🆓 30+ Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do on Martha's Vineyard in 2025
plus MVacay's local tips for saving $ AND experiencing the best of MV
Let me level with you - a trip to Martha's Vineyard is expensive! Lodging, ferries and food are high fixed costs that add up. But the oneeee place you can totally save is experiencing the best parts of the island. Everything on this list is either free or under $10!
A Few Tips to Make the Most of These Activities
Looking for what's free TODAY? The MVacay Events App shows current happenings all over the island
Speaking of, free events draw big crowds in summer. Plan to arrive on time for the best experience
Hours vary by season so always check before heading out
The 37 items in this list are A LOT. Like where are you recording what you want to try? Instead, track your island bucket list with just the things you want to do in our free MV Bucket List App
Walk, bike or take public transportation to your activity
🎭 Historic & Cultural Sites
Walk the MV Camp Meeting Association aka Gingerbread Houses (Free)
Visit the MV Camp Meeting Association Cottage Museum ($3)
Visit Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook (Free)
Visit The African American Heritage Trail sites (Free)
Explore The Field Gallery + Sculpture Garden (Free)
Browse local art galleries in Oak Bluffs & Vineyard Haven (Free)
Visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on free admission days (Check schedule for activities like story hours etc)
Explore the Carnegie Heritage Center in Edgartown (Suggested $5 donation)
Visit the Aquinnah Cultural Center ($5 adults, $3 kids/seniors)
Visit historic lighthouses during free open house hours (Free, check schedule, can be $5 during Summer)
🌿 Outdoor Activities & Scenic Spots
Watch the sunrise at Inkwell Beach or Jaws Bridge or sunset at Menemsha or East Chop (Free)
Walk the scenic path from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown via Seaview-Beach Rd. (Free)
Walk through Polly Hill Arboretum’s trails (Free or $5 donation)
Explore the FARM Institute property (Free)
Take a self-guided nature walk at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Free, paid programs available)
Visit Menemsha’s working fishing docks (Free)
Visit the Japanese Garden at Mytoi on Chappaquiddick ($5, free on some days)
Visit Island Alpaca Farm (Free in the off-season, ~$5 in season)
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly & Community Activities
Attend an exhibit opening at Featherstone Center for the Arts (Free)
Attend First Fridays in Vineyard Haven (Free entry, shopping optional)
Explore the Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center grounds (Free)
Go tide pooling at low tide on Lagoon Pond (Free)
Explore the Edgartown Fire Museum (Free, donations appreciated)
Attend events at island libraries (Free)
Go to a Community Sing along at the Tabernacle (many Summer Fridays)
Go to a park concert at Ocean Park (Free most Summer Sunday evenings)
Fly a kite in Ocean Park (kites ~$10 available from Craftworks or Basics)
🎆 Events & Seasonal Activities
To find out about events each week or looking forward, check MVacay every Thursday Morning for up-to-date events.
Attend farmers markets, street fairs or artisan festivals and listen to live music (Free entry)
Watch a “pay what you can” movie at the Circuit Arts Drive-In (Suggested donation)
Go to the August or Fourth of July Fireworks in Oak Bluffs (Free)
Watch the Edgartown Regatta from the shore (Free)
Enjoy the Christmas in Edgartown festivities (Some free events)
🍦 Affordable Treats & Food-Related Activities
Get a donut from Back Door Donuts (Under $10 for two)
Get a slice of pie from Morning Glory Farm ($7 or less)
Eat a Mad Martha’s ice cream cone ($7)
Eat Murdick’s Fudge ($10 for a small box)
Try a Dirty Banana at Donovan’s ($10)
Eat a cup of clam chowder from Black Dog Cafe ($10)
These activities give you an authentic island experience that connects you with both the land and our community.
Closing out with My Last Few Budget-Friendly Tips:
If you’re looking for ideas on budget-friendly lodging, you can always check my list here.
Keep costs low by riding the VTA buses. More travel guidance here.
BYO: While you can support island restaurants during your trip, consider bringing groceries from off-island to use.
Come during the off-season of November-April for discounted lodging, no minimum stay requirements, and less expensive ferry parking.