📆 Car-Free Day Trip: Vineyard Haven Itinerary for Martha’s Vineyard Visitors (2025)
How to explore Tisbury, MA without a car — attractions, dining, and tips for making the most of your day
If you’ve been wondering whether you can visit Martha’s Vineyard without bringing your car, the answer is yes — and Vineyard Haven is the easiest place to do it. The Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole docks right in town, and almost everything in this itinerary is within a 10-minute walk of the terminal. No need to stress over parking, ferry car reservations, or summer traffic.
💡 Tip: If you’re staying longer than a day, Vineyard Haven is a perfect car-free base — you can rent a bike or hop on the VTA bus to explore Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and even Up-Island towns without driving.
🚢 Getting to Vineyard Haven Without a Car
Most visitors come via the Steamship Authority Ferry from Woods Hole — the only year-round ferry with passenger service into Vineyard Haven. Leave your car on the Cape to avoid the extra cost, reservation hassle, and limited parking once you arrive.
Parking: Use the Palmer Ave. lot (not the terminal) and take the quick free shuttle to Woods Hole.
Tickets: Buy online or in person (~$20 round trip for passengers), no need to book in advance.
Timing: Ferries run about hourly; check for weather cancellations the morning of your trip.
More info:
🗺️ Your Car-Free Vineyard Haven Day — All on Foot
Everything here is part of one easy loop starting and ending at the ferry terminal:
10:15 AM – Ferry from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven
11:00 AM – Stroll Main Street: browse CB Stark, Bunch of Grapes, Rainy Day, Green Room, and LeRoux.
11:30 AM – Short detour up Historic William Street to see 1850s captain’s homes.
12:15 PM – Lunch at Art Cliff Diner (or Waterside Market for quicker seating).
1:15 PM – Walk to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum for island history, interactive exhibits, and First Light Café if you want a light snack or coffee.
2:45 PM – Take a lovely walk through town to Owen Park: playground, public restrooms, and a perfect spot for ferry-watching.
3:30 PM – Grab a drink or treat: Catboat Coffee, or oysters at 9 Craft Kitchen if open.
4:05 PM – Follow the harbor path to the Black Dog Tavern & General Store for last-minute shopping (restrooms available for customers).
4:15 PM – Five-minute flat walk back to the Steamship Authority terminal for your return ferry.
💡 All stops are within ½ mile of each other — easy for strollers, wheelchairs, and travelers with light backpacks.
🌊 Stay Longer Without a Car
Vineyard Transit Authority Day Pass gives unlimited rides to beaches, up-island towns, and other ferry ports.
Our favorite place to stay if you decide to stay overnight:
Bike rentals (standard or e-bike) are right in town — ride the path to Oak Bluffs or Edgartown.
🔗 Other Guides to Reference
Our COMPREHENSIVE Vineyard Haven Guide (helpful, but includes non-walking distance options):
A WINTER Day Trip Itinerary for Vineyard Haven (helpful, but also not car-free):
📝 Before You Go
Seasonal Hours: In the off-season (roughly November–April), most shops and restaurants in Vineyard Haven are open Thursday–Sunday. Hours can be limited, so check ahead.
Accessibility Notes: This itinerary is fully walkable on flat terrain. Sidewalks along Main Street are in good condition, and all stops listed have step-free or ramped access except for certain historic buildings on William Street (view from outside only). Public restrooms are at Owen Park and the ferry terminal.
Events: For markets, pop-ups, and special happenings during your visit, check the latest MVacay Weekend Update.