Vineyard Haven is such a gorgeous port town, with lots of New England charm and character. It’s a great place to spend a day!

First off, for Day Trippers in season - we recommend passengers taking the Steamship Authority Ferry from Woods Hole if you’re going to Vineyard Haven. If you want more info on that, read this post about how to get from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard.

Lastly, this list is not exhaustive, and instead just features where we PERSONALLY would take a friend or family member who is visiting the island for the first time. For now, this post is about spending ONE day on island, in-season, with 2 adults, for someone who’s never been here before and wants a good gist of what we have to offer.

MV in One Day Bucket List

⛲ Walk Around Downtown Vineyard Haven

Here are some of the more scenic walk suggestions of places you can route to in your phone while you walk around town

• Shops on Main Street - grab a souvenir and support island businesses just a few minute walk away from the ferry terminal. Be sure to stop at Vineyard Vines, Green Room and Rainy Day - they’re a few of our favorites.

• Owen Park - just a few minute walk down Main Street you will stumble upon steep Owen Park. It’s a great place to bring a picnic, take a kiddo to the playground, or sit with a view of the harbor. Owen Park is also the town dock so you can watch sailors pull up and dock their boats!

🦞 Eat some Seafood with a View

Some personal favorites:

• The Black Dog - a classic, Martha’s Vineyard tradition, you can get seafood with a view here and lots of comfort food classics year-round. You can also shop their extensive shop after. Great for breakfast too!

• Net Result - We love this casual fish market. You can order inside and sit on the picnic benches outside - we love the calamari, fish+chips and more.

• Waterside Market - if you’re looking for something non-seafood, we suggest you grab an amazing sandwich and iced coffee from this casual dining spot.

🌊 Beach!

• Owen Park Beach is just a few minute walk from the ferry! It’s very shallow and dog and kid friendly. There are also public restrooms and an area to rinse your feet too which is great for someone not staying overnight.

📍Do something tourist-y

Whether or not you’re into history, there’s a few quick spots of note you can check out

• Martha’s Vineyard Museum - MV Museum has been recently re-done and offers top-tier, interactive exhibits featuring island history. It’s also great for kids, and offers a gorgeous view of the lagoon. $20/per person.

• Historic William Street is walking distance - you can stroll and enjoy the views of some of its old Captain’s homes

🍦🍹 Get a treat or drink

• Cocktail - FishMV offers a wide variety of cocktails that we love! Vineyard Haven’s town law requires you purchase food with your drink, so grab some local oysters while you’re at it!

• Ice Cream - Mad Martha’s is right near the ferry and has a long island history. Grab a scoop of Chilmark Coffee or Back Door Apple Fritter Ice cream!

Itinerary:

Now that you know the main players - here’s how this could realistically look for under $150 per person, leaving travel time on either side of the trip.

• 10:00 - Arrive, Park + Purchase round-trip ticket in Woods Hole.

• 10:15 - Depart Woods hole for Vineyard Haven. $20 round trip

• 11:00 - Arrive in Vineyard Haven

• 12:15 - Eat Lunch at Black Dog, check out their shop after $35

• 1:15 - Walk to Martha’s Vineyard Museum and learn about the island history $20

• 2:30 - Walk down Main Street and browse the shops

• 3:00 - Grab a cocktail and crab cakes at FishMV $45

• 3:45 - Sit and enjoy the view at Owen Park of ships coming in

• 4:15 - Walk back over to the Steamship Authority terminal to depart the island

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I hope you enjoy your day trip! Let us know if you give any of these places a try!

🗺️ FYI, we also have day-trip itineraries for Oak Bluffs and Edgartown! Check them out!