📆 Itinerary and Things to Do in Edgartown for Martha's Vineyard Visitors (2024)
what to do, tourist attractions, where to eat, and how to get to and from MV for a day trip
Heading to MV for a day trip? Edgartown is worth the trek - the quaint cottages and coastal charm are unmatched.
MVacay’s Guide to Edgartown
Who this Guide is For: Here's a guide for spending a single day on Martha’s Vineyard, perfect for two adults who are new to the island and want to experience its highlights during the peak season.
How to Get Here: We highly recommend arriving via the Island Queen Ferry into Oak Bluffs for those visiting in season, and then taking the VTA bus to Edgartown. Alternately, you can take the Steamship Authority to Vineyard Haven and then the bus to Edgartown (more below). This How to Get Around post may help, and so will this ferry guide.
More Itineraries Here - including toddler-friendly, romantic weekend, Jaws Tour, bachelorette/girls trip, and more.
Some Background on Edgartown
Edgartown, MA, is known for its well-preserved whaling captain's homes and classic New England architecture, reflecting its history as a whaling port. The town is also famous for its beautiful beaches and harbor, drawing visitors for both relaxation and maritime activities.
MV in One Day Bucket List
⛲ Walk Around Downtown Edgartown
Here are some of the more scenic walk suggestions of places you can route to in your phone while you walk around town:
Main Street- walk down historic Main Street and check out the shops including Vineyard Vines, Black Dog, Lilly Pulitzer and more. Walk up North Water street to see the picturesque homes with gorgeous gardens and peeks of the water
Chappy Ferry Dock - watch the 2-minute On Time ferry run from Edgartown Harbor over to Chappaquiddick from the top of the dock. Chappy is an exclusive island detached from Edgartown
Edgartown Lighthouse - a classic New England view, you can see Chappaquiddick from here and a gorgeous 360 view of the harbor and the historic Harbor View Hotel at the entrance
🦞 Eat some Seafood Outdoors
Some personal favorites that offer outdoor dining:
19 Raw Oyster Bar - an upscale yet casual option that offers incredible oysters, lobster rolls and fresh seafood options.
Pelican Club - a newer spot for a quick bite of sushi al fresco
Espresso Love - a local mainstay that’s great to pop in for a latte or quick sandwich in the gardens
🌊 Beach!
If you want to take a minute to lay a towel down, you can go to Lighthouse Beach or Fuller Street Beach, which have public access and walkable from downtown
📍Do something tourist-y
Whether or not you’re into history, there’s a few quick spots of note you can check out
The Carnegie Heritage Center - this renovated library has rotating exhibits about the historic development of MV. They offer hour-long tours almost daily at 11am around downtown Edgartown. Info here
African American Heritage Trail - in Edgartown there are 3 sites dedicated to the formerly unrecognized contributions made by people of African descent to the history of the island - Edgartown Courthouse, Federated Church and Nancy Michael. Info here
🍦🍹 Get a treat or drink
Cocktail - we love to grab a cocktail at the bar behind Bettini at the HarborView Hotel and sit to drink it on the porch overlooking the lighthouse! Runner Up: a cocktail at Atlantic
Coffee - Behind the Bookstore has dreamy specialty lattes (I love the mint!)
Ice Cream - we love Ice Cream + Candy Bazaar on Edgartown Harbor for its rich ice cream, throwback candy selections and location/view.
Itinerary:
Now that you know the main players - here’s what you could realistically fit into the day, leaving travel time on either side of the trip.
10:00 - Arrive, Park + Purchase round-trip ticket at Island Queen
10:30 - Depart Falmouth
11:05 - Arrive in Oak Bluffs, take the #13 VTA bus to Edgartown, which departs every half hour on the :00 and :30 past the hour (between 9:00am and 9:00pm the bus departs every 15 minutes). This scenic route will take you past the long stretch of State Beach, along the eastern shore of the Island, and over the famous “Jaws” Bridge.
12:15 - Walk down historic Main Street and head to lunch at 19 Raw Oyster
1:30 - Walk around The Carnegie and then up North Water Street - stop to see the ferries go across the harbor on the Chappy Ferry. Check out Edgartown Lighthouse.
2:00 - Check out the shops on Main Street and grab a latte from Espresso Love
3:00 - Walk back to Church Street to catch the bus. Take the #13 bus back to Oak Bluffs.
4:15 - Walk back and board the 4:30pm Island Queen Ferry home
Hours are subject to change depending on the time of year. Before your travel dates be sure to check out our Weekend Updates that share special local events and markets.