🎒The MVacay Starter Pack: Resources for First-Time Martha's Vineyard Visitors 2024
🎒The MVacay Starter Pack: Resources for First-Time Martha's Vineyard Visitors 2024
what to do, local favorites, FAQs, the best guides to browse and more
Planning your first trip to Martha's Vineyard? This MVacay Starter Pack provides essential resources for first-time visitors, rounding up the best guides to ensure a memorable visit. Start planning your trip using our resources to ensure you get have a seamless, unforgettable visit.
Travel Support
How do I get to MV?
Martha’s Vineyard is an island seven miles off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The only ways to get there are via ferry or plane. The most popular ferries are about a 90-minute drive from Boston in Falmouth, MA. From there, there are various ferries that take passengers about 30-60 minutes to get you to the island.
Which Ferry Should I take?
See the below post on the various ferry options to MV. The default answer - if you live within driving distance of Cape Cod, take The Steamship Authority as a passenger (no car) from Woods Hole, MA.
What if I decide to fly?
You can fly directly onto the island which lands you in a central location with most lodging about 10-15 minutes away. If you fly into Boston, you can get a bus to a ferry but it adds ~3 hours per way.
Where to Stay
The most popular towns to stay in are “down-island” in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. In those towns, there are ample hotels and AirBnB’s/rentals within walking distance of beaches and entertainment.
What to Do
Each week at @MVacay we publish a roundup of activities happening. Check our site before you come!
We also have an app that you can download in the app store that gives you quick access to our guides and highlighted events on-the-go.
Here are the top itineraries that give you examples of what to do depending on which town you are visiting:
Where to Eat
This guide will get you started with some local favorites, or there are examples in the itineraries above as well!
Bonus Picks
Some of our top guides that might help depending on what you’re looking to explore:
FAQs
Will I need a car?
If you’re going to one specific town, or for a short amount of time, most people can manage their trip just fine without a car and have an enjoyable experience. If you need a car, the only way to get one on the island is with an advanced reservation on The Steamship Authority Ferry. If you don’t have a car you can take advantage of the bus system, rental car or bike options once you arrive. Here’s a whole post on how to get around!
*When* should I visit MV?
Most tourists come in July or August so the water is warm enough to swim in, but we have tons of visitors in the “shoulder season” - May, June, September and October are beautiful and less crowded. Theres still a lot open in the winter months, but it’s limited. Here is a list of important events that happen each year if you’re interested in visiting during a popular time.