Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard lies on Cape Cod’s coast in Massachusetts. With its pristine beaches, vibrantly-colored gingerbread cottages, delicious seafood dishes, and beautiful sunsets, there’s no doubt that it has been a favorite hideaway and vacation spot by many.

Beyond this island’s magnificent beauty, there are several activities and tourist spots that are worth spending your time discovering and enjoying. Not to mention, what about the best beaches in Martha’s Vineyard? 

To help you out, here are the top things to do at Martha’s Vineyard. From exploring its rich culture and history, booking various city tours, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, and visiting different campgrounds and cottages. So, read on to learn more!

History of Martha’s Vineyard and the African American Experience

Martha’s Vineyard was not as famous as it was today. Previously, its population consisted of Native Americans, West Africans, and European settlers. When the Victorian Era approached, Oak Bluffs Town was founded by the Methodists Revival. They created the idea of visiting this historical vineyard for summer excursions, transforming Martha’s vineyard into a small tourist destination. 

Not long after, a certain cottage in Oak Bluffs was transformed into an inn where black vacationers could lodge in, making this town a second home for African-Americans. The Harlem Renaissance period paved the way for Inkwell Beach to become famous as it boasts the rich historical culture of Oak Bluffs. 

Through Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard started to become a favorite getaway destination for the black elite, including famous actors and singers, like Paul Roberson and Ethel Waters. Recently, Martha’s Vineyard was also referred to as “The Black Hamptons” because it became a popular vacation spot for wealthy African-Americans, including various black upper-class organizations. 

Tourists and locals often meet new people on this island, creating new connections known as the Vineyard Magic. To help you become more informed, here are different tourist attractions and beaches in Martha’s Vineyard. 

Top Things You Can Do In A Week

No matter how long you stay in Martha’s Vineyard, you can certainly find things to do every day. From sunbathing and eating, to admiring the sunset, this magnificent vineyard never runs out of interesting places and activities to try. 

Sunset Viewing

If you love admiring scenic views and capturing them in beautiful photogenic shots, you should not miss out on admiring the sunset on Martha’s vineyard. And the best place to appreciate it is on Menemsha Public Beach. Grab your chairs, blankets, and light snacks, and secure a spot along the beach to watch one of the most amazing sunsets on this island. 

Additionally, we suggest going there early because it can be hard to find a spot, especially during the summer season. You can also book a place at Menemsha Inn and Cottages instead to enjoy front-row seats to the sunset. In this way, you can simply admire the sunset beauty from your room or walk a short distance from your cottage to Menemsha Beach. 

Try Local Fresh Seafood 

A visit to Martha’s Vineyard will not be complete without trying its local fresh seafood by the beach. This island is surrounded by several active harbors and shorelines where fresh seafood is readily available. You might want to try getting your seafood fix from Larsen’s Fish Market, one of this vineyard’s famous places to enjoy fresh seafood catch. 

Local bay scallops are also famous on this island, and you can try eating them when visiting Menemsha Fish Market. You can also enjoy bountiful seafood take-outs from Menemsha Galley and Home Port Back Door. 

Movie Watching at Strand Theater

After spending the day at the beach, Oak Bluffs downtown’s Strand Theater is a great movie place to watch a movie alone or with your loved ones. The Strand Theater is a single-screen theater place renovated and reopened in 2015, composed of a new lobby, marquee, and stage combined with modernized comforts and improvements. 

Visit The Ocean Park

A visit to Oak Bluffs also calls for spending ample time visiting and appreciating the vineyard’s Ocean Park. The Ocean Park is packed with lush greenery, a gazebo, and unique Victorian-style houses. It’s an ideal tourist destination for a walk, playing frisbee, having a picnic lunch, or simply taking lots of photos that will serve as a remembrance of your amazing vacation. 

Enjoy bright Christmas lights during winter and bright potted flowers during the hot summer months. When you decide to go during August, you will witness beautiful fireworks as most tourists gather in the park’s gardens to enjoy a spectacular show. 

Divulge in Famous Restaurants

Martha’s Vineyard has some of the best-tasting dishes you should not forget to try when visiting. Each restaurant on this beautiful island features unique seafood and comfort dishes that tickle your taste buds and make you happy. We have listed the best restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard as well as their best-selling dishes:

• Henry’s – Knuckle Sandwich with fresh lobster.
• Atlantic Fish and Chop House – Truffle-Lobster Mac and Cheese, Moroccan Chicken, and Olive Tagine.
• Sweet Life Cafe – Whiting Farm Lamb Tartare.
• Larsen’s Fish Market – Crab cakes, Steamed lobsters.
• Garde East – Olive oil-poached halibut, seared black bass with chorizo.

City Tours of the Island

Joining guided city tours is one of the best ways to fully understand and appreciate Martha’s Vineyard’s rich history, culture, architecture, and scenic spots. However, before booking a tour, you must be certain that the tour is worth your money and will allow you to see as many views and spots as possible. 

Here are the top recommended city tours you should check out.

Gingerbread Cottage Walking Tours 

One of the vineyard’s famous tours is the Gingerbread Cottage Walking Tour, created by Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. These walking tours are available every Tuesday and Thursday of July and August. Additionally, you can also arrange private tours when traveling with large families. 

Gingerbread Cottage Walking Tours are also one of the most inexpensive day trips to Martha’s Vineyard, including free admission to the famous Cottage Museum. 

Edgartown Historic Property Tours

This exceptional historical property tour lets tourists know about the history of the oldest properties in Edgartown. The oldest residence in Martha’s Vineyard, the Vincent House, was built in 1672 but is now a museum that features various artifacts and rare colonial architecture. 

Aside from the museum, the Edgartown Historic Property Tours also allow you to visit Old Whaling Church, containing historical whale-oil lamps lit during the 19th century to help captains. 

Finally, the residence of the late Dr. Daniel Fisher, one of the richest men during whaling’s heyday, is also included in this property tour. 

These properties are available for guided tours every weekday from Memorial Day to Labor Day and are within walking distance from Edgartown Hotel. 

African American Heritage Trail Tours

The African American Heritage Trail Tours consist of 27 stops spanning Martha’s Vineyard, including notable historic homes of important residents, political activists, religious leaders, cemeteries, and meeting houses. 

Beaches

Martha’s Vineyard is also famous for its pristine and beautiful beaches, where you can relax and unwind or try out different water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. These beaches are commonly jam-packed every day, especially during the summer months.

Inkwell Beach

Inkwell Beach is a convenient beach to visit when you are coming from Oak Bluffs downtown. This beach is located on the right of Seaview Avenue, near Ocean Park. Inkwell Beach is a great tourist destination offering fine sand and safe lifeguard surveillance, especially during peak hours of the summer months. 

Joseph Sylvia State Beach

Joseph Sylvia State Beach is best known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, ideal for vacationers who love taking long walks on the sand. This state beach is located between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. It has also been the swimmers’ favorite because of its gentle waves. 

From Joseph Sylvia State Beach, you can gain access to the “Jaws Bridge,” which was so named because it was the location of the famous 1975 movie. It eventually became the ultimate Jaws memories from Martha’s Vineyard because it’s the best spot when you want to take a brave plunge into the water. 

Long Point Beach

Long Point Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in West Tisbury. This beach has two sides: a sandy beach between Chilmark and South Beach with Atlantic waves on one side and calmer fresh waves ideal for kids on the other. Moreover, you can try paddleboarding and kayaking on Long Point Beach. 

Tashmoo Town Beach

Tashmoo Town Beach is a public beach that you can access via a 1.5-mile Franklin Street beside the golf course of the Mink Meadows. A drive or bike ride allows you to witness the colorful beach houses standing on the dunes. You can also achieve a great scenic view of “Chip-Chop, ” a celebrity-owned house. And if you fancy fishing, Tashmoo Town Beach is just the perfect beach spot. 

Campgrounds/Gingerbread Houses/Carousel 

Aside from beaches, restaurants, and different city tours on Martha’s Vineyard, several campgrounds and carousels should also be on your list of destinations to visit. These places serve as a great way to get to know the history of this vineyard better and more extensively, allowing you to appreciate its culture more. 

Gingerbread Cottages

The Gingerbread Cottages are the most famous attractions in Martha’s Vineyard. They are also referred to as campgrounds because they are the original locations where Methodist camp meetings were held. You will fall in love with the historical architectural design of these cottages – picket fences, delicate trimmings, and wee sizes. 

These cottages were named because they resemble the gingerbread houses in storybooks. Ultimately, you should not miss out on these National Historic Landmarks. 

Flying Horses Carousel

The Flying Horses Carousel is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most beloved historic attractions. This carousel was originally built in 1876 on Coney Island before moving to Oak Bluffs last 1884. Flying Horses Carousel is known as the United States’ oldest platform carousel, and it’s a must-see for any historic enthusiast.

Best Hotels in Martha’s Vineyard

Naturally, you need an accommodation to stay in when you plan to visit Martha’s Vineyard for a few days. 

Here are our top picks for where to stay in Martha’s vineyard.  Find more options here.

The Harbor View Hotel

The Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown downtown boasts vibrant rooms with brass details, nautical-inspired mahogany, and a blue-and-cream theme to complement the water views from the Edgartown Lighthouse. This property is also equipped with a restaurant and a bar:

• Bettini – for upscale and high-end meals.
• Roxanne Bar – casual Mediterranean, Asian, and New England small plates.

The Christopher

The Christopher is one of the Victorian-style inns by Lark Hotels, located on South Water Street, near Edgartown’s dining and shopping street. You’ll love the bohemian vibes of this hotel’s guest rooms, with local artwork decor hanging on patterned walls. This hotel’s fire pit is a top tourist spot because it’s the perfect hangout place to enjoy a sunset cocktail. 

Staying at The Christopher entails a free breakfast, where you can choose from blueberry scones, cinnamon swirl pieces of bread, baked eggs, and fresh fruits. 

Winnetu Oceanside Resort 

Winnetu Oceanside Resort is the perfect accommodation for beach lovers because its private path allows you to reach South Beach easier and faster. You’ll enjoy various amenities in this hotel, including the following:

• Badminton court.
• Morning yoga classes.
• Swimming.
• Life-sized chess sets.
• The Dunes.

The Hob Knob 

The Hob Knob is the perfect hotel if you wish for some peace and tranquility. This hotel was previously a New England home that turned into a guesthouse, making it intimate and charming, and perfect for a couple of tourists. Experience relaxation when booking a spa treatment in this hotel’s on-site spa. 

Staying at The Hob Knob gives you a complimentary breakfast in Martha’s Vineyard, choosing from eggs Benedict, blueberry waffles, lox platters, and more. Additionally, you can bring your pets with you because this hotel is exclusively pet-friendly. 

Martha’s Vineyard Got Everything for You

As promised, we have given you a long list of spots to visit, the best beaches in Martha’s Vineyard, hotels to stay in, and things you can do when staying here. Even if the prices can be a little expensive, you’re guaranteed that your vineyard trip is not just an ordinary vacation. It’s certainly a unique tourist destination worth visiting and coming back to. 

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