Martha's Vineyard

Quaint New England by the Sea

Martha’s Vineyard is a coastal island in Massachusetts known for its sandy beaches and quiet charm. The landscape features rolling hills, salt marshes and small towns with historic architecture. Visitors can explore lighthouses along the shoreline or enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants. The island has seasonal weather patterns, with mild summers and cooler winters that attract both tourists and residents seeking a slower pace of life. Trails through vineyards and forests provide opportunities for walking and biking away from busy areas.

Add to list Map view

Island in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 7.8

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	8
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

English is universally spoken, with all signage, menus, and services in English. Staff in hotels, restaurants, and shops are used to helping visitors from around the world.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

Martha's Vineyard Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Excellent for coastal charm and relaxing escapes. Cycle scenic island roads, stroll historic towns, relax on sandy beaches and enjoy fresh seafood.

Place score

7.5

Best at:

Sea

Luxury

Spotless

Islands

Beaches

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Martha's Vineyard, United States

🌬️

Jan

🌬️

Feb

🌬️

Mar

🌬️

Apr

🌤️

May

🌤️

Jun

☀️

Jul

☀️

Aug

☀️

Sep

🌬️

Oct

🌬️

Nov

🌬️

Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	6 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Many restaurants, shops and inns close from late October to April, and ferry service is reduced in winter

Ferries and accommodation book out far ahead for July and August, especially for cars

Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair runs in the third week of August

Don't miss

🌅 Watch the sunset from the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah
🏡 Stroll through the colorful gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs
🚴‍♂️ Cycle the scenic coastal route between Edgartown and Katama Beach
⛵ Sail around the harbor and spot lighthouses from the water
🦞 Taste fresh lobster rolls at a seaside shack

You've been here?

Why travel to Martha's Vineyard?

Martha’s Vineyard is a dream for anyone who loves that laid-back, small-town coastal feel. You can wander the iconic Gingerbread Houses in Oak Bluffs, stroll the historic streets of Edgartown or soak up the views from the Aquinnah Cliffs. The island’s beaches range from wild surf to family-friendly coves and there’s plenty of cycling, sailing and farm-fresh dining. It’s a great spot for families, couples and anyone needing a break from city life. But it’s not all smooth sailing: the island gets crowded in summer and accommodations can be pricey and book up fast. Bringing a car on the ferry requires planning months ahead and weather can be unpredictable – think cool breezes and sudden showers even in July. Still, the Vineyard’s blend of natural beauty, history and relaxed charm makes it a place you’ll want to return to.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Edgartown Harbor Light
2 Gay Head Lighthouse
3 Flying Horses Carousel
4 Morning Glory Farm
5 Circuit Avenue

🎡Places for activities

1 Horseback Riding
2 Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
3 Big Bridge

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Menemsha Beach
2 Chappaquiddick Island
3 Zacks Cliffs
4 South Beach
5 Mytoi Japanese Garden

🎈Events

Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair (August)
Grand Illumination Night (August)
Taste of the Vineyard
MV Film Festival
Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Reserve ferries early; summer crossings fill up quickly.
Skip driving if possible; bikes and buses cover most towns efficiently.
Pack a light jacket; ocean breezes can feel chilly after sunset.
For dramatic scenery, visit Aquinnah Cliffs near golden hour, then stay for a quiet beach walk.

How to travel to Martha's Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is accessible by ferry from Woods Hole, Hyannis, New Bedford and Rhode Island. Book car ferry reservations months in advance; walk‑on tickets are easier. The island also has a small airport (MVY) with flights from Boston, New York and other East Coast cities. If flying into Boston, plan for a 3‑hour trip to the ferry terminal.

Access summary

From Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY): 10–20 minutes by taxi or local bus.
From Woods Hole (Cape Cod): Vehicle/passenger ferry about 45 minutes to Vineyard Haven/Oak Bluffs.
From Boston: 1.5–2 hours to Woods Hole, then 45-minute ferry crossing.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Martha's Vineyard

Stay in Oak Bluffs for nightlife and the famous Gingerbread Houses, Edgartown for classic charm and boutiques or Vineyard Haven for a quieter, central base. Accommodations range from historic inns and boutique hotels to vacation rentals and cozy B&Bs. Book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Camping is limited and fills fast.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Edgar Hotel Martha's Vineyard, an Ascend Collection Hotel

8.9

Winnetu Oceanside Resort at South Beach

The Richard, The Edgartown Collection

9.7

Summercamp

9.6

The Sydney, The Edgartown Collection

8.8

The Edgartown Inn, The Edgartown Collection

The Christopher, The Edgartown Collection

The Coco, The Edgartown Collection

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Martha's Vineyard

The island is best explored by bike, car or the Vineyard Transit Authority bus system, which connects all major towns and beaches. Taxis, rideshares and car rentals are available. In peak season, parking can be tough, especially in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Many visitors leave their car on the mainland and rely on bikes or buses to avoid ferry hassles and parking headaches.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+2 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 2% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Falmouth, United States - 17 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£92	£203	£505
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£53	£120	£263
🍝 Food per day	£33	£76	£216
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£7	£26

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£28
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£17
🍟 Fast food combo	£9
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£12
☕ Cappuccino	£3.60
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.60
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£15
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.70

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£125
🤧 Cold medication	£5.50
💇 Basic haircut	£16

Safety information overview

General safety

Martha’s Vineyard is very safe, with low crime rates and a friendly, community vibe. Still, keep an eye on valuables at the beach and in busy towns and take care on roads, especially when cycling.

Health & Medical

Good medical care is available, with clinics and a hospital on the island. Bring any needed medications and sun protection. Tap water is safe to drink. Summer bugs and poison ivy can be a nuisance on trails.

Accessibility

Most towns, beaches and attractions are accessible, with ramps and boardwalks. Some older inns and narrow sidewalks may be tricky for wheelchairs or strollers. The VTA bus is wheelchair-accessible.

Tap water

Tap water is safe and widely available. Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated, especially when biking or at the beach.