Best Things To Do in Martha's Vineyard

Stretching out on Moshup and Menemsha beaches are must-dos of course, but there's more to experience here besides working on your tan. The Aquinnah Cliffs and the satellite island of Chappaquiddick are full of hidden wonders for nature lovers. And the gingerbread cottages and old-fashioned carousel in Oak Bluffs are fun for families. Or just rent a bike and explore the smaller island's hamlets at your leisure; it's a classic way to catch the Vineyard at its best.

How we rank Things to Do.

#1
Beaches Free

#1 in Martha's Vineyard

Free

You'll have your pick of beaches on Martha's Vineyard. From the protected, shallow surf on the northern and eastern coasts of the island to the big waves crashing on the south side, the Vineyard's various shorelines offer a little something for everyone.

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Beaches Type

2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

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#2
Aquinnah Cliffs Free

#2 in Martha's Vineyard

Free

The Aquinnah Cliffs — formerly known as Gay Head — is one of Martha's Vineyard's most-visited tourist spots, with bus and bike tours congesting the paved roads in the peak summer season. But the epic clay cliffs — carved by glaciers millions of years ago — are worth the trek. Visitors can explore the lower beach paths to see the cliffs up close and stretch along the sands at Moshup Beach. Or take the upper trails to the top of the cliffs to catch a glimpse of Gay Head Light and nearby Elizabeth Islands.

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Natural Wonders Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

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#3
Oak Bluff Campground Free

#3 in Martha's Vineyard

Free

These extravagantly decorated summer cottages offer a quaint peek into the island's past. The grounds were originally occupied by 19th-century Methodists, who would retreat here in the summer to camp and worship. Visitors soon became residents, replacing their temporary canvas tents with Gothic-design cottages, painted in colorful hues.

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Entertainment and Nightlife Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

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#4
Chappaquiddick Free

#4 in Martha's Vineyard

Free

Chappaquiddick became infamous for all the wrong reasons. In July 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy was driving a young woman named Mary Jo Kopechne home from a party in Chappaquiddick when the vehicle went off the side of the Dike Bridge. Kopechne was killed, but Kennedy survived.

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Parks and Gardens Type

Half Day to Full Day Time to Spend

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#5
Edgartown Lighthouse

#5 in Martha's Vineyard

For its relatively small size (100 square miles), Martha's Vineyard has its fair share of lighthouses. But of the five dotting the northern side of the island, visitors and travel experts continually recommend making a stop at the Edgartown Lighthouse.

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Museums Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

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#6
Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard

#6 in Martha's Vineyard

One of the more unique attractions on Martha's Vineyard, Island Alpaca is a hit with recent visitors for its friendly animals and well-stocked gift shop. Spread across 19 acres, the farm features a herd of 72 Huacaya alpacas and one llama. When you're not petting or interacting with these gentle creatures, take a self-guided walking tour of the farm. The barn that's located on the premises is a centuries-old reclaimed hand-hewn oak, post and beam barn that was exported from Pennsylvania.

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Zoos and Aquariums Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard

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#7
Flying Horses Carousel, Oak Bluffs

#7 in Martha's Vineyard

Built in 1876, the Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest operating platform carousel in the country. The hand-painted horses, housed in a big red barn, have been carefully preserved; most of the original steeds still have horse-hair manes and tails. Kids — and the young at heart — love to ride this carousel. Riders can also play the brass ring game. Collect as many rings as you can as you ride by the metal ring dispenser — one dispenser is placed within reach of the outside row and another in reach of the inside row. The lucky rider who catches the brass ring scores a free ride.

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Entertainment and Nightlife Type

Less than 1 hour Time to Spend