Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard blends small-town warmth with upscale appeal, offering everything from farmers markets and film festivals to sailing trips and serene beaches. Each of its six towns has a distinct vibe, from the vibrant arts scene of Oak Bluffs to the quiet sophistication of Edgartown. Visitors come for the scenic trails, salt air, and sense of timeless tradition. The island is a perfect balance of nature, culture, and understated luxury.
Top areas to stay at in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Edgartown
Edgartown is known for its stately captain’s homes, elegant boutiques, and beautiful harbor views. Vacation rentals in Edgartown include restored colonial houses, ocean-facing apartments, and high-end Airbnbs within walking distance of the waterfront. Guests can explore the Edgartown Lighthouse, dine at seafood restaurants, or stroll charming streets lined with hydrangeas. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a sophisticated, coastal experience.
Oak Bluffs
Lively and colorful, Oak Bluffs offers iconic gingerbread cottages, a charming harbor, and family-friendly attractions. Rentals in Oak Bluffs include Victorian homes, porch-wrapped Airbnbs, and stylish lofts near the Flying Horses Carousel. This area is great for those who enjoy beach days, casual dining, and evening strolls. Oak Bluffs has a vibrant, welcoming energy.
Vineyard Haven
The island’s main port town, Vineyard Haven is a year-round community with boutique shopping, local art galleries, and harbor views. Vacation homes in Vineyard Haven include traditional New England cottages, modern apartments, and convenient Airbnbs near the ferry terminal. Visitors can enjoy bookstores, bakeries, and scenic bike rides. It’s ideal for travelers who want convenience without crowds.
Chilmark
More rural and private, Chilmark is known for its rolling hills, stone walls, and exclusive beachfront properties. Rentals in Chilmark include large homes with panoramic views, secluded cottages, and Airbnbs near hiking trails and nature preserves. This area is a top choice for relaxation, stargazing, and outdoor adventures. Chilmark is the island’s quiet, scenic soul.
Aquinnah
At the western tip of the island, Aquinnah is home to the Wampanoag Tribe, the famous clay cliffs, and Gay Head Lighthouse. Vacation rentals feature oceanview homes, off-grid cabins, and peaceful Airbnbs with coastal vibes. Visitors can hike the scenic cliffs, learn about Indigenous history, or enjoy a beach picnic. Aquinnah offers natural wonder and cultural depth.
Must-visit places and attractions in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Edgartown Lighthouse
Located at the entrance to Edgartown Harbor, the Edgartown Lighthouse offers stunning views and photo-worthy moments. Visitors can walk the sandy path, climb the lighthouse, or enjoy the quiet beach below. The lighthouse captures the essence of Vineyard beauty.
Flying Horses Carousel
Built in 1876, the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs is the oldest operating platform carousel in the U.S. Children and adults alike enjoy trying to grab the brass ring for a free ride. The carousel has charming hand-carved horses and a nostalgic atmosphere.
Gay Head Cliffs and Lighthouse
The colorful clay cliffs of Aquinnah offer one of the island’s most spectacular natural views. Visitors can hike trails above the cliffs, tour the Gay Head Lighthouse, and learn about the Wampanoag heritage of the area. The site is both sacred and scenic.
Mytoi Japanese Garden
Nestled on Chappaquiddick Island, the Mytoi Japanese Garden is a tranquil hideaway with winding paths, footbridges, and koi ponds. The garden offers a unique cultural contrast to the rest of the island’s landscape. Guests can relax beneath cherry blossoms and enjoy meditative surroundings.
Menemsha Fishing Village
Located in Chilmark, Menemsha is a working fishing village with rustic docks, lobster shacks, and postcard-worthy sunsets. Visitors can buy fresh seafood, watch boats come in, or enjoy a beach picnic with views of Vineyard Sound. Menemsha captures the maritime spirit of the island.
Lucy Vincent Beach
One of Martha’s Vineyard’s most scenic and private beaches, Lucy Vincent Beach is known for its dramatic rock formations and pristine shoreline. Access is limited to Chilmark residents and renters, making it peaceful and uncrowded. The beach is perfect for sunrise walks, quiet reading, and ocean views.
Island Alpaca Company
For a family-friendly experience, the Island Alpaca Company offers the chance to meet, feed, and learn about alpacas. Visitors of all ages enjoy interacting with the gentle animals and browsing the farm’s fiber shop. The farm adds charm and character to your island stay.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Operated by Mass Audubon, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary features four miles of trails through forests, meadows, and salt marshes. Guests can spot birds, turtles, and deer, or join guided nature programs and kayaking tours. The sanctuary is great for families and nature lovers.
Where to find a vacation rental near Martha’s Vineyard
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Roughly two hours away by ferry or air, Nantucket is Martha’s Vineyard’s storied sister island, featuring cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques, and coastal history. You can visit the Whaling Museum, bike scenic trails, or relax on wide, quiet beaches. Settling into a vacation rental in Nantucket, like a shingled cottage or luxury oceanfront estate, offers timeless maritime elegance just across the sound.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Accessible in under two hours by ferry and car, Cape Cod stretches out with sandy beaches, charming villages, and summertime vibrancy. Whether you're exploring Provincetown’s art scene or Chatham’s scenic harbors, the peninsula invites discovery. Staying in a vacation rental in Cape Cod, such as a clapboard house near the shore or a cottage tucked in a quiet village, extends the Vineyard's coastal rhythm with a broader New England canvas.
Newport, Rhode Island
Around two and a half hours by ferry and car, Newport dazzles with Gilded Age estates, yachting culture, and cliffside ocean walks. Visitors can tour The Breakers, sail the harbor, or enjoy coastal dining. A vacation rental in Newport, like a harbor-view condo or elegant seaside cottage, brings opulence and history to your journey. Newport’s grandeur adds contrast to the Vineyard’s more understated charm.
Boston, Massachusetts
About two and a half hours north including ferry time, Boston delivers colonial history, world-class museums, and cosmopolitan energy. Walk the Freedom Trail, catch a game at Fenway, or savor the North End’s Italian fare. Choosing a vacation rental in Boston, from a Seaport loft to a Back Bay brownstone, brings a rich urban layer to your coastal itinerary. The city’s depth and legacy offer a vibrant counterpoint to island serenity.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Roughly two and a half hours away via ferry connections, Block Island is a quiet escape of cliffs, beaches, and natural beauty. Visitors can hike the Clay Head Trail, visit Southeast Light, or enjoy gentle surfing and sailing. Booking a vacation rental in Block Island, such as an ocean-view cottage or rustic beach house, keeps the focus on calm, preservation, and simplicity. Its low-key charm echoes the Vineyard’s own coastal ethos.
Explore enchanting island escapes and captivating natural beauty across the United States
Martha's Vineyard is a haven for nature lovers, offering picturesque landscapes and serene beaches. If you are looking to extend your natural exploration, consider Kennewick Washington accommodation, where the stunning Columbia Park with its riverside trails awaits. The lush, tropical atmosphere of Kihei airbnb on Maui provides access to breathtaking beaches and opportunities for snorkeling in the clear Hawaiian waters. You can also immerse yourself in the scenic splendor of the Black Hills by finding accommodation Spearfish, where the iconic Spearfish Canyon offers mesmerizing waterfalls and hikes.
For those captivated by island lifestyles, the charm of Avalon is mirrored in several unique destinations. Avalon vacation rentals on Catalina Island, renowned for its serene beaches and colorful marine life, offer a peaceful retreat. Experience the unspoiled beauty of North Padre Island vacation rentals, a barrier island in Texas known for its extensive sandy shores and diverse wildlife. Discover the tranquility of Hawaii by staying at rentals in Moloka'i, an island celebrated for its untouched landscapes and vibrant local culture. Alternatively, the lively atmosphere of airbnb South Padre Island, with its bustling waterfront and various water sports, promises a dynamic island getaway.