The Charlotte Inn
Classic Luxury · Boutique · Refined
A Relais & Châteaux inn in the heart of Edgartown — antiques, garden courtyards, and a quiet, traditional atmosphere. One of the most refined stays on the island.
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Plan Martha's Vineyard by choosing the right town first, then deciding whether ferry, bus, bicycle, taxi, or car best fits the itinerary. This guide compares Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Chilmark, Menemsha, Aquinnah, and West Tisbury, with curated hotels, restaurants, beaches, Chappaquiddick, and practical seasonal advice.
Quick Picks: Best Hotels in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Best for Families
Best Overall
Best Boutique / Unique Stay
Best Value
Best Luxury
Where to Base Yourself
Best Areas to Stay
6 areas
Edgartown
Refined harbor village with classic New England charmThe island’s most polished town — white-clapboard houses, a historic harbor, and the best concentration of dining and boutiques. South Beach (Katama) is a short bike ride away. The most popular base for first-time visitors.
Oak Bluffs
Colorful, social, and most lively townThe Vineyard’s most energetic town — gingerbread cottages, Circuit Avenue, and the island’s best nightlife. Walkable, fun, and ideal for younger visitors or anyone who wants activity in the evenings.
Vineyard Haven
Working harbor town with local, year-round feelThe main ferry port and most lived-in town on the island — independent shops, reliable restaurants, and a quieter, more practical base. Best for convenience and year-round access.
Chilmark & Menemsha
Rural, scenic, and most private part of the islandRolling farmland, stone walls, and the fishing village of Menemsha — known for lobster dinners on the beach at sunset. Quiet, beautiful, and removed from the main towns. A car is essential.
Aquinnah (Gay Head)
Dramatic cliffs and remote coastal landscapeThe island’s western tip — striking clay cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and long, uncrowded beaches. Remote and culturally significant, with deep ties to the Wampanoag Tribe.
West Tisbury
Agricultural heartland with farms and open spaceA quiet inland area defined by farms, markets, and conservation land — home to the West Tisbury Farmers Market and Long Point Beach. Best for a slower, more local experience.
Curated Stays
Where to Stay
13 hotels
Getaway Unpacked may earn a commission when you book through selected links, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations remain independently curated.
Luxury
Harbor View Hotel
Historic · Harbor Views · Resort Feel
The island’s iconic waterfront hotel — wraparound porch, lighthouse views, and a full-service setup steps from town. Classic Vineyard stay with strong location.
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Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Resort · Family-Friendly · Beachfront
A full-service resort on South Beach with suites, cottages, pools, and direct beach access. The best option on the island for families.
$$$$
Faraway Martha's Vineyard
Modern · Design-Forward · Social
A reimagined historic inn turned into a multi-building hotel campus — lively, stylish, and one of the most exciting recent openings on the island.
$$$$
The Christopher
Modern Boutique · Central · Design
A bright, contemporary inn with a fresh coastal aesthetic — steps from Main Street and a strong alternative to more traditional Edgartown stays.
$$$$
Mid-Range
Hob Knob
Boutique · Romantic · Intimate
A small, polished inn on Main Street with just 17 rooms — known for excellent breakfast, attentive service, and a quiet, romantic feel.
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Beach Plum Inn
Romantic · Secluded · Scenic
A nine-room inn overlooking Menemsha harbor — gardens, a strong restaurant, and one of the most atmospheric settings on the island.
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Mansion House
Practical · Year-Round · Full-Service
A reliable, centrally located hotel with access to a full health club and pool — one of the best options for year-round stays.
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Edgartown Inn
Modern Farmhouse · Boutique · Relaxed
A smaller Lark Hotels property with a clean, farmhouse-inspired design — breakfast included and an easy, comfortable base in town.
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Inkwell Beach House
Beachfront · Boutique · Historic
A small, character-filled inn directly across from Inkwell Beach — simple, warm, and one of the best true beachfront locations on the island.
$$
Harborside Inn
Harborfront · Central · Resort Feel
A well-located waterfront hotel in the heart of Edgartown — large property, heated pool overlooking the harbor, and walkable to shops, restaurants, and the ferry. Best for travelers who prioritize location and views over boutique style.
$$
Budget
Summercamp Hotel
Playful · Social · Value
A colorful, camp-inspired hotel overlooking the harbor — lively atmosphere, great porch, and strong value for the location.
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Pequot Hotel
Classic · Friendly · Central
A well-run Victorian inn near the beach and Circuit Avenue — simple, reliable, and one of the best-value options in town.
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Where to Eat
Restaurants
7 picks
01
Atria
The island's most celebrated restaurant: upstairs is white tablecloths and twinkle lights in an 18th-century sea captain's home; downstairs is a glam-rock speakeasy with neon and leopard print. The wok-fired two-pound lobster is essential.
Learn MoreBest Fine Dining
02
Larsen's Fish Market
A no-frills seafood shack on the Menemsha docks serving ultra-fresh lobster rolls, chowder, and shellfish—best enjoyed picnic-style at sunset overlooking the harbor. Take your order to Menemsha Beach to watch the sunset.
Learn MoreBest Street Food
03
State Road Restaurant
West Tisbury's farm-to-table anchor — locally sourced, seasonally driven, rustically elegant. Pan-roasted island fish, house-made pasta, and the most local cooking on the island. Book ahead.
Learn MoreBest Casual Spot
04
Détente
Edgartown's most charming restaurant — a husband-and-wife team, a garden patio, creative seasonal New American with French and Italian touches. The most reliably excellent dinner in town.
Learn MoreBest Romantic Dinner
05
The Black Dog Tavern
The island's most iconic institution since 1971 — a waterfront tavern in Vineyard Haven with a legendary brunch, a loyal local following, and merchandise that has become a cultural touchstone of the American summer.
Learn MoreBest Iconic Island Dining
06
Dock Street Coffee Shop
Edgartown's classic chrome-stools diner — linguiça, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches on a flat-top griddle, walk-in only, cash preferred. The most essential Vineyard breakfast.
Learn MoreBest Brunch
07
The Wharf Pub
A year-round Edgartown pub serving lunch and dinner daily, with seafood, sandwiches, pub standards, takeout, sports, and a separate Back Bar that hosts live music and late-night events.
Learn MoreBest Year-Round Pub
Worth Your Time
Things to Do
6 experiences
South Beach (Katama) & Long Point
Two different beach experiences: open-ocean South Beach near Edgartown and the protected landscape of Long Point Wildlife Refuge in West Tisbury. Surf, parking, reservations, access points, and seasonal rules require separate checks.
Learn MoreCycling the Island
Shared-use paths connect many popular down-island routes, but the network has important gaps and is not a fully protected island loop. Plan distance, road exposure, traffic, weather, and return transportation before renting.
Learn MoreLobster at Menemsha Beach
Build a Menemsha sunset meal from one of the fishing village’s seafood counters, then walk to the beach. Availability, waits, parking, menus, and weather change, so arrive with alternatives rather than a fixed order or budget.
Learn MoreOak Bluffs Gingerbread Cottages & Flying Horses
Walk the historic campground’s colorful cottages and Trinity Park, then pair the visit with the seasonal Flying Horses Carousel. The neighborhood is residential, so explore quietly and photograph respectfully.
Learn MoreChappaquiddick & Cape Poge
A small ferry from Edgartown reaches Chappaquiddick, where Mytoi, Cape Poge, and Wasque require deliberate transportation and access planning. Vehicle lines, protected shorebirds, erosion, currents, and permits can change the day.
Learn MoreAquinnah Cliffs & Gay Head Lighthouse
A dramatic up-island landscape and culturally important place within the homeland of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Use designated overlooks and paths, respect restricted cliff areas, and check lighthouse access separately.
Learn MoreKnow Before You Go
Travel Facts
Language
English.
Currency
US Dollar (USD).
Getting There
The Steamship Authority operates the only vehicle ferry from Woods Hole; vehicle travel requires a reservation, while traditional-ferry walk-on passengers generally buy tickets at the terminal. Other passenger ferries and flights are seasonal. Confirm schedule, mainland parking, arrival town, and connections directly.
Getting Around
VTA buses connect island towns, and bicycles, taxis, rideshares, and rental vehicles fill different needs. Bus routes and fares change seasonally. The shared-use path network has gaps, and bringing a vehicle requires reserved ferry space.
Time Zone
Eastern Time: EST in winter and EDT during daylight saving time.
Best Time
July and August have the fullest calendar and highest demand. June and September can be calmer while retaining many services. Late fall through spring is quiet and many businesses reduce hours or close seasonally.
Visa
Domestic US destination; identification requirements depend on the traveler and mode of transportation.
Practical Notes
Reserve vehicle ferry space as soon as your dates are firm, but do not assume every desirable sailing is permanently unavailable if the first search fails. Check official availability, wait-list and change options, and compare a walk-on trip before restructuring the vacation.
A car-free trip works best when lodging, ferry arrival town, dinner reservations, and VTA routes are planned together. Check the current bus schedule and fare rather than relying on an old flat price, and remember that bike racks have limited first-come capacity.
Martha’s Vineyard has many shared-use paths but also significant gaps. Avoid describing the town-to-town network as continuously protected; select routes conservatively, expect congestion, and use lights, helmets, and current maps.
South-facing beaches can have strong surf and Chappaquiddick currents can be hazardous. Follow lifeguards, posted rules, closures, and conservation boundaries, and never enter water solely because a guide calls a beach family-friendly.
Seasonality affects nearly everything: restaurant days, ferries, buses, lodging minimum stays, attractions, and beach access. Confirm priority plans directly even in June or September rather than assuming the full summer calendar.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
What is the best town to stay in on Martha's Vineyard?
Edgartown offers a polished, walkable center with strong dining. Oak Bluffs is lively, colorful, and convenient for summer ferry arrivals. Vineyard Haven is the practical year-round port. Chilmark, Menemsha, Aquinnah, and West Tisbury provide quieter rural or coastal settings but require more transportation planning.
How many days do you need on Martha's Vineyard?
Three nights works for two or three down-island towns and a beach day. Four or five nights allows an up-island outing, Chappaquiddick or a nature reserve, and flexibility for ferry or beach weather. A week supports a slower, town-by-town visit.
How do you get to Martha's Vineyard?
The Steamship Authority operates the only vehicle ferry between Woods Hole and the island, with year-round service centered on Vineyard Haven and seasonal Oak Bluffs service. Passenger-only operators serve additional mainland ports seasonally, and flights use Martha’s Vineyard Airport. Verify the operator, arrival town, parking, and onward transportation together.
Do you need a car on Martha's Vineyard?
Not for every trip. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven can support car-free stays using walking, VTA buses, bicycles, taxis, and rideshare availability. A car is useful for dispersed up-island plans, but vehicle ferry space requires a reservation and summer traffic and parking can reduce the benefit.
Do walk-on passengers need Steamship Authority reservations?
Traditional Steamship Authority ferries generally do not require passenger reservations, while vehicle travel on the Woods Hole–Martha’s Vineyard route is reservation-only. Policies and schedules can change, so check the official reservation page before travel.
When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard?
July and August offer the fullest seasonal calendar and the greatest crowds and prices. June and September can balance activity with lighter demand, but not every business keeps the same schedule. From late fall through spring, expect a quieter island and more limited dining, lodging, and transportation.
Can you bike around Martha's Vineyard safely?
The island has an extensive shared-use path network, but it contains major gaps and does not create a fully protected loop through every town. Choose a route appropriate to ability, use lights and helmets, expect road riding in places, and check the current map rather than relying on a simplified mileage claim.
What is the difference between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket?
Martha’s Vineyard is larger and divided among six towns with more varied landscapes and town personalities. Nantucket is more compact around one dominant historic town. Both are seasonal islands where ferry logistics, lodging costs, and advance planning matter.
Explore More
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Nantucket, MassachusettsThe sibling island 30 miles east — a 2.5-hour ferry from Hyannis with a more compact historic center, stronger upscale dining scene, and a similar no-chains, all-local character.30A / Rosemary Beach / Alys BeachThe Gulf Coast equivalent of the Vineyard's curated beach-town aesthetic — New Urbanist architecture, no chain stores, a strong local restaurant culture, and a summer-season premium that feels similarly earned.