🗺️ The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Martha’s Vineyard (2025 Edition)
Travel Tips, Where to Stay, and What to Do on Your First Trip to MV
Martha's Vineyard is the ultimate vacation goal for 2025, but if you’ve never been, the logistics can be tricky. This guide is a great place to start to make your visit smooth and stress-free. As someone who knows the island well, I’ve put together these resources to help you plan your first trip.
Before we get started, if you’d like a trip planning checklist, this is a great companion guide!
🚢 How to Get Here
Martha’s Vineyard is an island about seven miles off Cape Cod. The only way to get here is by ferry or plane.
Ferry: Most people take the ferry from Woods Hole, MA, run by the Steamship Authority. It’s the cheapest and most frequent option and doesn’t require advance tickets if you’re walking on. Other ferry options include boats from New Bedford, Falmouth, Hyannis, and Rhode Island.
Ferry Logistics: If you’re bringing a car, you must book a Steamship Authority reservation months in advance. Parking at the ferry terminal is limited, so plan to park in an off-site lot with a shuttle.
Flying: You can fly directly to MVY Airport. If you fly into Boston, you’ll need to take a bus or private car to a ferry, which adds about three hours to your trip.
🚗 How to Get Around
Martha’s Vineyard has six towns spread across the island. You don’t always need a car, but it depends on where you stay and what you want to do.
No car? The island has taxis, car rentals, bikes, and a public bus system (Vineyard Transit Authority) that connects all major towns.
Bringing a car? You need a Steamship Authority ferry reservation well in advance.
🏨 Where to Stay
The best places to stay are in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, or Edgartown. These towns have the most hotels, rentals, and things to do within walking distance.
Vineyard Haven: Quiet and central, with year-round shops and restaurants.
Oak Bluffs: The most lively, with nightlife and the famous Gingerbread Houses.
Edgartown: Classic New England charm, boutique shopping, and upscale dining.
Hotels offer convenience, while vacation rentals are great for families or longer stays. Choosing the right town depends on your trip style.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Martha's Vineyard has everything from seafood shacks to fine dining. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find great options across the island. More details:
🎭 What to Do
Check our weekly
event roundups before you visit. Some must-dos:Walk the Gingerbread Houses in Oak Bluffs
Visit the Aquinnah Cliffs & Gay Head Lighthouse
Explore Edgartown Lighthouse & Harbor
See Jaws filming locations
Enjoy farm tours & farmer’s markets
Take a boat tour, kayak, or paddleboard
Relax on South Beach, State Beach, or Menemsha Beach
Visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum
📅 When to Visit
Summer (July-August): Peak season. Warm water, full events, crowded.
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Fewer crowds, mild weather, many businesses still open.
Winter: Quiet, limited openings, but still charming for a peaceful getaway.
💡 First-Timer Tips
Book ferry tickets and lodging early, especially in summer.
Route to the parking lot, not the ferry terminal.
Get a car reservation months in advance if bringing a vehicle.
Pick accommodations close to what you want to do.
Explore multiple towns instead of staying in one spot.
Check restaurant hours ahead of time; some close in the off-season.
Use the search bar on MVacay.com to find answers to other FAQs.
❓ FAQ
Do I need a car? If you’re staying in one town and don’t mind buses or bikes, you’ll be fine without one. If you want to explore up-island, a car helps.
Which ferry should I take? The Steamship Authority from Woods Hole is the default choice for most visitors.
What should I do if I only have a day? Stick to one town. Oak Bluffs has a mix of sights, food, and beaches within walking distance.
What big events or markets should I go to? Find a year-long overview of what’s happening on the island here:
Have a great trip!
Whether you are visiting Martha's Vineyard for a week or months, please check out the Martha's Vineyard Film Center, home of the MV Film Society. Open every week of the year, we offer arthouse film programming, live events (MET OPERA, NT-LIVE THEATER, Comedy, Music) and community sponsored events. For schedule https://www.mvfilmsociety.com