Martha's Vineyard
There's something about Martha's Vineyard.
It's a little hard to put your finger on it, but to those of us who live here and to thousands of others who come to visit each year, there's an ineffable quality that makes the Island unlike any other place. Of course, having said that, there are also those who just don't get it.
So what is "it?"
That depends on who you are.
For instance, to a small child, it is be being able to pick up a horseshoe crab by the tail at Lambert's Cove Beach or reach out and grab a gold ring at the Flying Horses.
To a young couple, it is a beautiful sunset at Menemsha.
To a shopper it is finding a great bargain at the Chilmark Flea market or a perfect peach at the Farmer's Market in West Tisbury.
To a romantic, it is the sound of a foghorn in the distance or halyards chiming off of masts in Edgartown harbor.
It could be a piano concert in the Tabernacle or a chain saw competition at the West Tisbury Agricultural Fair. A three-star meal at an Oak Bluffs bistro or a lobster roll in the dunes.
What it isn't is a megaplex with 25 first-run movies. A "gold coast" with luxury high-rise condos, glittery casinos, and all-night bars.
If that's why you come to the Vineyard, you won't get it.
The Vineyard does, however, offer variety in profusion, beginning with the very physical nature of the place. You would think that such a small Island would be pretty much the same from top to bottom. After all, it's only about 25 miles from one end to the other.
You would be wrong.
Topographically, the Island is all over the map, so to speak. Islanders refer to up-Island and down-Island, a nautical designation based on the fact that heading west means going "up" in longitude. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven are down-Island; West Tisbury, Chilmark, Menemsha, and Aquinnah are up-Island.
Up-Island is more rural, with agrarian roots that go back for centuries. The trees grow larger and the land becomes increasingly hilly culminating in the rugged cliffs at Gay Head. Even the weather can be different. It's not uncommon, especially in the spring, to leave Edgartown under a bright sunny sky only to arrive in Aquinnah, where it's shrouded in fog and ten degrees cooler.
But topography aside, the towns themselves all have unique personalities as well. Edgartown, with its stately old sea captains' homes, most closely fits the image of the quintessential New England seacoast town. Vineyard Haven is where the ferries come and go year-round, and while it has an undeniable gentility, it is also a town that's not afraid to roll up its sleeves. And Oak Bluffs actually has a split personality - one half the quaint Victorian resort you'd expect to see in a stereopticon, the other half full of clubs, restaurants, and ready to party at the drop of a hat.
And then there's the whole celebrity thing. For years, the Vineyard has had its share of famous visitors and residents, in the beginning, mostly artists and writers who kept a very low profile. But in recent years, especially after the Island became "the summer White House," that profile has changed. Today, celebrity sightings on the Island are about as common as pigeon sightings in Central Park, and yet mercifully, the Island seems to take it all in stride.
For that matter, the Vineyard has become a bit of a celebrity in its own right, albeit a rather quirky one. If the Vineyard were to receive an Academy Award, it would undoubtedly get up onstage and do a one-armed pushup.
And therein is the real beauty of the Vineyard - that character that's forged from the people who live here. Vineyarders are a diverse lot, an olio of old Yankees, Cape Verdeans, African-Americans, and Brazilians - to name just a few. You can also add to that, people from all over the world who come here to work each summer.
Not to mention people like yourself who come to visit us and with whom we're happy and proud to share our Island. We only ask that you respect it and treat it like it was your own. And have a great time.
Welcome to the Vineyard.
The unspoiled charm of Martha's Vineyard is probably best exemplified by the many scenic beaches located here. The beaches vary from protected, shallow, clear-water stretches on the northern and eastern sides of the Island to expanses of rumbling surf along the south side. Some beaches are open to the public without restriction, while others are reserved for residents and summer visitors who are staying in the towns where the beaches are located. To use these town beaches, one needs a parking and/or beach permit. Permits can be obtained by contacting the town hall in the appropriate community.
Aquinnah
8. Gay Head Cliffs and Beach: Off-limits. The Gay Head Cliffs are a National Landmark and are seriously endangered by climbing on the cliffs and removal of clay (both prohibited by law).
9. Gay Head Public Beach (Moshup Beach): Surf beach off Moshup Trail. Extends from Philbin Beach to just before the cliffs. The beach is approximately a ten-minute walk from the parking lot on a cleared trail. There is a $15 parking fee in summer.
10. Lobsterville Beach: Two miles of beautiful Vineyard Sound beach and dune land along Lobsterville Road. Includes a seagull nesting area, and is a favorite fishing spot.
Open to all, but parking is prohibited on Lobsterville Road.
11. Philbin Beach: Surf beach off Moshup Trail.
Gay Head residents only.
Chilmark
1. Lucy Vincent Beach: Chilmark section of South Shore. Surf, bluffs.
Chilmark residents only.
2. Menemsha Public Beach: Next to Menemsha Harbor. A gentle beach with the clear, bright water that is typical of the North Shore.
Open to all.
3. Squibnocket Beach: Chilmark section of South Shore. A surf beach.
Chilmark residents only.
Edgartown
4. East Beach (Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation): Located on Chappa-quiddick Island. One of our best.
Open to all; however, subject to regulations of The Trustees of Reservations.
5. Fuller Street Beach: At the end of Fuller St. near Lighthouse Beach.
Open to all.
6. Katama Beach (South Beach): Three miles of barrier beach on the South Shore at the end of Katama Road. Fine surf on one side, protected salt-pond on the other.
Open to all. Vehicles with permits allowed on marked trails.
7. Lighthouse Beach: A harbor beach at Star-buck\'s Neck, off North Water St. near the center of town.
Open to all.
Oak Bluffs
12. Eastville Beach: At the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven.
Open to all.
13. Oak Bluffs Town Beach: Calm, shallow water. The beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock. It terminates at the first jetty heading towards Edgartown, located at the end of the breakwater and marked by a fence. The beach continues again about one mile southeast of the small inlet flowing into Sengekontacket Pond, and ends at the state beach (next listing).
Open to all.
14. Joseph Sylvia State Beach: Two miles of clear, mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. (The section in Edgartown is called Bend-in-the-Road Beach.) Accessible by bicycle path.
Open to all.
Vineyard Haven
15. Lake Tashmoo Town Beach: At Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo.
Open to all.
16. Owen Park Beach: A harbor beach off Main St., near the center of town.
Open to all.
17. Tisbury Town Beach: End of Owen Little Way, next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.
Open to all.
West Tisbury
West Tisbury residents only.
19. Long Point Wildlife Refuge beach: Located on the South Shore. The best.
Open to all; however, subject to regulations of The Trustees of Reservations.
Town Information
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Aquinnah, formerly known as Gay Head, is the town on the southwestern end of the Island and is home to the Wampanoag tribe of native Americans. According to Wampanoag mythology, the legendary Moshup was said to have waded out into the Sound and captured whales by hand, then dashed them against the Gay Head cliffs. This is said to account for the reddish color of the cliffs A more scientific explanation would have the cliffs created by glaciers some 12,000 years ago. In fact, archeologists have found fossil bones of wild horses, camels, and ancient whales there. However these spectacular cliffs were formed, they are unquestionably one of the most dramatic land formations on the East Coast and offer sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Noman's Land, and the Elizabeth Islands. The Gay Head Lighthouse is built of red bricks made from clay from the cliffs and it's open for tours on certain weekend days in the summer.
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You would never know it, but around 150 years ago, Chilmark, with its now defunct brickyard and several mills, was the industrial center of the Island. Today, Chilmark is characterized by rolling fields, grazing sheep, meandering stonewalls, and a kicked back attitude. It also has a dramatic coastline that includes the "clothing optional" Lucy Vincent Beach; however before you reach for your sun block, the beach is off-limits unless you have a town beach pass. The official center of Chilmark is Beetlebung Corner where you'll find a general store, the library, the post office, and the community center. Also, just up the road is Chilmark Chocolates - a destination unto itself. On the weekends don't miss the Chilmark flea market where everyone comes out of the woods for a good time and some great bargains.
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The stately white Greek Revival houses built during the height of the whaling era give Edgartown an almost museum-like quality, but what a lively museum it is. The town is filled with charming inns, delightful shops, and fine restaurants. It also has the largest harbor on the Island and hosts thousands of visiting yachts each year. At day's end, get an ice cream and sit up on the top deck of Memorial Wharf where you can look out on the sailboats returning for the night and the plucky little car ferry, "On Time," plying its way back and forth to Chappaquiddick. Edgartown also boasts more miles of public beach than any other town on the Island, including State Beach on the protected sound side and the barrier beach at Katama with its rolling surf.
The island of Chappaquiddick, or "Chappy," is also technically a part of Edgartown and its unspoiled beaches are favorite spots for bluefish and bass fishermen.
Menemsha
Menemsha, in the town of Chilmark, is a picturesque up-Island fishing village, home to several local draggers, charter fishing boats, and an ever-morphing fleet of recreational craft. Menemsha is also famous for being home to the Island's perennial cheap-date-special. Simply head out to the harbor at the end of the day, spread a blanket on the beach and let nature treat you to a beautiful sunset. Of course, if you really want to do it up right, pack a picnic dinner or get some take-out from one of the restaurants right there at the harbor. If you feel like stretching your legs - take a stroll down the docks and check out the daily catch. Even better, bring a fishing pole, walk out onto the jetty and try to get a little daily catch of your own. However, be warned: on a nice night the parking lot fills up, so try to get there a little early. Don't worry, there's plenty to keep you busy.
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There's Oak Bluffs, the prim and proper descendant of good Methodist stock. And then there's "O.B.," her fast-and-loose alter ego who's not afraid to kick up her heels. It all began back in the 19th century when the town became home to Methodist camp meetings in the summer. Over the years, a permanent open-air tabernacle was built and ornate "gingerbread" cottages replaced the original tents. Meanwhile, Oak Bluffs was attracting a whole different crowd as well, and Circuit Avenue, with its many bars, restaurants, and shops, flourished. Today, these two worlds exist in harmony, making Oak Bluffs very much its own place. A definite "must see" is Illumination Night held in the Camp Ground at the end of each summer. All the cottages surrounding the tabernacle are ablaze with Japanese lanterns attracting thousands of visitors. And a definite "must do," especially for kids, is to take a ride on the Flying Horses, America's oldest carousel.
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As the ferry rounds West Chop and approaches Vineyard Haven, dead-ahead you're likely to see the masts of two classic schooners, the Shenandoah and the Alabama, presiding over the busy inner harbor. Over on the shore to the left you'll see clusters of gas tanks and maybe a tug and a barge or two tied up at the dock. Welcome to Vineyard Haven, a town steeped in maritime tradition and the commercial center of the Island. Vineyard Haven, technically the village center of the town of Tisbury, has an active working harbor. It also has a lively downtown where you'll find a variety of shops, inns, restaurants and the enchanting Capawock movie theater - the antidote to your neighborhood megaplex. While Vineyard Haven was settled roughly the same time as Edgartown, it has its own distinct charm and feel due to the fact that the entire downtown area was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1883.
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If it takes a village to raise a child, it took a village plus a lot of summer residents to raise the new Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. This grand old building was brought down from Vermont piece by piece and thanks to a massive community effort it was reconstructed just north of town. The new Ag Hall is a fitting tribute to West Tisbury's agricultural heritage. Meanwhile, the refurbished old Ag Hall, located in the town's center, provides yeoman's service as well. Stop by on a Saturday morning or Wednesday afternoon in the summer for the Farmer's Market where you can find everything from home-made breads and jams to salsas and spring rolls. While you're in town, check out the whimsical statues at the Field Gallery and stroll down the street to Alley's General Store. The sign over the door says it all: "Dealers in Almost Everything."
The Jewel of New England sits a mere 5 miles off the southern coast of Massachusetts. With a rich history, thriving culture, and miles of seemingly endless beaches, it’s no question why Martha’s Vineyard is such a popular destination. It’s hard to list them all, but MVOL presents this handy summary of the major island attractions.
“It’s only and Island when you view it from the water,” goes the saying from Jaws’ Chief Brody, and when you’re coming over on the ferry you’ll surly notice the miles of shoreline. The beaches are great, water temperatures usually peak in August. Unfortunately not all of the shoreline is public. Some up-island beaches are exclusively for town residents & guests, others are completely off limits. But, there are plenty of public beaches for your enjoyment.
Lighthouses:The Gay Head & East Chop Lighthouses recently turned 150 years old and 130 years old, respectively. These represent two of a total of five lighthouses scattered along the Vineyard and Nantucket sounds. All are fully functional and meticulously maintained. Tours are available.
Nestled within the heart of Oak Bluffs are over 180 small cottages that make up the “Campgrounds.” Evolved from tents & mail-order catalogues, these cottages represent a completely different era and are preserved by private owners and the Martha’s Vineyard Campmeeting Association.
The oldest operating carousel in the country, flying horses represents the birth of Martha’s Vineyard as a tourist destination. Originally built in Coney Island in 1876, the horses made the trip to Martha’s Vineyard in 1884 and have been a permanent fixture since. The property is now owned and managed by the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust.
Originally referred to as “the gaily-colored head of the island” by sailors, Gay Head (Aquinnah) is the western-most town on Martha’s Vineyard rightly famous for its National Landmark lighthouse and multi-colored clay cliffs. A trip to the cliffs is surely a treat and on good days, views of the Elizabeth Islands (including Cuttyhunk) and towns as far away as Newport, Rhode Island are visible to the naked eye.
Mytoi Garden
MytoiGarden:
This wonderfully designed Japanese-Style garden is peacefully located within the pine forest of Chappaquiddick. Walking through the property is a vacation within your vacation and is not to be missed. The Mytoi Garden is easy to reach when on bike-friendly Chappaquiddick.
Colonial Edgartown:
It is the seat of Dukes County and the largest town on Martha’s Vineyard. Get lost on its picturesque streets and drift away to the age of Whaling Captains & nautical legends. Stand at the steps and marvel the dominating Whaling Church, shop unique boutiques and dine on world class cuisine. Edgartown has it all.
Polly Hill Arboretum:
This year-round arboretum is the work of renowned horticulturalist Polly Hill. Sitting on over twenty acres of land, the arboretum is home to nearly 1700 
different types of plants including the famous “North Tisbury Azalea.” Polly Hill is open year round.
Up-Island Stonewalls:
A trip up-island to Chilmark and Aquinnah is a must and the scenery sells itself. Escape the crowds and take a trip along North, Middle, or South Roads through West Tisbury and Chilmark and take in all the rural delights and perhaps the finest scenery in New England. The boundary-marking stonewalls, rolling hills and sea views will no doubt take your breath away.
Martha’s VineyardLand banks & Open Spaces:
Martha’s Vineyard is not only a destination for shopping & dining. In fact, the island is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Land banks boast miles of trails, kayaking ponds and room for your four-legged friends to roam.
Martha's Vineyard Museum
Edgartown’s Martha’s Vineyard Museum is the Island's largest repository of cultural artifacts, historic photographs, archival records, and genealogical records. The museum strives to broaden awareness and access to the Island's history and shared memory. Come join us and discover our past and present and participate in the museum’s numerous summertime activities.
Aquinnah Cultural Center
Take a stroll around and learn about the island’s indigenous past. Meet Moshup and experience 10000 years of legends on Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard).
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