How to Spend One Day In Martha’s Vineyard

The times listed in this article are recommendations and may vary based on your reserved ferry schedule to and from the island, as well as your interests in the suggested stops.

One Day in Martha’s Vineyard

8:00 am: Ferry to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard

There are 4 ferry companies that travel between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Where you are staying on Cape Cod will determine which ferry to use.

Hyline Cruises: departs from Hyannis – passenger only
Steamship Authority: departs from Woods Hole – car ferry
Island Queen: departs from Falmouth – passenger only
Edgartown Fast Ferry: departs from Falmouth

We used Steamship Authority, as it is the only car ferry service between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Reservations must be made online through their website. Since time slots can fill up quickly, it is best to book your tickets multiple days in advance. Here is the link to the Steamship Authority website.

We recommend arriving at the Steamship Authority port in Woods Hole at least 35 minutes in advance, because the ship starts boarding 20 minutes before departure.

We sailed to Oaks Bluffs, a town that became our favorite spot on the island. The ride to Oak Bluffs lasts 45 minutes in each direction. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and there is a small cafe on board.

The Steamship Authority also sails to Vineyard Haven, another town on Martha’s Vineyard. However, this town has less to see and do.

How to Get Around Martha’s Vineyard

The easiest way to navigate the island is by car. Parking can become difficult, so it is best to arrive early to the island to beat the crowds.

For those traveling without a car, Martha’s Vineyard has a bus system that runs between major locations on the island. Find information on the bus passes and fares here.

9:30 AM: Explore Oak Bluffs

Recommended time here: 2 hours

Oaks Bluffs is Martha Vineyard’s principal point of arrival from Cape Cod. The seaside town is adorned with a beachy atmosphere, colorful buildings, and a beautiful park. It is perfect for wandering and shopping in boutiques and craft stores.

Some of the most popular things to do here are:

Take a walk around Ocean Park, a community park perfect for a picnic and for a view of the town’s Victorian style homes.

Take a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel. This is the nation’s oldest platform carousel, and it still has its original horses, each hand-carved and unique.

Walk around Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association which hosts a collection of colorful Victorian homes. These fairytale-like houses are each a marvel of intricate woodwork and unique character.

Circuit Avenue, the town’s main street, is lined with shops, cafes, and galleries that you can easily spend an hour browsing.

We recommend arriving at Oak Bluffs early in the morning to find parking. By 11 am, parking was scarce.

11:45 AM: Drive to Edgartown Park-N-Ride

At around 11:45 am drive over to Edgartown, the most well-known town on Martha’s Vineyard.

Edgartown is a 20-minute drive from Oak Bluffs. Since parking in Edgartown can be tough, we parked at Edgartown Park-N-Ride, a free public lot outside of the town. A free shuttle runs between this lot and Edgartown every 20 minutes. You can find the shuttle schedule here at the Vineyard Transit Association website. Route #11 is from the Park-N-Ride stop to Edgartown.

12:30 PM: Explore Edgartown

Recommended time here: 2.5 hours

Edgartown is a historical sea-port town with white-washed buildings, a plenitude of shops, and walkable streets. There is not much to see in town, but there are many great shops and restaurants to enjoy. We enjoyed lunch at Among the Flowers Cafe, a quick and healthy spot.

Our favorite activity in town was walking to the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse. This was a delightful 45 minute out-and-back trip offering great coastal views and a look onto the harbor and town beyond. The path to the Lighthouse begins down North Water Street. Once you reach the end of the road, follow the dirt path to the Lighthouse. There is a small fee to go to the top of the lighthouse.

3:00 PM: Return to Park-N-Ride and Drive to Aquinnah

Once done exploring the town and grabbing a meal, head back to the Park-N-Ride lot. The shuttle pickup in Edgartown is on Hayhew Lane, right in front of Among the Flowers Cafe.

The drive to Aquinnah takes 45 minutes from Edgartown. At Aquinnah, there is limited parking in front of the shops of Cliffs Overlook. If you cannot get a spot there, continue down the road to an overflow lot meant for public beach parking.

4:15 PM: Aquinnah Cliffs

Recommended time here: 45 minutes

Aquinnah is an iconic destination on the southwestern coast of Martha’s Vineyard. It is known for its Cliffs Overlook where vibrant red cliffs clash with the blue ocean. The Overlook is located behind a row of charming handmade gift shops.

Further down Aquinnah Circle Road, you’ll find the Gay Head Lighthouse, which offers serene views of the surrounding area, though it doesn’t provide much of a view of the cliffs from the top. There is a small fee to go to the top of the Lighthouse.

While Aquinnah offers stunning scenery and iconic views, its remote location on the island’s southern tip means there is little else to do. It’s a picturesque stop, but if you’re short on time or without a car, you might consider skipping it in favor of exploring the island’s towns.

5:00 PM: Drive to Oak Bluffs

The drive back to Oak Bluffs takes roughly 45 minutes from Aquinnah.

From here, you will take the Steamship Authority ferry back to Woods Hole. Plan on setting this return time for 6:30 pm or later to ensure you have enough time at all stops on Martha’s Vineyard, and some contingency time.

Remember to get in line for the ferry ride back to Cape Cod at least 30 minutes before departure time, as boarding will occur at this time.

One Day in Martha’s Vineyard: Frequently Asked Questions

Where Should I Stay to Visit Martha’s Vineyard?

The town of Falmouth is one of the easiest spots to get to Martha’s Vineyard, as 3 of the 4 ferries depart from Falmouth (or Woods Hole just outside of Falmouth).

The town is beautiful with seaside-style homes, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants. The town has a pretty busy nightlife with restaurants that are always full and streets that are bustling.

Two restaurants we would highly recommend are Estia, a mildly upscale Greek restaurant, and Osteria La Civetta, another more upscale place serving up delicious Italian food. As for places to stay while in Falmouth, InnSeason Resorts Captain’s Quarters is fantastic! The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with hotel staff that are very kind and attentive. Find more information on Falmouth in our 2 Days on Cape Cod Guide.

Hyannis is also another option to reach Martha’s Vineyard directly on the Hyline Cruises. However, if visiting Martha’s Vineyard with a car you will have to ride the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole as this is the only car ferry.

Is It Worth Visiting Martha’s Vineyard?

Martha’s Vineyard is a place perfect for vacationers who love to explore small towns, beach-side attractions, and shop at boutique stores.

If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Martha’s Vineyard or how to plan a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Massachusetts

BOSTON: For information about Boston, read our article Best Things to Do in Boston. We also have a detailed guide on how to day trip to Plymouth, Lexington, and Concord from Boston.

NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP: Visit Cape Cod, coastal Maine, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and more in this 12 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary.

MAINE: We have articles about the best things to do in Cape Elizabeth, the best things to do in Camden, and our Guide to Portland.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Acadia National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. For a list of must-have experiences, read our article Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park.

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