Fora’s Take
Just off the coast of Cape Cod and adjacent to its better-known island counterpart - Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard is the perfect escape from city life. Although Martha's Vineyard can be enjoyed year-round, the best time to visit is between early May and the end of September. Spanning just about 100 square miles, this island is home to ample protected land, quaint town centers, and a wonderful restaurant scene. This destination has something for everyone.
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Day 1: Arrive on Martha's Vineyard
Getting there
The easiest and most convenient way to arrive is by plane. Fly into the local airport in West Tisbury (relatively central point to touch down!) *Jet Blue has plenty direct flights in the summer from JFK!
Another common way to arrive is by car and ferry. You can drive from wherever you hail, and book a car ferry to the island out of Woods Hole or Hyannis. You can also drive to any of the ferry docks on the mainland (Woods Hole, Hyannis, Providence) and ride a ferry as a passenger. Go up on the top deck to take in the fresh air and waterline views. Read a book and grab a coffee on board.
Get checked in
Find your house rental or hotel and get settled. Highly recommend the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown.
Dinner in town
Make your way to Bettini for dinner with its waterfront views, relaxed, warm environment with a chef-inspired menu featuring the season’s freshest offerings from local farms, fishing boats, foragers and markets.
Day 2: Adventure day
Start your day by walking over to your breakfast spot of choice. Espresso Love for fresh baked pastries, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and of course coffees and lattes. Among the Flowers serves smoothies and lighter morning fare. Or Toccopuro Coffee for the best coffee on the island.
Rent bikes in Edgartown and hop on The Chappy Ferry across to Chappaquiddick. Ride down the island roads to the Royal and Ancient Par-3 course for activity. You can rent clubs or bring your own, as well as bring your own drinks or buy a bucket of beers. Such a fun, walkable course for family and friends.
Post-golf, ride around Chappy and return to Edgartown. Head back to your hotel, shower and change!
Do some shopping in town. There are wonderful boutiques that line the streets of Edgartown. Then head to dinner at The Covington or The Atlantic.
Day 3: Beach day
Enjoy a slow morning and grab breakfast and lunch to-go at one of the spots you did not try yesterday. Load up for the beach. There are so many wonderful options for beaches that you can explore during your time on the island. State Beach (home of the Jaws Bridge), Inkwell Beach, Menemsha (wonderful for sunset and don't forget to grab a fresh lobster roll on your way to set up), South Beach (probably the best "classic beach day" option with parking along the water, and the option to deflate tires to do some sand driving).
Post beach day, head to Nomans for a casual dinner. This spot has lawn games and open-air dining. Perfect for winding down after a day in the sun.
Day 4: Island and boat day
Up and at 'em today! Get an early start and head to Grey Barn for an ethereal, bucolic start to your day. Chickens and bunnies roam free, with horses and cows in the distance. Willow trees and gardens line the walk up to the farmhouse, where you can get your hands on some of the best croissants and honey buns known to man - they go quick, so you must get there early! They also have fresh cheeses, meats, spreads, and produce for a killer charcuterie board.
Once you have your morning fuel, head to Oak Bluffs. Explore the historic Gingerbread houses, Main Street (Fat Ronnie's has fabulous burgers if you are looking for a classic fix), and Ocean Park.
Head to Vineyard Haven and pick up sandwiches at Waterside Market for a day on the water. You can rent a boat for the day and be picked up at the Vineyard Haven Marina. Such a great way to see more of the island and enjoy the great outdoors!
For dinner, try Lambert's Cove. A wonderful hidden gem tucked in the woods up-island. They have a beautiful outdoor set up with twinkly lights and fresh island menus during the summer. Very romantic!
Day 5: Lighthouse and bi-plane
Drive out to view the Cliffs at Aquinnah and Lighthouse for a classic vineyard view! Then head to the Katama Airfield for lunch and a bi-plane ride. You can hear more island history while getting a sky-high lay of the land, whilst also spotting wales, seals and sharks. Do the tricks tour to do some loop-de-loops in the sky!
Need to know
If you continue your stay through a full week or beyond, there are many more wonderful beaches, hikes, walks and areas to explore. Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs have many different types of restaurants, bars, stores and markets. A full itinerary also needs to be balanced out with a few relaxing days soaking in the local atmosphere.
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For more travel tips, check out Nicole Sansone's guide, The Key to a Family Holiday in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New England, Massachusetts