Best Time To Visit Martha’s Vineyard

Imagine yourself relaxing on a sunny weekend. Spending hours looking at picturesque views surrounded by the abundance of flowers. Then when you travel to the coast, you have the chance to enjoy pristine beaches. 

All of these in a single island. Sounds like an exciting getaway, right? 

If you plan to ease up on life’s demands, a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard may be what you need. The Vineyard lies along the Atlantic coast in the south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is home to spectacular beaches, art galleries, restaurants, and historical places. 

But your vineyard experience would be better if you carefully plan and research the place first. Know about the best time to visit and the activities you shouldn’t miss. So, how to get to Martha’s Vineyard? Well, we’ve got you covered; read up to learn more. 

What Is The Best Time To Visit Martha’s Vineyard? 

Winter may spoil the vineyard fun. You wouldn’t be able to enjoy the beaches and the mesmerizing scenery of plants and flowers due to hovering snow and coastal storms. Most businesses like restaurants, hotels, bike rentals, and Airbnb are more likely to close during the winter. 

Spring, fall, and summer are the most recommended seasons to witness the place and maximize your experience fully. But with the island’s breathtaking beauty, it is not surprising to expect a crowd during these times.

Schedule your trip in April and September. These months are shoulder season, saving you from the chaos of many visitors. The climate during this time also allows tourists to enjoy rentals and activities within the Vineyard freely. 

How To Get To Martha’s Vineyard?

Your trip to Martha’s Vineyard is not that easy, but it is undoubtedly worth traveling! This gem is only accessible through a boat or plane ride. There are no bridges or tunnels that you can pass through to drive to the island directly. 

Two ferries offer year-round trips to the place: Hy-line Cruises and The Steamship Authority. Both ferries allow you to reach the Vineyard in 45 minutes. 

The Steamship Authority departs at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, to Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. You will need to make a reservation for your car; take note that it may be pricey. But with the activities that you can do on the island, there’s a high chance that you wouldn’t need your vehicle. You can look for car rentals in Martha’s Vineyard while you stroll around. 

Hy-line cruises can’t take your car. Only passengers are allowed to ride on the ferry. It leaves from Hyannis, then arrives at Oak Bluffs, and it takes you 45 minutes as well. 

Please be guided that both operators experience full bookings most of the time. So it is ideal to reserve earlier, especially if you plan to visit the island during the summer. 

Can you fly directly to Martha’s Vineyard?

If you are not a fan of the waters, the good news is that you can fly directly to Martha’s Vineyard! 

Hyannis Air Services, Inc., also known as Cape Air, offers direct flights to the Vineyard. Starting points are Boston, White Plains, Providence, New York, Hyannis, Nantucket, and New Bedford. The airline also implements a pet-friendly policy if you plan to take your pets on vacation. 

Cape Air also works with other companies for your flights. They partner with JetBlue and Delta, which continuously flies in Boston and New York during summer. Other airlines like Tradewind Aviation also have flights to the Vineyard from New York, White Plains, and Teterboro, NJ.

The Busiest Time On The Island

You might want to avoid booking a trip to the Vineyard in August. It is the busiest month for the island, especially since it is still the summer season. July 4th also prompts big crowds on the Vineyard, so you might want to tick off July to your booking plans unless you enjoy large crowds. 

Watch out for these months because you would not want large crowds preventing you from taking a good stroll on the beach or hiking on wooded trails. 

Unique Things To Do In Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard lets you enjoy everything that nature can offer all at once. With friendly Alpacas, beaches, and other areas with a rich ecosystem, spending time on the island gives you an adventure. The island has many water bodies, historical places, and restaurants with the best foods you must try! 

Best Beaches in Martha’s Vineyard

There are about 19 beaches in the Vineyard. Not all beaches are open to the public. Some are exclusive to residents and summer visitors.  Read more details about beaches in Martha’s Vineyard here.

Listed are some of the best ones that you must visit in the Vineyard: 

• Aquinnah Beach
• Menemsha Public Beach
• Long Point Beach
• Lake Tashmoo Town Beach
• Owen Park Beach
• Lambert’s Cove Beach

Be Taken Back In Time

Aside from the soothing waves of the beaches, you can also visit historical locations such as Gingerbread cottages, West Chop or Edgartown Lighthouse. You may also want to drop by the Flying Horses Carousel if you’re taken back to 1876. 

Travel to these places from your inn or VRBO by renting a bike. There are many bike rentals in Martha’s Vineyard. Besides, riding a bike can give you a fresh breath of air while pedaling past the island’s beauty. 

Restaurants You Should Not Miss

Of course, your trip wouldn’t be complete without tasting the menu of the Vineyard. Expect restaurants offering seafood, pasta, and fresh greens. 

Here are some of the best restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard: 

• Garde East
• Salvatores 
• Alchemy 
• 19 Raw Oyster Bar
• Beach Road
• Détente

Restaurants may also offer cocktails you can enjoy with your friends. So spend the night having fun with good food, drinks, and company on the island. If ever you wake up with a hangover, many dining places offer breakfast in Martha’s Vineyard. 

Where To Stay In Martha’s Vineyard

Don’t have any idea where to stay in Martha’s Vineyard? We got you. Here are some of the best hotels in Martha’s Vineyard. Put the Kelley House Hotel, the Edgartown Collection, Harbor View, and Summercamp on top of your list. 

The Kelley House Hotel has 54 rooms and has been around for 275 years. Although it has been built for a long time now, the owners have made renovation efforts following contemporary designs. The hotel is located in the former port of Edgartown. 

Meanwhile, if you want to experience a luxurious stay in the Vineyard, you might consider booking the Edgartown Collection. There are four inns in the collection: The Sydney, The Richard, The Christopher, and The Edgartown Inn. The group totals 69 rooms. 

The landmark hotel, The Harbor View, is located at Vineyard’s middle point. The hotel has 117 rooms and has been renovated regularly. 

Lastly, if you are the adventurous type, you might consider staying at the Summercamp. Whimsical designs await you, and amenities like a vintage game room and a canteen with nostalgic snacks. 

But your island experience may be better if you’ll have the chance to have more privacy with your family on the island. You can also check and search for available VRBO and houses for rent in Martha’s Vineyard. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article answered the question, “how to get to Martha’s Vineyard?” With seafood, sunsets, and nature–Martha’s Vineyard can surely bring you to a state of serenity. 

It would be best if you visited the Vineyard at shoulder seasons to enjoy its amenities without the crowd’s frenzy. It is also better to reserve ahead to enjoy possible hotel discount rates. Being an early bird also lets you secure a slot on ferries and flights, especially since they always appear fully booked! 

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