48 Hours on Martha’s Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard is a charming island off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and a sought-after destination for its stunning beaches, quaint towns, and laid-back atmosphere. In June this year, we visited the island for a couple days and had a fabulous time. If you’re going for a quick getaway, here’s how we spent 48 hours on the island…
Day 1:
Morning: We started our day with an early morning ferry from Woods Hole to maximize our time on Martha’s Vineyard. Since exploring the entire island was a priority, we opted for the car ferry. Although it cost around $260 round trip (definitely not cheap!), the flexibility to drive around the island was well worth it, and looking back, I’m so glad we brought our car as it gave us the chance to explore a lot more. Our first stop off the ferry was Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown, a charming spot where we picked up some fresh produce and goodies for our stay.
Afternoon: Once arriving on the island and going to Morning Glory Farm, we checked into our hotel in Oak Bluffs. After checking in, we headed to Noman’s for a delicious lunch and some drinks. Noman’s is a lively spot known for its casual, laid-back vibe and great food. They have spacious outdoor seating, lawn games, and live music, so it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal on the island. The menu features a variety of options, from burgers and tacos to fresh seafood. They also make an amazing Painkiller! Following our lunch, it was off to the beach! Martha’s Vineyard has some of the most beautiful beaches, and I absolutely loved South Beach in Katama and Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs.
Evening: After a relaxing afternoon at the beach, we freshened up at our hotel and drove to Edgartown for dinner at The Covington. Known for its seasonally-driven, farm-to-table menu, this intimate restaurant in downtown Edgartown offers a sophisticated dining experience. The food and service were outstanding, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. After dinner, grab some ice cream from The Scoop Shack and take a leisurely stroll through Edgartown Harbor. We ended our night at The Ritz in Oak Bluffs, an iconic dive bar and music venue with a rich history dating back to 1944—an absolute must-visit for anyone on Martha’s Vineyard.
Day 2:
Morning: We started our day in Edgartown with breakfast and coffee at Rosewater Market, a charming spot offering delicious baked goods, gourmet groceries, and prepared foods. I fell in love with this cozy café immediately! Afterward, we strolled through Edgartown’s picturesque streets, exploring upscale boutiques, unique gift shops, and local artisan stores. The town is a perfect blend of coastal charm and refined elegance, with everything from high-end fashion to island-inspired souvenirs. We also visited the historic Edgartown Lighthouse, built in 1828, which offers stunning views of the harbor and stands as a symbol of the island’s maritime heritage.
Afternoon: When visiting Martha’s Vineyard, Aquinnah is a must see and was important for us to include in our itinerary. Aquinnah is located on the western tip of Martha’s Vineyard and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich Native American heritage. The area is famous for the stunning Aquinnah Cliffs, where vibrant, multicolored clay cliffs overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the historic Gay Head Lighthouse, enjoy quiet beaches, and learn about the Wampanoag Tribe’s history at the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
Evening: Martha’s Vineyard is known for its stunning sunsets, so for our last night on the island, I wanted to soak it all in with a casual dinner on the beach enjoying the sunset. We picked up an incredible swordfish sandwich and some classic fish and chips from John’s Fish Market in Vineyard Haven, then headed to Lambert’s Cove Beach in West Tisbury. This beautiful beach is open to residents only during the summer, but after 5 pm, it’s open to everyone. Watching the sunset there was the perfect way to end our last night on the island.
Day 3:
Morning: On our last morning, we drove over to Vineyard Haven for coffee at Catboat Coffee Co., a year-round coffee shop that combines specialty beverages, artisanal foods, and island-made items. After grabbing coffee, we wandered around the quaint shops in Vineyard Haven and walked along the water at Owen Park Beach.
Afternoon: Before catching the ferry to go home, spent more time in Oak Bluffs grabbing lunch at Lookout Tavern and visiting the Gingerbread Cottages! These charming, Victorian-style homes, with their intricate woodwork and vibrant colors, look like something straight out of a fairy tale. Originally built in the mid-19th century as part of a Methodist campground, the cottages were designed as summer retreats for the community. Today, there are over 300 of these unique homes, each with its own distinct character and charm. Walking through the narrow, winding streets of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA) neighborhood, you’ll be transported to a different era, surrounded by the whimsical architecture and blooming gardens that define this historic area.
While I still have so many things on my to-do list for the next trip to Martha’s Vineyard, we had such an amazing time here and I can’t wait to come back and explore more of this beautiful island.