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Travel Guide for
Martha's Vineyard

United States

Oceanic, mild summers, cool winters

Introduction

Martha’s Vineyard, an enchanting island off the coast of Massachusetts, is famed for its quaint villages, sandy beaches, and scenic lighthouses. With a storied past as a whaling hub and a summer retreat for artists and presidents alike, the island radiates charm and laid-back sophistication.

In late August, you’ll enjoy warm, gentle breezes and sunny days perfect for beach walks or vineyard picnics. Couples can indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, take sunset sails, and explore the colorful gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs—all while savoring the island’s romantic, relaxed atmosphere without breaking the bank.

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Romantic getaway · 28 Aug–1 Sep · Average budget · Hotel

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Itinerary for Martha's Vineyard · August 2025

Itinerary

Martha's Vineyard · August 2025

Viewing Day 1 · Fri 29 Aug. Numbered pins match today's itinerary stops; purple markers are recommended experiences. Click a pin for details.Pins match today's stops. Purple pins are experiences.

  1. 1
    Stroll Through Edgartown’s Historic Streets
    Begin your getaway by wandering tree-lined streets and exploring beautiful whaling-era homes in Edgartown. Take in the charming shops and quaint cafes that showcase the town's rich heritage and relaxed coastal vibe.
  2. 2
    Browse Local Art Galleries in Oak Bluffs
    Experience Martha's Vineyard’s artistic spirit at galleries like Alison Shaw Gallery and Featherstone Center for the Arts. Enjoy diverse works from local artists and consider picking up a creative keepsake.
  3. 3
    Sunset Cocktails on the Harbor
    Relax with a pre-dinner drink at a waterfront bar, such as The Atlantic or The Port Hunter in Edgartown. Toast to your romantic escape while watching the sun set over the sailboats in the harbor.
Boston to Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

Boston to Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

4.5 (3,221 reviews)

12 hours

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We are proud to offer Boston's ORIGINAL Martha's Vineyard Day trip. Since 2011 we have been Boston's #1 day trip service to the island. Our professional guides, approved Boston Hotel pickups and newer air-conditioned mini-coaches will help provide you with the personalized passenger experience that our guests truly deserve. Transportation to the island has never been this easy! You will also receive complimentary snacks, bottled water, island guidebooks and a discount card with some island perks! Once on the island, explore on your own or upgrade with our 3 hour fully narrated island tour. Let us help you Discover Martha's Vineyard!

From $129 USD

per person

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Key Facts

Location

Dukes County, Massachusetts

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Religion

Christianity (various)

Population

20,000

Language

English, some Spanish

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs

Time zone

UTCEastern Time (UTC-5)

Country code

+1

Internet access

Broadband widely available, high-speed

Climate

Oceanic, mild summers, cool winters

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Logistics

To reach Martha’s Vineyard, most travelers take a ferry from Woods Hole or New Bedford in Massachusetts. Ferries accommodate both passengers and vehicles, though bringing a car can be expensive and requires advance reservations—perfect for a romantic getaway on foot or by bike. Allow extra time for potential weather-related delays, as ferries may be affected by storms between August 28 and September 1.

Alternatively, you can fly directly into Martha’s Vineyard Airport from major cities like Boston or New York. Train and bus services are available to ferry ports, making it easy to combine scenic rail or bus travel with the boat ride. If you’re traveling light, skipping the car lets you enjoy quaint local taxis, bike rentals, and classic inns while exploring the island’s charm.

Weather

Martha’s Vineyard has a mild, coastal climate with warm summers and cool, brisk winters. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing and exploring arts-and-culture or festivals. Summer days are typically sunny and warm, perfect for beach trips, fresh seafood, and outdoor entertainment.

From August 28 to September 1, expect pleasantly warm days near 75°F (24°C) and cooler nights. It’s generally dry, but the period falls in hurricane season, so brief rain or windy conditions are possible, though major storms are rare. This time is great for festivals, lively nightlife, and sampling seasonal gastronomy at local markets and restaurants.

Food & Drink

Martha’s Vineyard is famous for its fresh seafood—especially oysters, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. You’ll also find local farm produce, artisan cheeses, and memorable ice cream. For drinks, try local wines or craft beers from island breweries; sunset cocktails are a must at waterfront bars.

For a romantic evening, dine at The Seafood Shanty with harbor views or Alchemy in Edgartown for upscale American cuisine. Enjoy breakfast at ArtCliff Diner or dessert at Back Door Donuts. Most restaurants expect a 15–20% tip. Reservations are recommended in peak season, especially for waterfront dining.

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available at many venues, but calling ahead is wise. Dress is mostly casual-chic, and many spots showcase live music or cozy outdoor seating in warm months.

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Hamburger

The classic American hamburger is a grilled beef patty served in a soft bun, often topped with lettuce,...

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Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue ribs are slow-cooked, tender cuts of pork or beef that are generously seasoned with a flavorful dry...

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Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish made with elbow macaroni pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce....

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New York-style Pizza

New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin, hand-tossed crust, generous cheese topping, and a variety of classic...

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Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken consists of juicy, tender pieces of chicken that are coated in a seasoned batter and...

Accommodation

For a romantic getaway on Martha’s Vineyard, consider staying in Edgartown, known for its elegant harborfront and charming hotels like Harbor View Hotel and The Sydney. Oak Bluffs is another great option, offering boutique accommodations such as Summercamp Hotel with colorful architecture and lively surroundings.

Book your stay via reliable sites like Booking.com or Expedia, and reserve well in advance, especially for dates around August 28 to September 1, as late summer sees high demand. Most hotels offer cozy rooms with easy access to beaches and quaint downtowns, but expect prices to rise during this peak period.

For a more intimate ambiance, look for inns or boutique hotels that cater to couples. Vineyard Haven also features romantic lodgings and is conveniently located for exploring the island. Avoid last-minute booking, as availability can be limited.

Attractions

5.0 (26 reviews)
Marthas Vineyard Luxury Tour (2hrs)

Marthas Vineyard Luxury Tour (2hrs)

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Offering private tours of beautiful Marthas' Vineyard Island specifically for small groups of people (5 max) looking for a truly unique experience. Relax and enjoy this narrated tour as we drive along the scenic coast, stop for photos, talk about famous people, learn about local history, all while passing through the 3 down-island towns. For those travelers coming over for the day with limited time, who would like to see the down Island towns, this is the perfect tour.

From $500 USD

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5.0 (5 reviews)
Martha's Vineyard Private 4 hour Tour for groups up to 6 people

Martha's Vineyard Private 4 hour Tour for groups up to 6 people

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Enjoy your Martha's Vineyard Private 4-Hour Tour - experience the full Island tour with a few added stops. For example, you might include a stop for lunch, or at scenic areas along the way for some photos, maybe a stop by an art gallery, farm stand, or beach. • Include a stop (or two) to shop in Edgartown, Vineyard Haven • Is Chappaquiddick on your ‘bucket list”? We can definitely include this in your tour. (please note that, depending on traffic for the Chappy ferry, a Chappy tour may take about to 2 hours…and you always have the option to extend your tour beyond 4 hours)Cost of ferry for van & passengers not included. • Experience a Martha’s Vineyard sunset – possibilities include: Menemsha, Cliffs of Aquinnah, West Chop beach or East Chop Light! Let us help you Customize can make your tour and make it special just for you

From $700 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Electric Bike Tours on Martha Vineyard

Electric Bike Tours on Martha Vineyard

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Explore the beauty of Martha's Vineyard on an electric bike tour designed just for you. It offers unique experiences tailored to your interests: secluded beaches, historic farms, the iconic Gingerbread Houses, and more. Let us take you there. Choose 4-6 hour private tour, where every detail is curated to ensure you see a few of the island's gems: lighthouses, Downtown Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Chappaquiddick. Or call us and inquire about our 3-day Tour De L'ile for an in-depth adventure across the island's six towns. All tours include e-bike use, helmet, water, snacks, and admission to select attractions. - Explore top attractions like the Campground Cottages in Oak Bluffs and Chappaquiddick Island. - Private tours available for groups up to six riders, ensuring a personalized experience. If you have more riders, give us call a week in advance and we will try to accommodate you.

From $200 USD

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4.9 (122 reviews)
#1 Best Martha's Vineyard Private Tours for up to 6 people

#1 Best Martha's Vineyard Private Tours for up to 6 people

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This private tour for up to 6ppl will introduce the history of our 6 unique towns! Oak Bluffs, a Victorian seaside, built around the Methodist campgrounds with its beautiful open air tabernacle and the Victorian gingerbread cottages once used for summer revival meetings,and the Flying Horse Carousel. Edgartown's stately white Greek Revival houses, The Old Whaling Church, the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse, the historic Harborview Hotel. Vineyard Haven, the entry port to Martha’s Vineyard The scenic up-island country-side, historic farming towns of West Tisbury and Chilmark, a 15-min stop in Menemsha an Idyllic fishing The multi-colored clay cliffs of Aquinnah (Gay Head), with its impressive lighthouse where you will have an opportunity to get out take pictures and stretch your legs. island is so diverse, glimpse century old stone walls, The Atlantic shoreline, grazing livestock, rolling hills and historic homesteads. You well go over the bridge used in the filming of the movie Jaws!

From $550 USD

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4.9 (84 reviews)
Private, Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marthas Vineyard Island(3hrs)

Private, Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marthas Vineyard Island(3hrs)

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Free cancellation

-Offering private tours of beautiful Marthas' Vineyard Island specifically for small groups of people (5 max) looking for a truly unique experience. -Relax and enjoy this narrated tour as we drive along the scenic coast, stop for photos, talk about famous people, learn about local history, all while passing through the 6 island towns. -For those travelers coming over for the day with limited time, who would like to see the whole island, this is the perfect tour.

From $600 USD

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4.6 (1492 reviews)
#1 Best 3hr Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs

#1 Best 3hr Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs

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Free cancellation

Experience our famous 3-hour full Island tour for a budget friendly rate! Our tour drivers - native Islanders & long-time "wash-a-shores" have years of tour driving experience and the best reviews to show it! This 3-hour tour will introduce you to our 100 square mile island by giving you the history, both past and present, of our 6 unique towns. In all, 2 ½ hours of the tour is narrated, and you'll have a stop at the beautiful Cliffs of Aquinnah. Top highlights on this tour include Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Aquinnah, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Menemsha. So join us in our comfortable air-conditioned vans & get ready to make memories for a lifetime - your Martha's Vineyard tour! (Children under 10 excluded from this tour.)

From $70 USD

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4.6 (55 reviews)
All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly

All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly

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What better way to experience Martha’s Vineyard – take a Jaws tour with us and you will have access to many of the films’ locations. You will hear many non-published stories about the filming, the actors, as well as being able to stop to take photos. The Jaws bridge is one of the top 5 attractions on the island. Jaws Factoids: - Although the movie is set in midsummer, producers began filming in early May 1974 to avoid an actors’ strike that was scheduled to begin July 1. - Jaws was marred with so many technical problems that the originally scheduled 55-65 day shoot ballooned into 159 days, not counting post-production. - Most highly anticipated movies were released around Christmastime, back then, but Spielberg took so long filming that the movie had a summer release date, which was traditionally reserved for low-end movies. - Townspeople of Martha’s Vineyard were paid $64 each for playing extras who ran across the beach and screamed during the shark attack scene.

From $130 USD

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4.3 (38 reviews)
Martha Vineyard Bus Tour

Martha Vineyard Bus Tour

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We are, the only ones have four stops to get off the bus. We also offer a lot of amenities that no other tour offers. The tours keep you fully engaged and all we require is for you to be curious! We will not disappoint, what makes us entirely different is that we have a screen at the front of the bus that shows what certain sites looked like in the days of yore. To get a great depth and understanding of what Martha's Vineyard was, and how we are now. The All Island Bus Tour takes you on an adventure you will never forget. Capture the beautiful vistas, the quaint little cottages, the amazing clay cliffs and everything in between. We offer a lot of amenities and have some great stories that intertwine with the awesome history that has been waiting for us to share. With time to shop, dine and sightsee. Your tour will be the highlight of your vacation. We can't wait to meet you!

From $75 USD

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4.5 (429 reviews)
Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston

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Free cancellation

We are a veteran owned coach service to Martha's Vineyard. Our ease of booking, convenient pickup and drop-off locations and comfortable, air-conditioned coach will provide you with a memorable experience. Enjoy a short ride from Boston to Woods Hole where you will board the Steamship Authority with no lines or waiting in a holding area. With us, you will have time to enjoy breakfast and coffee from a local cafe before boarding. As always, round-trip ferry tickets, snacks, water, island maps, discount food cards and commentary are all included. Island tour option; Unlike other tours, THIS IS NOT A SCHOOL BUS TOUR. A wonderful 3 hour, full island tour in one of our 14 passenger, air-conditioned, high-top vans is the best way to see the island. Tour goes through all 6 towns with stops along the way for pictures and restrooms. Our guides are the best in the business!

From $130 USD

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4.7 (20 reviews)
Boston: Martha's Vineyard ICONIC Small Group Day Escape w/Ferry

Boston: Martha's Vineyard ICONIC Small Group Day Escape w/Ferry

Instant Then Manual
Free cancellation

Leave Boston behind and set out on a full-day journey to Martha's Vineyard, one of New England's most beloved islands. This experience blends a scenic ferry crossing, historic seaside villages, and the laid-back charm of island life. Board the Island Queen ferry in Falmouth and cruise across Nantucket Sound to Oak Bluffs, where colorful gingerbread cottages surround the historic Tabernacle at the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. Enjoy time to explore the island's most iconic spots, with an optional sightseeing bus tour covering the Flying Horses Carousel, the refined harbor town of Edgartown, Gay Head Light atop the dramatic Aquinnah cliffs, and Nobska Point Lighthouse. Return via the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole, rounding out a full day of coastal views, ocean breezes, and authentic New England island character.

From $93 USD

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