Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts

Unplug and Refresh Up-Island

“Up-Island,” as locals refer to it, is the western, less populated section of Martha’s Vineyard where you’ll find more rural towns like Aquinnah, Chilmark and West Tisbury. Visit Moshup Beach to take a serene walk and explore the Aquinnah Cliffs, where dramatic multi-colored clay rock faces rise above the sea. View stunning, vibrant sunsets from the white sand shores of Menemsha Beach in Chilmark; pick up a lobster roll from a nearby fish market and enjoy a beach picnic. At the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market, the oldest and largest open-air market on Martha’s Vineyard, shop locally sourced foods and clothing and sample locally made delights like pizza and candy June through October. Nearby, Lambert’s Cove Beach boasts soft sandy shores and clear blue water with a scenic background of rolling Massachusetts hills covered with beachgrass.

Slow Down and Relax Down-Island

Locally dubbed “down-Island,” the eastern portion of Martha’s Vineyard is comprised of the historic villages Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Tisbury, also referred to as Vineyard Haven. This area contains most of the Island’s pristine public beaches. Stroll upscale Edgartown for stately architecture and picturesque harbor plus shops, galleries and eateries. Book an overnight stay the Captain Morse House, built in 1840, for a truly memorable vacation. Head to Katama Beach, where you’ll find nearly five kilometers of barrier beach and larger waves perfect for surfing. Tour candy-colored Victorian cottages dating back to the 19th century in Oak Bluffs, which has dubbed these vivid delights “Gingerbread Houses.” Serene Inkwell Beach sports an historically significant shore whose gentle surf is perfect for wading. In Tisbury, the Vineyard Haven neighborhood bustles with year-round activity, hosting a full calendar of community events. Just 15 minutes away you can take to Lake Tashmoo Town Beach’s warm, shallow waters for scenic snorkeling.

Island History and Culture

For a look at life on this unique island steeped in history, explore Martha’s Vineyard Museum, whose grounds are home to two historic lighthouses, the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse and East Chop Lighthouse. The former offers stunning views of Edgartown Harbor, Chappaquiddick and Cape Cod; the latter provides incredible vistas of Vineyard Haven. Art lovers will appreciate the Field Gallery with its rotating exhibits of contemporary art from emerging and established artists. The outdoor garden features fanciful sculptures in an open field setting. Discover the Island’s pivotal role in U.S. History along the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard. Each of the 30 inspiring sites along the trail honors the accomplishments and contributions of Black Massachusettsans, with many stops paying homage to the Island’s past as a stop along the Underground Railroad that helped formerly enslaved men and women escape to freedom.