stayed at a cottage located in a quiet neighborhood between Vineyard Haven and Oaks Bluff.
It was cute and comfortable with everything we needed in the kitchen.
I thought it was overpriced compared to other places we’ve stayed at before, but I think accommodation on Martha’s Vineyard is more expensive in general.
If you plan on visiting Martha’s Vineyard with kids, especially in the peak season, be sure to book your accommodation in advance as far as you can.
Best Time To Visit Martha’s Vineyard
The best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard is in the shoulder seasons (May and September) which is between the peak summer seasons. Public holidays, such as Labor Day and 4th July, are usually busy.
These months provide fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and a more chilled-out vibe.
The peak season is June to August, which I would say is the worst time to visit Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a tiny island, and during these months, it just becomes crowded and unpleasant.
In the winter, many hotels and activities close down, so from October to March, you may get a quiet island to yourself but expect a lot of attractions to be shut.
April could be a good time to visit as it’s starting to warm up, but businesses may still be closed.
Is Martha’s Vineyard Worth Visiting?
We didn’t visit Martha’s Vineyard to scout out Jaws filming locations – we visited as it’s a place I’ve heard my parents mention as a popular vacation destination, as well as being a notable connection to the Kennedy family.
It’s not just the Kennedy’s who have lived or spent time on the island. Celebrities frequently visit and can often be seen in the summer months. Obama and his family rented a farm here one year at Chilmark, for example.
This celebrity status tends to put the price up at Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s seen a more of an affluent coastal retreat for the wealthy – so we thought we’d be in for a major treat.
I mean, when you have all that money and opportunity and you choose Martha’s Vineyard, it has to be something special.
After my visit, I’d have to say I was a little disappointed with Martha’s Vineyard, simply because we are from Australia and have been fortunate to have the opportunity to experience hundreds of beaches and islands (Australia is surrounded by 10,000+ beaches!)
Sadly, one downfall of living a nomadic life for as long as we have, is that you do experience so much, and it’s very difficult to not let that comparison creep in and dull a new experience.
I am very aware this is a problem specifically for us, especially when it comes to beaches.
So, while I know you trust our opinion, and that’s why I tell it to you straight, also be mindful of where our opinion comes from.
When you visit Martha’s Vineyard it may be a completely different experience for you and I don’t want to taint that because of my somewhat jaded eyes.
However, although we weren’t wowed, we did have a good time on Martha’s Vineyard with our family.
I think it’s important to make the most of every travel opportunity and love it for what it presents to you, even if it does fall below your expectations.
How did it fall down for us? OR how did we get it wrong?
I didn’t think the Martha’s Vineyard beaches were all that spectacular.
The weather wasn’t warm enough for swimming, although we visited Martha’s Vineyard in May, for some of you it may have been okay.
I don’t usually go swimming unless it’s baking hot and the water temperature warmish.
Looking at our photos you might think otherwise.
I had done my research before visiting Martha’s Vineyard and a couple of “oh my God, so spectacular scenic drives” came up.
I was super excited to take them, only to be left with a “wait, was that it?”
Maybe if I was like my Mum who doesn’t like to do much research and just likes to show up and be surprised, I may have been more wowed.
My expectations were placed too high.
Mostly though, I don’t think we experienced Martha’s Vineyard in the right way.
We were more on a sightseeing trip with my parents. So we wanted to move around and see notable places and experience cool local things.
I think a Martha’s Vineyard vacation is more of a rent a cottage and chill out on the beach for a week or two kind of place, which we weren’t in the right mode for.
I imagine if you rent a bike and cruise around the island on the many bike paths – that’s the right kind of Martha’s Vineyard vacation.
Because we were a little before peak season, some cool places like Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium of Martha’s Vineyard, known for their lobster ice cream and innovative desserts, weren’t open.
I can see how lingering at places like that would enhance your Martha’s Vineyard vacation.
A positive for visiting Martha’s Vineyard was we visited the week before memorial weekend, so it did mean the crowds hadn’t entered the island yet, so it was peaceful.
We can’t imagine what it must be like on Martha’s Vineyard during the peak summer season. The crowds and the traffic is meant to be intense.
Many people visit on day trips, which is possible. I think to fully appreciate its beauty, it’s best to stay on Martha’s Vineyard for at least two to three days.
Final Thoughts
Now that I’ve written this and looked back at the photos and the memories, I’m sad to have departed Martha’s Vineyard.
This pretty island is the perfect spot for a relaxing family vacation, and though it’s small and only has a handful of attractions, it meant we had more time to build a better connection as a family.
Isn’t it funny how sometimes you appreciate a place more after you’ve left it?
Video: Our Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
More Massachusetts Travel Tips
Need more inspiration about visiting Massachusetts? Here are some other helpful guides…
- How to see a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park
- Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston
- Legendary Things to do in Boston MA with kids (or without)
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What are you most excited to do in Martha’s Vineyard? Let us know in the comments.
