If you’ve ever visited or lived on the East Coast, specifically New England, chances are you have spent time on or heard about the island of Martha’s Vineyard. This island is located in the Northeastern United States, about forty-five minutes south via ferry off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Honestly, as a kid, I thought Martha Stewart owned the island and that there were actually wine vineyards on this island. Sadly, both are false. Anyone else?
Martha’s Vineyard may be a small island, home to about 17,000 year-round residents, but it is certainly a hot spot to visit in the summer months. June through September are the best times to visit, but are technically in the busy season. During this time, the island population reaches up to 200,000 people!
If you want a quick video of things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, check out my tiktok here.
While we’re at it, let’s be friends on Instagram and TikTok!
25 Things To Do In Martha’s Vineyard During the Weekend
When visiting Martha’s Vineyard, you are guaranteed to experience beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and outdoor activities. It also has hot days with cool nights and a diverse pool of travelers all looking for a little escape from their own realities.
Some visitors come to the island just for the day, but a weekend or longer would be the most ideal time frame in order to hit every must-see destination on the island. In fact, Martha’s Vineyard would be the perfect spot for a summer weekend getaway. I spent about 4 days here and wish I had longer to experience more activities in Martha’s Vineyard
Getting to Martha’s Vineyard
Traveling to Martha’s Vineyard will require taking a ferry from one of the terminals listed. There is no bridge to Martha’s Vineyard so your only options for getting there is a ferry or by plane. Ferries will take you from different terminals in Massachusetts Rhode Island and New York or New Jersey.
Once you get the ferry, it will then bring you into one of two terminals on the island: Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. When traveling with a vehicle, car reservations must be made months in advance for trips taken during the busy summer months. Guests without cars should purchase tickets per individual passenger before arriving at the ferry.
Alright, let’s dive in! Here are the best things to in Martha’s Vineyard!
Martha’s Vineyard has six towns: Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury.
Each town has something special to offer, and there truly is something for everyone. Whether you are experiencing Martha’s Vineyard with a group of friends, a significant other, or family members, get your planners ready and take a look at this bucket list of 25 fun things to do in Martha’s Vineyard during your weekend stay.
While we’re at it, let’s be friends on Instagram! Also, you may want to check out this reel I made for things to do on Martha’s Vineyard in short video form.
1 – Visit the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs
First on the list is to participate in one of the most well-known attractions on Martha’s Vineyard. The vibrant “gingerbread cottages” in Oak Bluffs! The 318 gingerbread Victorian homes spanning a few blocks are painted with every color under the rainbow and have cozy front porches with quaint furniture and small balconies. The story behind the gingerbread houses originates way back in 1835 when a group of local Methodists used to attend religious camp meetings in Oak Bluffs. This area is technically called the Martha’s Vineyard Campground Association.
At the time, those who traveled to the island to join the meetings would pitch canvas tents for their overnight stays, which eventually led to the need for a more permanent home on the island for these visits.
The construction of the cottages began years later in 1864 and was influenced by a variety of common architectural norms at the time. The adorable homes look like they came out of a fairy tale – or maybe a game of Candy Land – and are certainly a must-see when spending time in Oak Bluffs. I got lucky enough to stay in my friend, Alex in Wanderland’s beautiful Oak Bluffs home! Check out her blog for a tour of the inside of her house.
For beautiful views of the homes and the water, take a walk along Ocean Park!
2 – Eat ice cream at Mad Martha’s
Mad Martha’s is one of the most popular ice cream names on the island and has three locations between Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Mad Martha’s and enjoy one of their delicious homemade flavors.
3 – Bike along one side of the island
A perfect way to spend one day of the weekend could be touring around the island on bikes and stopping in each town along the way.
All-Star Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rentals is right next to the Oak Bluffs ferry, and Martha’s Bike Rentals & Sales is right next to the Vineyard Haven ferry. The six-mile bike ride from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown is known for being a gorgeous and manageable ride, including riding over Jaws Bridge! You can also go look at the Edgartown Lighthouse. Another great area to ride is East Chop. You can bike along the water and see beautiful homes and the East Chop Lighthouse.
4 – Jump off Jaws Bridge or watch a screening
Spielberg’s famous 1975 shark attack movie, Jaws, was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard. This may be why the American Legion Memorial Bridge already looks familiar. This is also what gave the bridge its more recognized name of “Jaws Bridge.” There is no need to fear, the shark attack only occurred in the fictional movie.
Jaws Bridge is a safe bridge that has become known for being the perfect bridge for adrenaline-seeking bridge jumpers. The bridge sits about 12-15 feet above the water, making it a safe jumping height for both children and adults. Park your car along the side of Beach Road in Edgartown and make your way to the line of eager jumpers waiting their turn at the top of the bridge.
Be sure to plan your jumping around high tide, because the water down below is not very deep. Oh, and do not worry about the “no jumping” signs next to the bridge, bridge jumping is an island-accepted activity.
Want more Jaws in your life? Watch a screening of the movie at the Capawok Theatre or The Strand every Friday night in the summertime!
5 – Tour the Gay Head Lighthouse and the Aquinnah Cliffs
As you may have guessed, Martha’s Vineyard has quite a few lighthouses, and Gay Head Lighthouse in Aquinnah is one you should visit. You can take a formal tour of the lighthouse and learn all its history dating back to 1796 or just walk around yourself. This is a beautiful day trip to take if you’re staying further down the island.
While you’re at it, visit the Aquinnah Cliffs, a mile-long expanse of clay cliffs by the edge of the town of Aquinnah. It’s a beautiful place to go for a day trip and enjoy the western portion of Martha’s Vineyard.
6 – Purchase farm-fresh groceries from Morning Glory Farm
Morning Glory Farm, located in Edgartown, is a popular farm stand on the island selling a wide selection of fresh produce, baked goods, and premade meals. The family-run farm began in 1975 and now grows about sixty-five acres of fruits and vegetables on the island.
If you want to cook a meal or two at your rental home, Morning Glory Farm would be the perfect place to purchase veggies to grill for dinner. Now for the baked goods. While you can’t go wrong with any of the options at the farm stand, the zucchini bread is definitely a fan favorite and should be tried even if you do not think you are a zucchini bread lover. Morning Glory Farm does it best. Be sure to pick up a zucchini loaf and enjoy a slice toasted with butter as part of your breakfast.
7 – Enjoy the many different beaches on the island
While you are on the island for the weekend, you must make time to hit the beautiful New England beaches. There are many incredible sandy beaches on Martha’s Vineyard! South Beach is the beach for you if you enjoy big waves when you swim. South Beach is a public beach located in Edgartown.
Surfing, body surfing, boogie boarding, and swimming are all allowed on this beach, so it is perfect for any group that enjoys splashing around in the water. Grab your sunscreen (my fave here), towels (love these), beach chairs, beach accessories, and a cooler full of snacks and drinks because once you arrive at South Beach for the day, you will not want to move from your spot. I also LOVE this tiny but mighty portable speaker for some fun music while you lay out. Check out the rest of my summer essentials here!
Another great beach is Norton Point Beach. It’s one of only two beaches on Martha’s Vineyard that allows cars to drive on the beach. Load up all your goodies into the car and head to Norton Point early to enjoy a Saturday beach day. Be sure to purchase a pass ahead of time to gain access to the beach and follow proper beach driving rules, like deflating tires, before entering.
Other great beaches include Lambert’s Cove, State Beach, Moshup Beach, Katama Beach and Joseph Sylvia State Beach.
8 – Catch rings at the Flying Horse Carousel
No matter what your age, you will enjoy a ride on the historic Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs. Built-in 1876, the Flying Horses Carousel is the nation’s oldest platform carousel.
The carousel was once an attraction on Coney Island but was moved to Oak Bluffs which has been its permanent home since 1884. The carousel is a work of art itself, spinning around its brightly painted horses whose manes and tails contain real horsehair.
As riders enjoy the music and tempo of the carousel, they can also reach up from their horse (only on the outer row) to grab a three-inch silver ring from a ring dispenser in one section of the room. Most of the rings dispensed throughout the ride will be silver, except for the one gold ring that comes out at some point during the ride. The lucky winner who snags the gold ring earns themselves a free ride on the carousel.
9 – Enjoy dessert from Back Door Donuts
Have you ever ordered a donut from the back door of a bakery? Well, at Back Door Donuts that is the norm during the store’s nighttime hours. Back Door Donuts, located in Oak Bluffs, offers a variety of delicious donuts fresh out of the oven.
Stick with the donut basics by ordering a Boston Creme or Chocolate Glazed, but if you’re feeling bold, the Maple Bacon will be a pleasant surprise. While Back Door Donuts is known for its donuts, the Apple Fritter is also a must-order and is massive enough to be shared between two people.
The store’s normal indoor bakery is open from 8 am to 5 pm if you find yourself craving a donut during the day, but the back door is where you want to get your treats from 7 pm to 1 am specifically on the weekends. Be prepared to stand in a long line with other eager donut eaters, but it will certainly be worth the wait.
10 – Stroll along the walking trails
Take a break from the large array of treats on Martha’s Vineyard and get some exercise by strolling along with one of the scenic walking trails on the island. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Caroline Tuthill Preserve, and Long Point Wildlife Refuge all offer various kinds of hiking trails and walking trails. My favorite shoes for walking all over the place are my Allbirds Tree Runners and Allbirds Tree Pipers – if you use my link to get yourself a pair, you’ll get a pair of free socks!
11 – Eat lobster rolls from Larsen’s Fish Market
While in Martha’s Vineyard, it is crucial that you get your taste of fresh seafood. Larsen’s Fish Market in Chilmark is one of the best places to visit for fresh seafood. Enjoy a Larsen’s lobster roll, stuffed scallops, oysters, crab cakes, or essentially any other fish commonly sold at a fish market. The market is right along the Menemsha Basin, so you can enjoy your seafood while overlooking the fishing boats that obtained the fish, right in front of you.
12 – Shop in downtown Edgartown or Vineyard Haven
Edgartown is the best place for shopping in Martha’s Vineyard because of the many quaint stores lined up along its downtown area. There are plenty of shops in Edgartown – from women’s boutiques to art galleries, candy stores, home decor shops, men’s clothing stores, bookstores, and souvenir shops.
Vineyard Haven also has a great little main street area with cute shops, gift shops, and restaurants that are definitely worth checking out during your weekend getaway. You can also sneak over to the beautiful West Chop Lighthouse, located off the beaten path on a residential street for beautiful ocean views.
Here are some cute outfits for a shopping day!
13 – Order fudge from Murdick’s
Another island non-negotiable is to make a visit to Murdick’s Fudge in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Murdick’s offers over twenty-five different flavors of fudge that you may even be able to see employees making when you walk in the store at the right time. If your travel logistics allow for it, it could be a good idea to bring a little extra fudge back as a gift to someone at home.
14 – Enjoy the nightlife and enjoy a sunset or two
If you are wanting a night out with drinks, music, and dancing while in Martha’s Vineyard, there are definitely some cool places to check out. The Cardboard Box, The Ritz, The Sand Bar & Grille, and The Newes from America are a few places that come to life during the nighttime when drinks are flowing and music is playing.
Want to watch a beautiful sunset? Head to the Harbor View Hotel where you’ll get to watch the sunset over the Edgartown Harbor and see the lighthouse in the distance.
15 – Sail in the Vineyard Sound
There are plenty of boating opportunities available on Martha’s Vineyard! This could be a relaxing activity to include on your weekend itinerary. These sails will take passengers around the Vineyard Sound. This is the stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the Elizabeth Islands and the southwestern edge of Cape Cod from Martha’s Vineyard. Sailing charter companies, like Catboat Charters, Island Sailing Tours, and Sail the Vineyard, offer sailing tours daily all throughout the summer months.
16 – Go golfing on a public course
If you love to golf, then take advantage of some of the gorgeous golf courses in Martha’s Vineyard. There are three golf courses open to the public that would be most convenient for anyone visiting for the weekend. These courses are Mink Meadows Golf Club; Farm Neck Golf Club; and Royal and Ancient Chappaquiddick Links. Each course has something special to offer and clubs can be rented if you did not pack yours on your trip.
17 – Eat at one of Martha’s Vineyards’ best restaurants
One of the best ways to enjoy Martha’s Vineyard is through food! There are many great restaurants to choose from on Martha’s Vineyard. Some great ones to try in Edgartown are Port Hunter, Sharky’s Cantina, and Chesca’s Restaurant. Edgartown is one of the more expensive areas on the island, so the restaurants tend to follow suit.
In Oak Bluffs, try out Red Cat Kitchen, Nancy’s Restaurant, a giant seafood restaurant overlooking the Oak Bluffs Harbor. Another great restaurant on the island according to my friend Alex in Wanderland is State Road. If you’re craving chowder, try Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company. For breakfast, I highly recommend going to Art Cliff Diner or Biscuits in Oak Bluffs!
18 – Tour Martha’s Vineyard Museum
If you get a rainy day while on Martha’s Vineyard and need something to do inside, take a trip to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Tisbury. Founded in 1922, the museum teaches all about the history of the island and the diverse people who make up its origins. Another great museum for a rainy day is the Cottage Museum in Oak Bluffs to learn the history of the colorful gingerbread cottages.
19 – Visit Chappaquiddick Island
Chappaquiddick or “Chappy” is an eighteen-square-foot island on Martha’s Vineyard that’s worth checking out during your weekend trip for a little quiet time.
Travelers can get to Chappy using a small ferry carrying only a few cars simultaneously across a short channel on the Edgartown Harbor. The draw to Chappy is its privacy and quietness. This may not always feel attainable among bustling tourists. Chappaquiddick is excellent for sunbathing, quiet walking paths, and plenty of nature. If you’re a nature lover, you might also want to check out the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, a protected nature area with 14 miles of trails & beach access. You an also check out the Cape Poge lighthouse. There’s also a small Japanese Garde, Mytoi, popular among visitors.
20 – Drink at some brewpubs
Despite its name, Martha’s Vineyard does not have any wineries on the island. It does, however, have a couple of breweries, including Offshore Ale Company. This brewpub in Oak Bluffs offers a variety of IPAs on tap. There is also a full food menu with classic bar bites that can be enjoyed in Offshore Ale Company’s indoor dining or patio dining set. Another great option is Bad Martha!
21 – Visit the Island Alpaca Farm
Want to try something unique? Why not visit the island’s alpaca farm. This is a working farm that sells alpacas, boards them, and provides education. You can visit daily to learn more about alpacas. And take a self-guided walking tour of the farm. They also have an informative video presentation to learn more about alpacas and the local farm! It’s $5 per person to visit and is a great place to bring your family or friends!
22 – Look out for celebrities
Martha’s Vineyard is known to be a vacation destination for a few celebrities! This includes people like Oprah Winfrey, Larry David, and Bill Murray. But your most likely run-in would be former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. They own a stunning mansion in Edgartown. If you see a line of secret service vehicles traveling on the island, there is a chance it could be the Obama family.
23 – Play tennis
Tennis is a lovely sport to enjoy in the summer months and is a popular sport to play on Martha’s Vineyard. There are various courts across the island open to the public. Pack your racquets and balls and get some exercise on the court.
24 – Visit a cute cafe or coffee shop
If you want to have a slower morning or want to grab something quickly, try out one of the best coffee shops on the island. I recommend Among the Flowers cafe for their amazing homemade breakfast. Mocha Motts is great for its fresh coffee and eclectic menu.
25 – Try yoga on the island
Try yoga on Martha’s Vineyard if you need some calmness or want to get a workout in. I recommend visiting Yoga Haven, Martha’s Vineyard Yoga Barn, or Yoga on the Vine in Edgartown.
Not sure what to pack for Martha’s Vineyard? Here are some ideas! Also, if your’re visiting in the summertime, here are my summertime essentials!
Overall, Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect destination for a summer weekend getaway. It’s also a great destination to spend the 4th of July! You’ll undoubtedly have a picturesque New England island vacation away from any stresses you may have left behind on the mainland. Be warned, you may even be tempted to extend your trip! I hope you enjoy your Martha’s Vineyard vacation. 🙂
I love your article AMAZING job
Any hotel suggestions please
Thank you in advance
Keep up the great work
Honestly, I live here and this is a really great, article about authentic, interesting, and fun things to do. It makes me feel fortunate I live on Martha’s Vineyard. You do not tell the reader about the sticker shock they will experience anywhere they go, so I will add that here. I will add Grey Barn, a wonderful spot that makes excellent cheeses, Morning Glory makes wonderful bread (good call mentioning them), and all of our wonderful art galleries. Come to an art opening and enjoy polite society enjoying visual delights. Enjoy!