What To Do In Martha's Vineyard When Traveling By Ferry

Martha’s Vineyard

Only seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard feels like a different world. Here the past is very much alive, and the present offers something for everyone.

The Island of Martha’s Vineyard is New England’s largest island. Legend has it that the Vineyard was given its name in 1602 by Bartholomew Gosnold who named it for one of his daughters and the wild grapes he found there. The Island is nine miles wide and 23 miles long at its farthest points. The total land area is approximately 100 square miles with a total of 124.6 miles of tidal shoreline.

Martha’s Vineyard is home to six distinctive towns separated into “Up-Island” and “Down-Island”. Up-Island, the western area, consists of the rural towns of Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury. Down-Island, the eastern portion, is home to the larger historic villages of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.

In the many years that the Steamship Authority has provided ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard, we’ve come to know this captivating island quite well. To give you a sense of the charms of the Island, here are a few of the not-to-be-missed things to do:

• Get an overview of the six island towns with the MV Sightseeing Tour. Tickets can be purchased at the Steamship Authority’s Woods Hole, Vineyard Haven, or Oak Bluffs Terminals.
• See the colorful gingerbread cottages located in Oak Bluffs, within walking distance of our Oak Bluffs ferry dock.
• View the majestic red clay Aquinnah Cliffs with panoramic ocean views.
• Explore 40 miles of bike trails, from well-maintained paths and long stretches of road to challenging terrain bordered by island landscapes and breathtaking ocean views.
• Visit Edgartown, with its historic mansions, boutique shopping, dining and scenic harbor views.
• Experience some of the events that entice visitors to Martha’s Vineyard year-round, including the International Film Festival and the Food & Wine Festival.

Activities for Every Interest

There’s so much to do and enjoy on the Island. To learn more, contact the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce or call (508) 693-0085 or toll-free (800) 505-4815.

Before your trip to Martha's Vineyard, consider exploring our mainland port of Falmouth and Woods Hole. Visit the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce for more information.

 

Beaches

From barrier beaches with crashing surf to calm, pristine waters perfect for swimming, to places where the kids can play in the sand, Martha Vineyard offers a wide array of scenic beaches.

Shopping

Each of the Vineyard’s six towns has its own distinctive shops, where you can buy everything from handcrafted jewelry and clothing to special Martha’s Vineyard merchandise and souvenirs. For even more local atmosphere, check out one of the farmers’ markets or flea markets.

Dining

Whether you want to sample the finest in local cuisine or are looking for some simple seaside fare, there’s Vineyard dining to satisfy every taste, including plenty of places where you can put together a picnic to go.

Nature

Visit the spectacular Moi Toi Gardens or the Polly Hill Arboretum. Or get out and explore the Vineyard’s state forests, wildlife refuges, walking trails, and harbors. At every turn, Martha’s Vineyard has awe-inspiring natural sites to enjoy.

Sporting Activities

Whether your idea of fun is getting out on the water in a kayak, sailboat, or fishing craft, heading off to the links, or biking or hiking around the Island, you’ll find lots of ways to have the time of your life.

Family Fun

Take a tour of a historic lighthouse. Ride the flying horses at the oldest operating carousel in America. Meet some amazing sea creatures at the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a getaway where the whole family can create memories that last a lifetime.

History

Visit the Oak Bluffs Campground, with its gingerbread cottages, or admire the sea captains’ houses in Edgartown. To learn more about the Island’s culture and history, check out the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown and the Wampanoag Tribal Center in Aquinnah.

 

Built in 1904, the Carnegie is the former home of the Edgartown Free Public Library and was completely restored to its original grandeur. The Carnegie serves as a community gathering space, contains a small artisan gift shop featuring goods made by island residents, and has an exhibition (Living Landmarks) focusing on the history of the island. A starting point for guided walking tours featuring many historic properties located in the center of Edgartown, The Carnegie is also the site of a variety of programs throughout the summer including artist presentations, craft workshops and outdoor concerts.

Island Sightseeing Tours

Martha's Vineyard - Sightseeing Tours

 

There are several sightseeing tours available on island so that you can see all the natural beauty and historical sites located on Martha's Vineyard. Visit http://www.mvy.com/Sightseeing-Tours for more details.

Car Rentals in Falmouth

For our customer's convenience, we offer car rental service at our Palmer Avenue Parking Lot located in Falmouth. Please visit the Avis/Budget Rent a Car website to reserve your car in Falmouth.