This is one of the most beautiful views of Martha's Vineyard. When talking to Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse, you will need to walk along a small sandy path with foliage on either side. You won't see the lighthouse at first, but once you descend upon the large beach the lighthouse sits on you will be able to see it. You'll also be able to discover some small sand dunes with traditional Cape sand grasses like lyme grass. You'll see plenty of boats coming in and out of the area, as you'll be able to see part of the rest of the island beyond in the distance.

Martha’s Vineyard is a popular summer destination for New Englanders and tourists from all over the United States and the world. The popular Town and Country Magazine said it perfectly: “It’s not Nantucket—and that’s the point.” Sister islands and the only islands off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket certainly have different personalities. A fun little fact, the famous 1975 American thriller ‘Jaws’ made this island an even more popular vacation spot for families, couples, and even celebrities! I once dined a few tables down from Meg Ryan while visiting, and the Obamas also own a house here. I’ve visited Martha’s Vineyard a few times. This post will tell you everything you need to know about how to get to Martha’s Vineyard and how to spend the perfect day here.

One Day in Martha’s Vineyard: How to get to Martha’s Vineyard

That’s what’s great about the island, it’s a good size with plenty to see and do. The Aquinnah Cliffs are one of the most beautiful places on the island, but there are also incredible beaches and the quaint town of Edgartown to explore. Even though the island seems very elusive, it’s surprisingly more accessible and affordable to visit than you may think! Here’s a complete guide for one day itinerary and everything you need to know about how to get to Martha’s Vineyard!

Need to Know for First Timers

Best Time to Travel to Martha’s Vineyard

The beautiful beaches in Martha’s Vineyard are the obvious reason New Englanders flock to this vacation spot in the summer, but this island offers so much more. As a local Bostonian, in my opinion, the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard is September. The weather can still be warm, and the tourists and beach-goers are few and far between. The summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day will be the most popular time to visit, so plan ahead and book your trip and accommodations in advance.

 Feeling overwhelmed planning your trip to Martha’s Vineyard? Contact me since I am a travel advisor and work with some of the best and most luxurious properties and networks around the world!

This is one of the narrow roads that goes through the neighborhood of Gingerbread Houses. The architectural style is known as Carpenter Gothic, common in North America in the late nineteenth century. All the cottages are painted in different bright colors, and most will be painted with at least a few different colors. They are also embellished with unique jigsaw decorations of almost endless variety usually around the trimming of the porches, or window frames. They all usually have a covered front porch, and intricate carvings around the bannisters as well. Many also have beautiful hydrangeas or other flowers growing in their very small front and side yards.

Oak Bluffs versus Edgartown

If you’re only traveling to the Vineyard for a day, I recommend spending time in the two more populated areas of Martha’s Vineyard- Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Since the main ferry terminal is in Oak Bluffs, this area is catered to tourists and visitors. Not far from Oak Bluffs is Edgartown, the most beautiful area on the island. Keep in mind that ferry schedules change based on the seasons. Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting this island!

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Here are some of the bigger Gingerbread Houses on one of the corners of the neighborhood. This is one of the narrow roads that goes through the neighborhood of Gingerbread Houses. The architectural style is known as Carpenter Gothic, common in North America in the late nineteenth century. All the cottages are painted in different bright colors, and most will be painted with at least a few different colors. They are also embellished with unique jigsaw decorations of almost endless variety usually around the trimming of the porches, or window frames. They all usually have a covered front porch, and intricate carvings around the bannisters as well. Many also have beautiful hydrangeas or other flowers growing in their very small front and side yards.

A Comprehensive Guide to Ferry Options to Martha’s Vineyard

Traveling from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard

The best way to get from Boston to Cape Cod is by car, and the best way to get from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard is by ferry. Well, Martha’s Vineyard is an island, so the only way to get to the island is by ferry! There are multiple locations to board a ferry on Cape Cod. In addition to multiple locations to choose from, there are also different ferry companies you can book through. These companies offer different location options, travel times, and ticket costs.

Here’s a perfect weekend getaway to Cape Cod itinerary that includes an option for a day trip to one of the Cape’s islands!

Where to board the ferry

There are a few different locations on Cape Cod where you can board a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. The Steamship Authority departs from Woods Hole, Cape Cod. Hy-Line Cruises departs from Hyannis, Cape Cod. If you’re driving to Cape Cod from Boston to board a ferry, the drive will take around one hour. Keep in mind that during the summer, the population of Cape Cod increases drastically, and if you’re driving during peak hours, you will run into traffic. Plan your trip ahead of time, accounting for drive time to the ferry terminal and time to park your car. Both of these ferry companies offer parking, but some parking lots may be off-site and require a shuttle transfer. Research parking options when booking your ticket and allow yourself extra time to park.

If you’re traveling to Cape Cod from Boston and are visiting for your first time, here are all the best things to do in Boston!

Traveling from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard

The two major ports and towns on Martha’s Vineyard are Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. It would seem logical that they would be located on opposite sides of the island, but they are not far from each other. Keep reading for the companies that operate ferries between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.

The Steamship Authority operates ferries year-round from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven OR Oak Bluffs.

Hy-Line Cruises offers only seasonal ferries from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs.

Island Queen is another seasonal ferry company that ferries between Falmouth and Oak Bluffs. The trip takes only around thirty minutes, and parking is available at Island Queen lots in Falmouth.

This Falmouth to Edgartown ferry is another great option with on-site valet parking, and it’s the only ferry that disembarks at Edgartown!

Seastreak offers a fast ferry between New Bedford, Massachusetts and Oak Bluffs.

Insider tip: Some companies allow you to reserve parking when you purchase ferry tickets. From personal experience, when parking at the Hy-Line Ferry off-site parking lot, the directions to the lot are confusing. The shuttle service also only runs every 15-20 minutes. The shuttle services can also be delayed and unpredictable, depending on the time of day and traffic. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time if you’re parking in off-site lots and plan accordingly with your departure time. You don’t want to miss your ferry time, and during the summer season when ferries are fully booked, it’s not easy to change your ticket!

how to get to Martha's Vineyard

Traveling from NYC to Martha’s Vineyard

The best ferry to book for traveling from New York or New Jersey to Martha’s Vineyard is Seastreak. The ferry departs from E. 35th Street and Highlands, New Jersey, and arrives in Oak Bluffs.

Traveling from Rhode Island to Martha’s Vineyard

There is one ‘Fast Ferry’ that sails between Quonset, Rhode Island, and Oak Bluffs. This ferry is seasonal only, and the total travel time is around two hours round-trip.

Flying to Martha’s Vineyard

There is the option to fly to Martha’s Vineyard, but I recommend checking Google Flights to find the best deals!

This is one of the narrow roads that goes through the neighborhood of Gingerbread Houses. The architectural style is known as Carpenter Gothic, common in North America in the late nineteenth century. All the cottages are painted in different bright colors, and most will be painted with at least a few different colors. They are also embellished with unique jigsaw decorations of almost endless variety usually around the trimming of the porches, or window frames. They all usually have a covered front porch, and intricate carvings around the bannisters as well. Many also have beautiful hydrangeas or other flowers growing in their very small front and side yards.

Getting around Martha’s Vineyard

Should you take your car to Martha’s Vineyard?

Some ferry companies offer the option to ferry your vehicle. If you plan to ferry your vehicle from Cape Cod, you will need to book a separate ticket well in advance. Both Cape Cod islands, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, discourage car traffic, especially in the summer. The ferries will charge a premium to ferry your vehicle. Many years ago, my husband and I spent a long weekend on the island, and at that time, it was around $250 to take our SUV for four days. I’m sure it’s even more expensive now, and at that time, I booked it at least six months in advance too.

How to Travel around Martha’s Vineyard

If you’re only staying in Martha’s Vineyard for the day, my biggest advice would be to rent a bike as soon as you get off the ferry. I’ve rented both electric and non-electric bikes, and the electric bikes are the best way to see the island. With an electric bike, it should take you less than half an hour to travel from Oak Bluffs (where you’ll most likely disembark a ferry) to beautiful Edgartown.

Insider tip: There are multiple bike shops and rentals on the island that offer online reservations. If you’re not up to biking, there’s also a bus route that encompasses the entire island and has daily operating schedules.

The Seafood Shanty from the top deck has incredible views of Chappaquiddick Island. You can see very close to the restaurant just a few blocks away there is a small ferry port that you can take a ferry to the island. If you're only planning one day in Martha's Vineyard, you might not have time to visit.

One Day Itinerary for Martha’s Vineyard

Morning: Explore the famous Gingerbread Houses

If you’re wondering what to do in Martha’s Vineyard, picking up an electric bike should be your priority! There are plenty of bike shops in Oak Bluffs where you’ll most likely disembark the ferry. Once you’ve picked up your bikes, enjoy a ride through the picturesque village of the Martha’s Vineyard Campground Association. There are so many things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, but the history of the 318 whimsical Victorian cottages is one of the best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard. You can easily bike around this area, or walk your bike. There are also large, common spaces where you can sit and relax, so bring a good book or a picnic lunch!

Explore downtown Edgartown

The most idyllic part of Martha’s Vineyard is Edgartown. This part of the island really feels like you’re stepping back in time. It reminds me of Nantucket, another magical Cape Cod island. If you’re only spending one day on Martha’s Vineyard, make sure to make your way towards this part of the island. Most of the best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, as listed below, are near Edgartown!

Afternoon: Eat Lunch at the Seafood Shanty

One of the best waterfront restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard is the Seafood Shanty. This restaurant has a rooftop deck with umbrellas to shade the summer sun. Make sure to try to get a reservation before visiting, this spot gets very busy in the summer! Try to snag a seat on the rooftop deck as you’ll be treated to views of Chappaquiddick Island. The food isn’t the best, but the views make up for it.

This is the famous bridge on Martha's Vineyard that was used in the movie Jaws. It connects two beaches with the ocean running in between, almost looking like a river. The depth here is shallow, so children love to jump off of it, which is what theyr'e doing here.

Visit Edgartown Harbor Light

Right down the street from the Seafood Shanty is Edgartown Harbor Light. You can easily bike through Edgartown to this spot, or leave your bikes by the Seafood Shanty and enjoy the walk. There’s a small path across from the Harbor View Hotel that leads right down to the lighthouse. If you bring your swimsuit and towel, this beach is so idyllic for relaxing on. It offers ocean views and the small harbor of downtown Edgartown.

The Harbor View Hotel is one of the best hotels in Martha’s Vineyard! If you’re interested in learning about VIP upgrades for your booking, please contact me!

Stop at the ‘Jaws Bridge’

Have you seen the famous Steven Spielberg movie ‘Jaws’? Much of that movie was filmed on this island! To be honest, when I visited, the only way I knew to stop at this location was all the children that were gathered around it! You could see them jumping off this famous bridge into the ocean. If you’re renting a bike on Martha’s Vineyard, the bridge will be on your way from Edgartown to Oak Bluffs.

Evening: Enjoy a Drink at Nomans

After you’re done exploring Edgartown before heading back to Oak Bluffs, stop at Nomans and enjoy a drink! Their outdoor patio game is on point, and their drinks are delicious. If you’re a fan of rum, they make their own house rum, and even have live music and lawn games occasionally!

Have Dessert at Back Door Donuts

A famous spot on the island, the ‘back door’ hours of this spot are a bit later, so make sure to check their website. If you’re visiting, be prepared to line up for a treat from their ‘back door’. If you’re spending one day on Martha’s Vineyard and want to make sure to make it here, you can always order a treat for breakfast or brunch as soon as you get off the ferry. You’ll avoid a line going earlier in the day and can grab a treat before renting your bikes and heading to Edgartown.

Find the famous Aquinnah Cliffs for sunset

The Aquinnah Cliffs are probably the most popular thing to see on Martha’s Vineyard. The cliffs are quite spectacular and worth a visit. The best way to see the Aquinnah Cliffs in Martha’s Vineyard is by car. Now I know you probably won’t have one when you’re visiting for a day trip, so if you have time, you can find a taxi or Uber. The road leading up to the cliffs is quite narrow, difficult, and somewhat dangerous for bikers. If you’re visiting the cliffs, make sure to stop at Gay Head Lighthouse nearby!

These Aquinnah Cliffs are famous in Martha's Vineyard. They are very tall cliffs that extend directly into the sea beyond.

Best Places to Stay in Martha’s Vineyard

Best Hotel in Martha’s Vineyard

Harbor View Hotel $$ • The Edgartown Inn $$$ • Winnetu $$$$ • Hob Knob $$$$

Best Bed and Breakfasts in Martha’s Vineyard

Narragansett House $$ • The Oak Bluffs Inn $$ • Summer Camp $$ • Pequot Hotel $-$$

Nantucket vs Martha’s Vineyard

Is Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket better to visit? In my opinion, as a Bostonian, Nantucket is my personal favorite. Edgartown feels similar to Nantucket, but I still think Nantucket has more charm. Oak Bluffs is quite touristy and doesn’t have as much charm, mostly because this is where the ferries disembark. Compared to Nantucket, it is also a much larger island, so there are more of a greater variety of places to stay and beaches to visit.

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

An Epic Weekend Getaway to Cape Cod: A LOCAL’S guide!

Best Things to Do in Nantucket: A Weekend on Nantucket comprehensive guide

Is a Day Trip to Nantucket worth it: A LOCAL’s Recommendations!

Best Waterfront Cape Cod Restaurants: Top 10 Restaurants with a view!

28 Best Beach Towns in New England: A Guide from a Local!

4 days in Boston itinerary: A local’s guide to the best of Boston!

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This is a traditional Cape Cod style home you'll find in Edgartown. This is the neighborhood that you'll walk through if you walk through town and continue to Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse and the beach. This white colonial style house with black shutters has an American flag hanging, and of course hydrangeas in the foreground of this photo adorning it.

Hey all! My name is Melissa, but everyone calls me Meliss. I’m originally from the States, and my husband and I moved to London from Boston at the end of 2022. I share my love of Boston and New England here, but living in London has also allowed us to see more of the world especially Europe, which I also love to share as well! Not only am I a blogger but travel advisor, so please contact me if you want help planning your next trip!

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2 Comments

  1. Melissa
    This is so informative. I want to visit this area in September. It sounds just beautiful and quaint

    1. September is one of the best months to visit the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket! The weather can still be warm, and there are far less crowds making it much more buget friendly. I hope you can get out to visit soon!

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