Martha’s Vineyard is a summer vacation destination for over 60,000 people every year, including the President of the United States. Martha’s Vineyard, often referred to as just ‘The Vineyard’, is one of the largest islands on the East Coast of the United States and is accessible by only boat and air.

Let’s explore some of the many places Martha’s Vineyard has to offer!

Martha’s Vineyard is steeped in a rich history and it’s 87 square miles of land is packed with historical sites and treasures. One of the best examples are the gingerbread cottages located in Oak Bluffs. The homes were built in the mid-1800s and have been passed on through generations of families.

Edgartown has become a great destination if you are into water sports like sailing, or just hanging out on the beach. This is the same area that the feature film Jaws was filmed and has even been featured in entertainment novels. When in Edgartown, make sure to check out the whaling captains’ homes and historic churches.

Tisbury, also known as Vineyard Haven is where many summer time residents and vacationers enter Martha’s Vineyard as it harbors the Steamship Authority. The Steamship Authority provides transit from Woods Hole, MA and New Bedford, MA to Martha’s Vineyard all year long.

Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard is also a top destination of Tisbury. Tisbury also contains West Chop and the West Chop Lighthouse. West Chop is an exclusive residential area which has had many high profile guests over the years.

There are plenty of beaches to visit as well including Cape Pogue, Harthaven beach, South Beach, Lobsterville Town Beach, and State Beach just to name a few

Chilmark is another area of interest on Martha’s Vineyard is another part of the island rich with landscape and described as having a rural ocean culture.

Martha’s Vineyard is generally divided into a few designations: Up Island and Down Island. Down Island contains Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Tisbury, whereas Up Island contains Aquinnah, Chilmark, and West Tisbury.

West Tisbury borders Down Island and Up Island and is an area with a agricultural past. West Tisbury hosts The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair held in August of each year. West Tisbury has a wonderful Arboretum in The Polly Hill Arboretum which focuses on Horticulture and botanical displays

Martha’s Vineyard should be on your family vacation list to at a minimum visit and sight see. The Island offers seclusion, unbeatable displays of nature and scenery, and historical sites. Staying a weekend will only expose you to a small portion of what Martha’s Vineyard has to offer.

While you are looking for vacation destinations, try reviewing vacation rental homes in and around the Island here.