Plan Your Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Itinerary!
Taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard is a great way to explore the Massachusetts coast and experience the charming small towns that dot the island! In this blog, we’ll explore the best stops on the island and what visitors should prioritize for a quick trip. From the gingerbread cottages to shopping and exploring the restaurants, planning a Martha’s Vineyard day trip itinerary is a must when visiting. Looking for other things to do on Cape Cod? Get your copy of our Vacation Guide! You’ll find all the top activities, from top restaurants to everything to do and see. Now let’s get ready for a Martha’s Vineyard experience!
Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Itinerary
Getting to Martha’s Vineyard
This beautiful island is accessible by ferry or plane, so be sure to take some time to plan your trip. Most visitors will take the ferry, and there are a few options. Two easy options are The Steamship Authority, located right here in Woods Hole 7 minutes walk from us, or the Island Queen Ferry, located 10 minutes drive from us. View other options here! Most visitors use the MVTA bus from town to town when they arrive on the island. Review the bus schedule and give yourself enough time to explore! Lastly, you can easily walk or bike to local attractions in each town.
Towns
Martha’s Vineyard is known for being dotted with picturesque coastal towns. Each town offer visitors a unique look into the culture of the island. There are three major towns and we recommend visiting as many of them as possible to get a good overview of the island and everything this beautiful area offers! Now, let’s explore the island.
Edgartown (Recommended exploration time 4 hours)
This charming and historic town is the largest on the island and is the ideal place to stop and enjoy a day exploring. Located on the island’s eastern shore, Edgartown offers delicious dining, shopping, and events to attend. Be sure to visit one of the beaches in town; they are some of the best in Martha’s Vineyard! Overall, Edgartown is the place for those looking to explore the island’s culture, so this is the perfect day trip itinerary for new visitors looking for an overview of the area. Here are a few stops to make:
19 Raw Oyster Bar (Delicious local seafood)
Mad Martha’s (Iconic ice cream)
Rosewater Market (Food, drinks, and gifts)
Murdick’s Fudge (Delicious treats!)
This is just the start! Review all the restaurants, shopping, and markets to experience in Edgartown here!
Oak Bluffs (Recommended exploration time 2 hours)
Another town to consider is Oak Bluffs. This town is north of Edgartown and offers a different feel. The main attraction here is the gingerbread cottages and the beautiful shoreline. This town is the perfect destination for those looking for a day trip centered on exploring the neighborhoods and seeing the character of Martha’s Vineyard. Here are some popular stops that you’ll fall in love with:
Lookout Tavern (Try their lobster rolls!)
Nancy’s Restaurant (Try their specialty drinks, open seasonally)
Ocean Park (Oceanfront Park)
Flying Horses Carousel (Oldest platform carousel in the U.S.)
East Chop Lighthouse (19th-century lighthouse open seasonally)
Vineyard Haven (1.5 hours)
This area is part of the larger town of Tisbury and is a great place to see how Martha’s Vineyard locals live. If there is one thing to do in Vineyard Haven, it is to get out and walk! Vineyard Haven is the perfect place to get out and explore the area on foot. The quiet feeling makes you feel like you’ve escaped into your own slice of New England. The downtown area is free of chain businesses. Be sure to visit some local shops such as:
Rainy Day (Local gift shop)
Off Main (Local gift shop)
The Beach House (Unique house wears and gifts)
The Black Dog (The original store is in Vineyard Haven, plus dining option avaiable)
After exploring these shops, make sure to have your ferry ride back to Cape Cod planned!
Make Treehouse Lodge your Retreat!
After a long day exploring Martha’s Vineyard, head back to the mainland and stay at Treehouse Lodge! Our accommodations feature New England-style touches and is sure to draw you in and leave you feeling relaxed! Enhance your trip and add on one of our vacation packages and specials. We can’t wait to see you here on Cape Cod!