Top Martha’s Vineyard Attractions

Just seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts, lies the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Though occupation of the island dates back to 2270 B.C., its modern history begins in 1602, when English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold named it for the wild grapes found there (and also, it’s said, for one of his daughters).

There are six towns on the island, classified as up-island or down-island. Aquinnah (formerly known as Gay Head), Chilmark and West Tisbury are up-island; Vineyard Haven (also known as Tisbury), Oak Bluffs and Edgartown are down-island. The terms “up” and “down” are nautical and refer to longitude on a map.

Vacationers, day-trippers and weekend visitors gravitate to Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven and Edgartown. Each town has its own particular charms, from secluded cliff walks to busy shopping areas to historic lighthouses. Most people visit during the summer, but there are plenty of things to do during the off-season too.

Here are some of the top sites and attractions to be sure to visit during your Martha’s Vineyard vacation.

 

• Take a tour of the colorful gingerbread cottages in Martha’s Vineyard.

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Down-Island Attractions

Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is home to hundreds of colorful 19th-century “gingerbread” cottages (tiny Victorian homes), built by Methodist church members who set up summer camps in the 1800s and eventually built up the area. The Victorian architecture is everywhere in town and makes for a charming tour. Oak Bluffs is also traditionally an African-American vacation spot dating back to the turn of the century and is home to famous Inkwell Beach. [Read more in our Martha’s Vineyard Beaches article.]

Circuit Avenue (Oak Bluffs’ main drag) is the best place to spot celebrities. The Flying Horses Carousel anchors one of the busiest intersections of the island and is a must for all children. $1.50 per ride. Open Easter Sunday through Labor Day. www.mvpreservation.org

Vineyard Haven

Vineyard Haven, the main ferry port, is by far the most touristy of the island’s towns and is where you’ll find the world-renowned Black Dog Tavern. The restaurant is known for its clam chowder, and every meal should start with a cup or bowl. The fish and chips is a standout dish, as well as the huge and delicious burgers. [Get additional Martha’s Vineyard restaurant recommendations.] Vineyard Haven Harbor. Tel. 508-693-9223. www.theblackdog.com

Many tour buses await day-trippers here in the summertime and are well worth the price if you need a quick overview of the island. There are also public transportation, rental car agencies and bike rental shops right by the dock. Near the ferry landing a short stroll along the sand brings you to a small harbor beach and playground. There is a lifeguard on duty in the summer.

 

• The Island Queen ferry offers daily service from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs.

William DeSousa-Mauk

Edgartown

Edgartown, where most of the 19th-century wealthy whaling captains lived, is the county seat and the grande dame of the down-island towns that became rich (along with Nantucket) on whaling profits. It’s still filled with the stately white, clapboarded Federal-style mansions of the whaling captains. Walk down North Water Street to see the best of them. Definitely the tonier of the island towns, Edgartown’s Main Street is filled with clothing and jewelry stores, restaurants and art galleries where Pissarros share exhibition space with local artists.

For a detailed glimpse to the past, visit the Vincent House, built in 1672, the oldest-known house on the island; the Dr. Daniel Fisher House, an 1840 Federal-style residence; and the Old Whaling Church, which was built in 1843 for Edgartown's Methodist whaling captains. The Vincent House has five rooms furnished with period antiques that depict life throughout the last four centuries. While the architecture is gorgeous, this is probably more an activity of interest to adults, rather than kids.

The Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust offers guided tours of the properties daily from May through Columbus Day at 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. Tours begin at the Vincent House and last 45 minutes. 99 Main St. Tel. 508-627-8619. www.mvpreservation.org

The Farm Institute

An unexpected activity on the Vineyard is a stop at the Farm Institute in Edgartown, a non-profit organization of farmers, teachers and community activists who are dedicated to educating and engaging children and adults in sustainable agriculture on a diverse 162-acre working farm.

 

• The Farm Institute is a teaching farm promoting education and sustainable agriculture.

Courtesy of The Farm Institute

While many summer weeklong camps for kids are offered, the Institute does have a few one-day programs, but they fill up fast, so book early. Farmer for a Day for kids ages 6 to 14 allows kids to work on the farm, doing chores like feeding animals and working in the garden; $50.

Farm tours are also offered daily Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. ($10 per family or $5 per person). Stop by the Farm Stand Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for fresh produce. Other events are offered throughout the year, such as a corn maze in the fall. 14 Aero Ave. Tel. 508-627-7007. www.farminstitute.org

Next: Up-Island Attractions