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.

But of all the places to stake a spot in the sand, recent visitors said South Beach (also known as Katama Beach) is one of the best. Situated in Edgartown, South Beach stretches for 3 miles and offers a rumbling surf and rolling dunes. You'll find ample parking here, but most travelers were happy to bike from Edgartown on a path that leads straight to the sand.

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, which were 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.

Watch your step, however; the Aquinnah Cliffs are part of the island's Wampanoag reservation and under special environmental protections to deter erosion. Keep your eyes peeled for signs detailing off-limit areas. And don't even think about grabbing a hunk of the red clay as a souvenir. 

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. 

Originally constructed for Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts, this 1800s-era lighthouse was relocated to the Vineyard in 1938. Aside from its history, the lighthouse draws in travelers thanks to the incredible views seen at the top of its spiral staircase: from this vantage point, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas of the harbor and neighboring Chappaquiddick Island.

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 when 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.

Recent travelers, especially those with kids in tow, highly recommended a stop here (just be prepared for long lines, especially during the summer). Even if you won't be taking a spin on the carousel, you'll want to make a quick stop for the history alone, according to recent visitors.