🏨 What to Do When You Can’t Find Lodging on Martha’s Vineyard in August
an overview of options and strategies you might not know about!
Every spring, the same messages pop up:
“Everything in mid-August is sold out. Airbnb has nothing. What do I do?”
This is very normal for Martha’s Vineyard, and it doesn’t mean your trip is impossible.
Here’s what to try next:
🗓️ First, Know This About August Rentals
In peak summer, most Martha’s Vineyard homes are rented by the week - usually Saturday–Saturday, Sunday–Sunday, or Friday–Friday. It’s rare for owners to split a prime August week, especially for larger homes.
If you’re searching for a short stay, a mid-week visit, or one large house for a big group, you’ll hit “no availability” very quickly. If you’re traveling with a group, you may need to split into two smaller homes, book multiple hotel rooms, or adjust your dates to align with a full-week stay. Waiting for a host to open up a partial August week won’t work, and trying to book a one-night stay at a hotel won’t either.
🏡 Start With Local Rental Agencies (Not Airbnb)
This is the biggest thing visitors miss. Many Martha’s Vineyard homes are not listed on Airbnb, VRBO, or Google at all. They’re rented through local real estate agencies that handle weekly summer rentals directly.
Anchor Realty of MV / Anson Realty Martha’s Vineyard / Beachcombers Vacation Rentals & Real Estate Sales / Conroy & Co Real Estate Martha’s Vineyard / Compass MV / Donnelly & Co / Douglas Elliman Martha’s Vineyard / Feiner Real Estate / Flanders Real Estate / Grace Hagerty Real Estate / Hancock Real Estate / Island Home Realty / Island Real Estate / Karen M Overtoom Real Estate & Vacation Rentals / Martha’s Vineyard Island-Wide Realty / Martha’s Vineyard Realty / The Agency / MV Vacation Rentals / Martha’s Vineyard Rentals / Ocean Park Realty / Point B Realty / Russell Maloney Real Estate Martha’s Vineyard / Sandcastle / Sandpiper Realty / Seacoast Properties / Tea Lane Associates / The O’Hanlon Group / Viewpoints Real Estate / Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty / Martha’s Vineyard Management Real Estate Rentals + Services
Owner-Direct & Regional Options
MV Camp Meeting Association / Vacation Rental MV / Cape Cod Vacation Rentals / We Need A Vacation
Non-Traditional Housing Options
MV Family Campground and MV Hostel are options to consider if you’re very flexible!
If you’re striking out on Google and Airbnb, expanding your search to new, local platforms should be your first move, not your last.
📞 Pick Up the Phone
If online searching isn’t working, switch strategies. Call hotels and inns directly instead of relying on booking sites. Many hotels booking websites require 2–3 night minimums in August, which they may be able to waive if there’s a gap between stays. Email or call rental agencies with your exact dates and group size. Posting in local MV Facebook groups can help too (watch for scams and verify listings). Owners sometimes open dates after seeing demand. If you’re attending a wedding, festival, or event, ask the host if they have lodging leads or unused blocks.
🚢 Consider Staying Off-Island
If the Island is truly booked, staying in Falmouth or Woods Hole can still work. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes, and many people do this as a day-trip setup.
Practically speaking, this means planning around ferry schedules. First boats usually leave early in the morning, and the last ferries back typically depart between 9–10pm depending on the day and season. You’ll want lodging close to the ferry terminal, since there’s no all-day parking in Woods Hole. I suggest a hotel walking distance from Woods Hole - like Woods Hole Inn or Sands of Time Inn. If you need to drive from your hotel to the Steamship Parking lot, you’ll end up paying additional money for parking and time taking the shuttle to the terminal. This would not work if your obligations are in the evening on MV, but could work for during the day. It’s not for everyone, but it can save a trip that would otherwise be canceled.
🔄 Be Patient, Flexible, and Kind
Availability changes constantly as plans shift and cancellations happen. Being open to different towns (they’re so close! free buses between!), checking often, and asking kindly for flexibility goes a long way.
Not finding August lodging on Martha’s Vineyard doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It usually just means you’re looking in the wrong places, or with expectations that don’t match how the Island rents in peak season.
