Things to Do in Martha's Vineyard | Restaurants, Activities & More

Best Time of Year to Visit:

While you can enjoy Martha’s Vineyard any time of the year, the overwhelming response from our local experts is that fall is the best time to visit. In fact, mid- to late September is great because seasonal restaurants are still open, but it’s less busy than the summer months. Another popular and somewhat surprising time to visit the island is during the Christmas season, as Edgartown is magical!

Best Places to Eat on Martha’s Vineyard

• Anyone visiting the island should be sure to try the incredible local seafood.
  • There are so many options, including oysters, clams, lobster, scallops, ahi tuna, and fluke ceviche, to name a few.
  • Plan on having lunch in Menemsha and stop into a local fish market to try a wide variety of options right there on the dock.
    
    
• For dessert, be sure to grab yourself some ice cream! Several of our employees recommend checking out Mad Martha’s in Vineyard Haven. Save room because you’ll also want to sample ice cream from Ben & Bills in Oak Bluffs and Ice Cream & Candy Bazaar in Edgartown.
  
  
• If your more in the mood for a sit-down meal, there are a number of excellent dining options.
  • If you’re craving seafood, be sure to try:
    • Atlantic (Edgartown)
    • Lookout Tavern (Oak Bluffs)
  • If you want to try New American cuisine, check out:
    • Atria (Edgartown)
    • The Red Cat Kitchen (Oak Bluffs)
  • If American food sounds more up your alley, hit up:
    • Détente (Edgartown)
    • Nomans (Oak Bluffs)
    • Outermost Inn (Aquinnah)
  • If you want to eat like a local, check out Martha’s Vineyard Hidden Gem Restaurants:
    • The Woods at Lambert’s Cove Inn (West Tisbury)
    • Fishbones Bar & Grille (Oak Bluffs)
    • Behind the Bookstore (Edgartown)
    • Chef Deon’s Kitchen (Oak Bluffs)
    • Coop DeVille (Oak Bluffs)
      • “This spot is renowned for its chicken wings and craft beer selection. A perfect combo!”

Best Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard

Besides eating some delicious food, there are a number of fun activities to experience on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Go to the beach (duh!)
  • Beaches are a main feature of Martha’s Vineyard. The water is warm in the late summer, which is a bonus if you are looking to go after Labor Day.
  • For those who are on a budget, it’s a free all-day activity.
  • The beach is great for a variety of reasons, from a way to entertain the kids to a great place to meet up with friends and relax.
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen and pack a lunch to maximize your time in the sand!
• Boating and fishing
  • If you prefer to be on the water instead of the sand, you might consider boating as an activity. Fishing is also a fun way to spend the day.
• Hit the golf course
  • What is more relaxing than golf? Martha’s Vineyard has two public courses, Farm Neck and Mink Meadows. Both courses offer water views. If you travel in the ‘shoulder’ season (May, June, September, October), you’ll get great pricing too.

PRO TIP: There are some local shops and favorite spots that still only accept cash - like Mocha Motts or the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs, for example. It’s always good to check beforehand which restaurants and activities are cash-only, but fear not - there are plenty of ATMs for your convenience.

Best Places to See on Martha’s Vineyard

Whether it’s to capture the perfect Instagram photo or just to enjoy the scenery, Martha’s Vineyard is beautiful.

• If you’re looking for some of the best views, check out:
  • The Gay Head Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse (Aquinnah)
    • While everyone should see these visual treasures, our experts warn that it’s about a half hour drive from Vineyard Haven.
  • Peaked Hill Reservation (Chilmark)
    • The perfect place to enjoy a hike, this is the highest point of the island at 311 feet above sea level. From here you can see Nomans Land Island, the Aquinnah peninsula, Menemsha and even Buzzards Bay in the far distance.
  • North Water Street in Edgartown provides incredible views of the harbor and will lead you right to the Edgartown Lighthouse.
  • Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown offers great ocean views, as it’s located along Nantucket Sound.
    
    
• The hands down best place to capture a gorgeous sunset is Menemsha. You also can check out Lambert’s Cove Beach in West Tisbury. If you’re an early bird, you can experience an amazing sunrise at State Beach or Inkwell Beach, both in Oak Bluffs.

Best Places to Shop on Martha’s Vineyard

In any town on the Vineyard, you’ll find plenty of character. Take some time to explore and you’ll find numerous shopping choices from big brands to local boutiques. A favorite is Edgartown - where you can take a stroll down Main Street and find some great treasures to take home. You also can check out Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs for a great mix of retail shops.