The island in a nutshell
Martha’s Vineyard is about seven miles off Cape Cod, roughly 100 square miles of beaches, farmland, ponds and harbor towns. There are six towns. Down-island, to the east, are the three harbor towns where the ferries land: Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Up-island, to the west, are the rural towns: West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah.
Down-island means walkable villages, restaurants and nightlife; up-island means farms, privacy, sunsets and some of the most beautiful beaches in New England.
Which town is right for you?
| Town | Perfect if you want |
|---|---|
| Edgartown | Historic charm, walking to the harbor, South Beach, Chappaquiddick |
| Oak Bluffs | Families, ferries in town, the carousel, nights out |
| Vineyard Haven | Year-round ferry, Main Street, sailing, a central base |
| West Tisbury | Farms, quiet, the farmers market and Ag Fair |
| Chilmark | Views, privacy, Menemsha sunsets, renter-only beaches |
| Aquinnah | The cliffs, seclusion and the end-of-the-island sunset |
Five things first-time visitors should know
- Book the car ferry early. Summer car reservations on the Steamship Authority sell out months ahead. You may not need a car at all if you stay down-island. See getting here.
- Most summer rentals are weekly, often Saturday to Saturday. See our rental FAQ.
- Some of the best beaches are for residents and renters. Renting a home in Chilmark, West Tisbury or Aquinnah gets you access with a pass. See beaches.
- Up-island towns don’t sell alcohol in shops, and some restaurants are bring-your-own. Pick up wine down-island.
- September is the secret. Warm water, fewer crowds and the fishing Derby. See when to visit.
Plan your trip
Island guide · EdgartownEdgartownCaptains' houses, the lighthouse, South Beach and Chappaquiddick.Island guide · Oak BluffsOak BluffsGingerbread cottages, the Flying Horses, the Inkwell and summer nights out.Island guide · Vineyard HavenVineyard HavenThe main ferry, Main Street, wooden boats, West Chop and Lake Tashmoo.Island guide · West TisburyWest TisburyFarms, the farmers market, the Ag Fair, Long Point and Lambert's Cove.Island guide · ChilmarkChilmarkMenemsha's harbor and sunsets, Lucy Vincent Beach and up-island quiet.Island guide · AquinnahAquinnahThe clay cliffs, Gay Head Lighthouse, Moshup and Philbin beaches.Island guide · Getting hereGetting hereFerries from Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford, and flights.Island guide · Getting aroundGetting aroundFree buses, bike paths, taxis, rental cars and the Chappy Ferry.Island guide · BeachesBeachesEvery major beach, which are renter-only, and how to get a pass.Island guide · Things to doThings to doLighthouses, the cliffs, farms, gardens, sanctuaries and on the water.Island guide · Where to eatWhere to eatRestaurants by town, seafood shacks, bakeries, farm stands and markets.Island guide · When to visitWhen to visitSummer, the September secret, fall and the annual events.Island guide · Renting a homeVacation rental FAQWeekly stays, what's included, taxes, deposits, pets and booking direct.
Updated October 2026. Hours, seasons and rules change: check with each business or town before you go.