Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful island in Massachusetts situated just south of Cape Cod in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is accessible by land and air alone and is used primarily for summer tourism. Though the island was originally home to some 3,000 native Americans, it was eventually colonized by the English. However, during the transition, the island has acquired a long, rich history from relations with indigenous people to its part in the Underground Railroad. Martha’s Vineyard’s climate is unlike many places with mild summers that rarely exceed 90 °F (32.2 °C). If you’re planning on visiting, check out our list of the top things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
1. Enjoy a fun-filled vacation by participating in Martha's Vineyard Venture Scavenger Hunt (from USD 27.0)
Join this Martha’s Vineyard Venture Scavenger Hunt, an engaging and entertaining game, for a fun and exciting vacation. Not only will you be able to see the attractions and taste the food, but you will also gain insight into the past and heritage of the area. Get competitive and rack up as many points as possible with the virtual interactive live guide before you reach the endpoint.
This location is ideally situated, with easy access to various public transportation options and a policy that accommodates guests with service animals. To ensure that everyone will have a great time, you can extend it for free and get a special alumni rate for future hunts.
Martha’s Vineyard Scavenger Hunt
Duration: 2 hours
2. Take a calm walk past the epic clay cliffs in Aquinnah
Take in beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as you walk along the brightly colored clay cliffs at Aquinnah that are part of the island’s Wampanoag reservation and environmental protection. Known for its striking sunsets, Aquinnah Cliffs are truly breathtaking. From high atop the cliffs, you can witness the waves crashing onto the shore set against the alluring, multicolored backdrop of the cliffs. As you park your car near the lighthouse, you can take a short walk to the beach or walk along to the height of the cliffs and witness the Atlantic from on high. Atop the cliff, there is a restaurant where you can eat while taking in breathtaking views of the ocean.
Aquinnah Cliffs
Address: 31 Aquinnah Cir, Aquinnah, MA 02535
Opening hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
3. Discover history and heritage at Martha's Vineyard Museum
Founded in 1921, Martha’s Vineyard Museum is a cultural and historical museum located in Tisbury. Originally referred to as Dukes County Historical Society, the name was changed in 1996 to emphasize Matha’s Vineyard. The museum is housed within a colonial building that was repurposed to facilitate the museum. Martha’s Vineyard Museum displays many exhibits such as “Art Activism: Paintings by Basia Jaworska" which shines a light on inequality and injustice or “Votes for Women: An Island Perspective” which reflects on the women’s suffrage movement. The exhibits appear to rotate every six months, so just like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get!
Martha's Vineyard Museum
Address: 151 Lagoon Pond Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Website: Martha’s Vineyard Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun : 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD
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4. Savor some sweets at Back Door Donuts
Everyone that visits Martha’s Vineyard is likely to stop by Back Door Donuts for some deliciously sweet treats. Their apple fritters are very large and coated in sticky sweetness, and they appear to be highly sought after. The story is small but the fare is made with as much gusto as a full-fledged restaurant. The donuts are so delicious that there is often a long line of people waiting to get some.
Back Door Donuts
Address: 1-11 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Website: Back Door Donuts
Opening hours: Mon: 8am - 3pm; Wed - Fri: 8am - 3pm, 7am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 5pm, 7am - 10pm (closed on Tue)
5. Take a parasail flight with Martha's Vineyard Oceansports
Martha’s Vineyard Oceansports in Oak Bluff is not just for parasailing. They provide the tools with which to engage in just about every ocean sport one might think of. From racing jet skis to waterskiing, Martha’s Vineyard Oceansports has attempted to cover just about everything one might hope to experience. You can take a banana boat ride or go flyboarding and you can even rent a boat. One thing is certain, this place is a one-stop-shop for ocean sports fun.
Martha's Vineyard Oceansports
Address: 12 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Website: Martha’s Vineyard Oceansports
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: From 125 USD
6. Enjoy a relaxing yoga session with alpacas at Island Alpaca Company
At Island Alpaca Company in Oak Bluff, you can get your zen on while doing yoga with the alpacas. Like their cousins the llama and camel, alpacas do spit but, evidently, they’re also in tune with the zen-like nature of yoga. It’s really tranquil and calming to do yoga with these intuitive creatures. Though entry into the farm is merely 5 USD, the cost of the yoga session is 35 USD. These alpacas at Island Alpaca have been nurtured and cared for.
Island Alpaca Company
Address: 1 Head of the Pond Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Website: Island Alpaca Company
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
7. Catch a movie at Capawock Theatre
Capawock Theatre is a historic theater that has been in operation since 1913. It seats 320 and got its start showing silent films in the 1920s. If you want to step back in time, go watch a film with your friends at this historic movie theater in Tisbury.
Capawock Theatre
Address: 43 Main St, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Website: Capawock Theatre
8. Take a kayak tour at Mass Audubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
At Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take a walk and explore 4 miles (6 kilometers) of trails taking in the many sights ranging from woodlands and ponds to meadows and the barrier beach. There are many programs offered by the non-profit, from birding to kayaking classes. There are even day programs for kids in the sanctuary, so they can spend their summer days checking out this formidable 350-acre (141 hectares) wildlife sanctuary and all the wildlife it lends its space to.
Mass Audubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 100 Felix Neck Dr, Edgartown, MA 02539
Website: Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
9. Be surrounded by plants at Mytoi Japanese Garden
The most central feature of this garden is probably the small pond with an island in the middle that can be reached by walking over a small arched bridge. There are walkways that go through a serene birch grove, a peaceful rock garden, and a hollow filled with camellia. Once you cross Dike Road you are presented with a quarter-mile nature trail that passes through a salt march and a pine forest. Here, you can get exercise while surrounded by the serene beauty of the local plants, flowers, and trees.
Mytoi Japanese Garden
Address: 41 Dike Rd, Edgartown, MA 02539
Website: Mytoi Japanese Garden
10. Take an Instagram-worthy photo with Gingerbread Houses
These quirky houses line the street of Oak Bluffs and like much in Martha’s Vineyard, they also have a rich history. As the name suggests, these houses are adorned with whimsical details of gingerbread houses and composed of late 19th-century Carpenter’s Gothic architectural style. Most exciting of all is that some of these cottages are for rent and if your timing is right, you can enjoy them from the inside as well.
Gingerbread Houses
Address: 80 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Website: Gingerbread Houses
Opening hours: 12pm - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Gaze at a beautiful sunset on a Martha's Vineyard Sunset Cruise (from USD 95.0)
While you’re in Martha’s Vineyard, plan to enjoy cocktails on the water while gazing at a beautiful sunset with Martha’s Vineyard Sunset Cruise. Cruises are not all they have as they also offer day cruises, port-of-call tours, and even sailing and motorsports. If you’re looking for water and action on your vacation, this may be the perfect place to stop along the way.
Martha's Vineyard Sightseeing Cruises
Duration: 2 hours
12. Be delighted with the beautiful scenery at Polly Hill Arboretum
Bright blue June view from the top window of the Far Barn. Photo by Ian Jochems.
Posted by The Polly Hill Arboretum on Sunday, June 13, 2021
Take pleasure in a scenic trip to Polly Hill Arboretum, a horticultural and botanical tourist attraction established in 1998, where you can view various floras that will make you feel relaxed. Spend time appreciating the sense of peace and learning about the different plants, such as camellias, clematis, and crabapples.
You can picnic with your friends and family and enjoy the beautiful scenery in a designated area. Enjoy this fantastic location every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, when you can take a guided tour of the site and stroll through the premises.
Polly Hill Arboretum
Address: 809 State Rd, West Tisbury, MA 02575, United States
Website: Polly Hill Arboretum
Price: 5 USD
Pre-colonial destination
Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful island in Massachusetts that was founded in the 17th century. Known for its natural parks and historic buildings, you and your family will never run out of things to do here. So be sure to stop and see it, take a cruise, or stroll along beaches that the first colonial settlers walked on.
History
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