Find it on a Map

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Sites

« More Destinations | Martha's Vineyard Overview »

Aquinnah

The cliffs on the westernmost end of Martha's Vineyard are an amazing sight. The Wampanoag Indians appropriately named the area Aquinnah, meaning "High Land" because of the 150-foot high, rainbow-colored cliffs. For years the town was referred to as Gay Head because of the magnificent cliffs. Then, in 1987, descendents of the native Wampanoag people were recognized as a tribe and the name officially changed back to Aquinnah. The new generation of the Wampanoag tribe owns a number of shops, restaurants and acres of surrounding land. More »

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation (East Shore)

This breathtaking stretch of barrier shoreline and adjacent upland marshes, forests and grasslands offers a protected habitat to dozens of species of wildlife, especially nesting waterfowl. Located on Chappaquiddick Island, it is reachable by boat or, at certain times and with the proper permits, over-sand vehicles. During summer, guided tours can be booked with a naturalist through the Islands Regional Office. The beach is open to everyone, but regulated by the Trustees of Reservations. Adult admission is USD3, children get in free and parking is USD3. No camping is permitted. More »

Chicama Vineyards

The Mathiesen family founded the island's only commercial winery and vineyard in 1971. Nestled in the town of West Tisbury, Chicama offers free tours followed by an informative wine tasting. Free tastings without the tour are given any time during business hours. The vineyard specialty and visitor favorite is the slowly aged vinegars made from their wines, including Greek Oregano, Dill, and Opal Basil. Specialty foods and an assortment of gift baskets are also available for purchase. Tours are given daily during the peak season (May-October). Tours begin promptly at noon, 2pm and 4pm, Monday-Saturday. More »

Chilmark

In this fishing town, as in centuries past, fishermen and lobstermen return from a long journey at sea to unload their catch. The harbor, as well as other island spots, was used in the movie, Jaws. The town is comprised of farmland, ponds, and rolling hills. An ancient stone wall cuts through Chilmark. The town's nickname is Beetlebung Corner, because years ago the Tupelo trees were used to make "beetles" (mallets) and bungs (wooden stoppers). More »

Chilmark Public Library

Chilmark Library opened on December 15, 1882 with 33 books for rent for three cents a week. Today, it boasts over 30,000 books, as well as magazines, tapes, compact discs and audio-visual materials. Residents of Massachusetts get free library cards; all others are asked to pay a nominal fee. The library presents story time from Sept-June at 10:30a on Saturdays for children age three and up. Various arts and crafts seminars and classes are also held throughout the year; call for details. More »

East Chop Light

The lighthouse, on the bluffs near the historic town of Oak Bluffs, has been standing since the 1800s. The present tower, standing at 40 feet, was constructed in 1875, but the original dwellings and outbuildings have since been demolished. The gleaming white tower was painted a deep, chocolate brown in the past. The flashing green light serves as a marker for the U.S. Coast Guard. The grounds are open to the public and the interior is occassionally open for tours. It is presently operated by the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society. More »

Edgartown

Edgartown was founded in 1642, and was the first colonial settlement on the island. By the mid 1800s the town was ranked per capita as one of the wealthiest communities in the country. During that time, whaling and merchant captains built the beautiful Greek Revival homes that can still be found all over town. Edgartown continues to maintain its elegance with many luxurious inns, shops and restaurants. It is also a beautiful island town with several beaches and wildlife preserves nearby. More »

Edgartown Free Public Library

A perfect spot on a rainy day, the library boasts an extensive collection of books, reference materials, compact discs and audio and videotapes. You can also get access to the Internet, use a personal computer, or dig into the island's fascinating history—a library specialty. There is a children's room and a play area for toddlers. Residents of Massachusetts get free library cards; all others are asked to pay a nominal fee. More »

Edgartown Light

One of the many lighthouses on Martha's Vineyard, the Edgartown grounds, managed by the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society, are open to the public. The view from the grounds is breathtaking. The lighthouse, built in 1875 and refurbished in 1985, is an example of Cape Cod style, with three rooms on the first floor and two the second. It is 45 feet high, made of cast iron and continues to operate as a navigational aid. The walkway leading to the lighthouse is called the "bridge of sighs" because long ago, when men would leave on sailing trips, their girlfriends would be crying and sighing as they crossed. More »

Featherstone Meeting House for the Arts

The Meetinghouse is a community center for the arts. The goal is to bring the community together to support and encourage literary, visual and performing arts. The center offers free afternoon programs for young children as well as evening and weekend workshops for adults and teenagers. In addition, The Featherstone features concerts, gallery shows and exhibits, lectures and performances. Dates and times vary, but you may call for a schedule or check its Web site. More »

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Programs

Six miles of hiking trails meander through this 350-acre nature preserve. The well-marked trails lead visitors through open fields, woods, marshlands and beaches. Tree swallows, wood ducks, barn owls and osprey as well as other wildlife can be seen on the tour. Special programs are held throughout the year, including Sea Ducks at Squibnocket in Mar 30, 1p-3p, and a May plant sale; call for details. Park admission is USD4 for adults, USD3 for seniors and children under 13. More »

Flying Horses Carousel

Since 1884, islanders have enjoyed the beauty of this magnificent carousel. Built by Charles W.F. Dare, it is the nation's oldest platform carousel still in operation. Acquired by the Preservation Trust in 1986, the carousel is a National Historic Landmark. Children (and others) may enjoy a ride from Easter Sunday through Columbus Day. Rides cost just USD1 and if you catch the brass ring, you ride for free. Video games and refreshments are also available. More »

Gay Head Light

High atop the beautiful cliffs of Gay Head rests an equally magnificent lighthouse. A lighthouse has operated on this site since 1799, with the current 51-foot structure holding court since its construction in 1856. The site is generally closed to the public due to problems with erosion, but tours of the lighthouse are given by the historical society by appointment. The lookout in Gay Head offers a good view of the lighthouse, and you can see the original fresnel lens at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown. More »

Granary Gallery

A rustic, bright red barn is home to this popular gallery, representing a number of internationally recognized artists, including the famous photographers Margaret Bourke-White, Carl Mydans, and Alfred Eisenstaedt. The gallery is known for its weekly Sunday afternoon receptions with featured artists in the courtyard sculpture garden. In addition to paintings and sculptures, the gallery offers antiques as well. Artwork may be ordered from the gallery's Web site but a visit to its ever-changing collection is recommended. More »

Island beaches

The scenic view from any one of the sandy beaches on Martha's Vineyard is spectacular. There are 19 beaches in all, stretching from the north, south and eastern sides of the island. Many are open to the public, but others are reserved for summer homeowners and year-round residents. To use the town beaches, contact the town hall in the local community for a parking and beach permit. Select beaches are open to the public in Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and West Tisbury. More »

Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach

The local Trustees of Reservations oversee this pristine stretch of beach, dunes and grassland located on the South Shore. Nature trails lead up from the half-mile shore through the forest and grassland, offering glimpses of fresh and brackish water ponds and a wide range of local flora and fauna. The admission fee for adults is USD3; children get in free. Parking at this popular refuge costs USD9 per car and is limited. Call the gatehouse at +1 508 693 7392 anytime to inquire about parking status. More »

Manuel Correllus State Forest

This state park in Vineyard Haven is truly a natural wonder. The park consists of more than 5,000 acres and is located in the center of the island. It was created in 1908 as a "Heath Hen Reserve." Unfortunately, the attempt to save the bird failed; the Heath Hen has been extinct since 1932. Today, the park is used for recreational purposes such as hiking, cross country skiing, cycling, horseback riding and more. There are picnic areas, rest rooms and showers available. A large environmental restoration project is underway in an attempt to revive the native grassland ecosystem. More »

Martha's Vineyard Family Campground

It seems that everything on the island of Martha's Vineyard is overdone and extravagant. The islands only campground is no exception. The grounds offer such amenities as restrooms, a laundromat, recreation hall, store and playground. The spacious sites include picnic tables, fireplaces and hookups for tents and RVs (recreational vehicles). Electricity at 30 amps, water and sewage services are offered. The season runs from May through October. See their website for details. More »

Martha's Vineyard Film Society

This fairly young non-profit organization aims at bringing the best in documentaries, classics, and foreign language films to a class of film-lovers who appreciate fine cinema. The works are screened at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Spring Street, Grange Hall on State Road, Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs and at the Featherstone Center for the Arts on Barnes Road. The organization functions with the support of donations, and partly through ticket sales. One can register and avail of discounts on tickets, as well as receive notices on upcoming programs by email. A series of seminars and educational programs are also organized, for which one can volunteer. More »

Menemsha Hills Reservation

Menemsha Hills Reservation features 211 acres of woodland, rolling hills and sand cliffs, with 150-foot high headlands overlook the sea. There are over 3 miles of foot trails that lead past ancient stone walls through blueberry woodlands to the beach. On any given day harbor seals and flocks of scoters (sea ducks) are said to come ashore, adding to the scenic mile-long trail that runs to Prospect Hill, with a spectacular view of Gay Head. Admission is a voluntary donation of $1. More »

Oak Bluffs

In 1835, members of a church decided to use this part of the island for a summer meeting. Each year, the meeting became more and more popular. Soon, members of the congregation built cottages and stayed longer. Eventually, their "gingerbread" cottages filled the entire 34 acres and the town of Oak Bluffs was formed. Today, Oak Bluffs, on the northern shore of Martha's Vineyard, is a resort town with shops and restaurants. The beaches and walking and biking trails are a big attraction. To this day, it is still the home of an annual religious revival. More »

Oak Bluffs Public Library

A welcome refuge on a rainy day, this library offers Internet access in addition to the expected books and tapes. There is an active children's program, including story time for pre-schoolers, with times that vary with the season. Library cards are free for Massachusetts' residents; there is a nominal charge for out of state residents. Other services available to the public are a fax machine, a copy machine and "mainland" newspapers for those who need their New York Times fix. More »

Polly Hill Arboretum

Polly Hill started growing trees and plants from seed on the family farm more than 40 years ago, and they all grew to become the island's premier natural showcase. Hill has developed numerous plants now grown around the world—including the famous North Tilsbury Azalea. At the same time she expanded the range of plants on Martha's Vineyard. The requested donation for adults is USD5 and children 12 and under may enter for free. Lectures are held throughout the season and tour arrangements may be made in advance. More »

Seaside Daylily Farm of Martha's Vineyard

This organic farm specializes in growing daylilies. A family farm, it grows many varieties including soft shades of peach, pink, lavender, yellow and more. Individual prices range from $5 and up. Choose 25 plants for $99; if you buy any ten plants, you get one for free. Also for sale are great gifts for the gardener in your life, including gift certificates. The majority of the farm's business is mail order, but they do take orders for pick-up from May to September. More »

Tabernacle

In the 1800s, religious camps were popular on the island. As popularity increased, this open-air wrought iron structure was built, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the US. With seating for 3,000 people and exquisite woodworking and stained glass, it is truly a magnificent sight. In 1979, its centennial year, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabernacle is used today for concerts, Sunday church services, community sing-alongs and special ceremonies. More »

Vincent House Museum

Experience three centuries of island life in this unique museum. The house was built in 1672 and is considered to be the oldest dwelling on Martha's Vineyard. With its wide floorboards built low to the ground and central chimney, it is a perfect example of classic full-Cape architecture. It was moved to its present location and restored in 1977. Several walls have been left open to demonstrate early colonial building techniques. Five rooms are furnished in the evolving styles of home decor—from the basic necessities of the first settlers to the more opulent Federal look from the 19th century. Admission is $3 per person. More »

Vineyard Haven Public Library Storytelling

Like the other island libraries, this one appreciates its audience and rainy-day dilemmas. There is an active children's program and an extensive children's section that includes puzzles, magazines, videos and more. Story hours and activity events are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays (begin in October and go through May), with times varying with the season. Events are broken down by age so your little ones will have age-appropriate fun. Check the library Web site or call ahead for schedules. The library offers Mac and PC computers and Internet access. Activities are free. More »

West Chop Light

The original lighthouse was constructed at this location in 1817, but a new tower and dwelling were built in the late 1800s. The light is located in historic Tisbury, at the west entrance of the Vineyard Haven Harbor. Unfortunately, the grounds are privately owned and are not open to the public. However, the tower and light may be seen from the road. The lantern's red panel, when flashing red, serves as a warning that a boat is headed for danger. More »

West Tisbury

Today, this is the island's "year-round" town. For centuries, Tisbury, commonly known as Vineyard Haven, has been one of New England's top seaports. While much of Martha's Vineyard shuts down when the snow falls, here local shops, inns and restaurants remain open. The historic West Chop Lighthouse, Tashmoo Lake and Old Schoolhouse Museum are among the local attractions. Vineyard Haven is one of the harbors welcoming visitors arriving on ferries from the mainland. More »