Logan Voss
Ever since Jaws made Martha’s Vineyard an iconic destination in 1975, people have been enjoying all the natural beauty the island has to offer. Whether visitors decide to take an exciting day trip or spend an entire week there, the island features various sights and activities for everyone to enjoy. This destination isn’t meant to keep you bustling all day long—Martha’s Vineyard is a relaxing spot in which to unwind and take it easy.
The Best Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard
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1. Relax at the Beach
Martha’s Vineyard has a number of beautiful, restful beaches. Four of our favorite beaches on the island include Inkwell Beach, Lucy Vincent Beach, Katama Beach, and Norton Point Beach. Katama Beach is well-known for its awesome surfing, while Lucy Vincent Beach is one of the few clothing-optional beaches in the States.
2. Try Out Farm.Field.Sea
Farm.Field.Sea is the ultimate culinary adventure. The organization takes small groups on excursions to local farms so that they can learn to harvest food from sustainable sources. On your adventure with FFS, you’ll create your own perfect meal from produce you sourced yourself.
3. Admire the Lighthouses
Four different lighthouses are open to the public on Martha’s Vineyard—Gay Head, Edgartown, East Chop, and Cape Poge. These lighthouses are a big tourist attraction for the island, and for good reason. The most popular is the Edgartown Lighthouse, which is absolutely stunning at sunset.
4. Visit Chappaquiddick
Technically part of Edgartown, Chappaquiddick is either a peninsula or its own island, depending on the tide. When you step onto Chappaquiddick, it’s like you’re in another world entirely—just don’t forget to bring your own food, as there are no restaurants. Our favorite spots are the Mytoi Japanese garden and Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge.
5. Check Out the Aquinnah Cliffs
Home to enthralling terra-cotta clay cliffs and the Gay Head Lighthouse, Aquinnah is the official Native American township of Martha’s Vineyard. One of the island’s most-visited tourist spots, the town offers bus and bike tours to connect visitors with the glacier-carved cliffs. Be careful during your exploration—many spots are off-limits to visitors in order to preserve the location.
6. Take a Ride at Flying Horses in Oak Bluffs
Go back to your childhood and ride the Flying Horses Carousel—the oldest operating carousel in the country. Built in 1876, the carousel brings in huge crowds of kids and adults alike. Even if carnival rides aren’t your thing, we suggest a visit anyway so that you can partake in the exciting, nostalgic atmosphere.
7. Watch the Sunset at Menemsha
The quintessential New England fishing village, Menemsha is perfect if you’re looking for eateries with breathtaking views and fresh seafood. You won’t be the only one on the dock chowing on some lobster and then heading to the beach. Take in the glorious sunset on one of the harbor’s massive rocks and enjoy everything Martha’s Vineyard has to offer.
