One Day in Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts
Did you know over 150,000 people visit Martha’s Vineyard each summer? Martha’s Vineyard is an island in Massachusetts best known as the filming location for the movie Jaws. We are drawn to Martha’s Vineyard for its sandy beaches, amazing seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. Follow this itinerary to see Martha’s Vineyard must-see sites in one day. Or, use my itinerary as a template and make it your own. Continue reading for additional things to do in Martha’s Vineyard and how to plan your Martha’s Vineyard day trip. Enjoy your time out of the office!
Read Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
How to Spend a Day in Martha’s Vineyard, Highlights
Cape Poge | Sylvia State Beach | the Jaws Bridge | Edgartown Historic District | Island Alpaca Company | Vineyard Haven | Wesleyan Grove Gingerbread Cottages | Circuit Ave shopping | dinner and cocktails at Dockside Marine
One Day Martha’s Vineyard Itinerary
8:00 am Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard Oak Bluffs
Take the 8:35 Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs Martha’s Vineyard arriving at 9:20 am. Photograph Cape Poge as you approach Martha’s Vineyard. Walk across the street to the bus stop and purchase an all-day bus pass.
9:30 am Sylvia State Beach and the Big Bridge
Take the #13 bus toward Edgartown. Exit the bus at Sylvia State Beach. Go for a walk along the water and check out the Big Bridge made famous in the film Jaws. When ready, continue on the #13 bus to Edgartown, the bus runs every 15 minutes.
11:00 pm Edgartown Historic District: Lunch and Shopping
Walk down Main Street to N. Water Street. Turn left and check out the old Captain Homes as you walk toward the Edgartown Harbor Light. Make your way back and photograph the harbor from the Edgartown Memorial Wharf. Have lunch on the deck of the Seafood Shanty and watch the Chappy Ferry. Walk along Main Street back to the bus stop stopping to shop for souvenirs on the way.
2:00 pm Hang out with Alpacas
Take the 1 bus to Island Alpaca Company. Tell the bus driver of your desire to get off at the Alpaca Farm to ensure you do not miss the stop. The farm is across the street. When exiting the bus ask what time the next 2 busses are scheduled to arrive.
3:30 pm Gingerbread Cottages and Lobster Ice Cream
Take the #1 bus to Vineyard Haven, then transfer to the #13 bus back to Oak Bluffs. Stop in Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium for lobster ice cream. Wander the colorful gingerbread homes along Wesleyan Grove. Head over to Circuit Ave and shop for souvenirs. Have dinner and cocktails at Dockside Marine. Take the 7:30 return ferry from Oak Bluffs to Woods Hole arriving at 8:15.
Looking for more options? Continue reading for additional things to do in Martha’s Vineyard to supplement this day trip itinerary.
Top Things to Do in Martha’s Vineyard: More Options
Looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting Martha’s Vineyard? Browse this list of attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to personalize your trip to Martha’s Vineyard. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your day in Martha’s Vineyard with amazing experiences.
- Ride the Flying Horses Carousel
- Splash around at Sylvia State Beach
- Jump off the Big Bridge from the movie Jaws
- Take a ferry to Chappaquiddick Island
- ATV through the Cape Poge sand dunes
- Fish off the shore at Lamberts Cove
- Go surfing at Katama Beach
- High-end shop the boutiques on Portobello Road in Edgartown
- Climb the Edgartown Lighthouse for views
- Go clamming on Norton Point Beach
- Photograph the West Chop Lighthouse
- Check out downtown Vineyard Haven
- Browse the Martha’s Vineyard Museum
- Have a drink and buy a T-shirt at Black Dog Tavern
- Visit one of the Chilmark working farms
- Eat blueberry pie at Morning Glory Farm
- Climb Prospect Hill for panoramic views
- Eat a lobster roll from the Menemsha fish market
- Watch the sunset over Menemsha Beach
- Enjoy a picnic at Aquinnah Point and photograph the cliffs
- Climb the Gay Head Light for the view
Be sure to check the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Martha’s Vineyard FAQs
Is Martha’s Vineyard Worth Visiting?
Yes. Wondering if you should visit Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket? Both islands are off the Cape Cod coast and about an hour’s ferry ride. Martha’s Vineyard is larger than Nantucket. It consists of 6 towns and has more things to do.
Is One Day Enough for Martha’s Vineyard?
Yes, you can visit Martha’s Vineyard in a day. Be sure to start the day early and limit yourself to exploring Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Your experience will be more relaxed if you spend the night and move on in the morning.
READ Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
How Many Days in Martha’s Vineyard?
Martha’s Vineyard is a great place for a long weekend getaway of 3-4 days. You can even jump a ferry and take a day trip to Nantucket in less than an hour.
When is the Best Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard
Summer is the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard. The tourist season begins on Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day weekend.
How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard?
Four ferry companies provide transportation to Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole, Hyannis, New Bedford, Falmouth, and Nantucket. Visit Vineyard Ferries for schedules and costs.
You do not need a car on Martha’s Vineyard. Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown are all walkable towns. Purchase a day pass for the bus to travel between towns. Public transportation was dependable and on schedule during my visit.
Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip from Boston
This 13-hour organized day tour from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard provides transportation from your Boston hotel to the ferry station and the ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard. Once in Martha’s Vineyard, you have 6 hours to explore on your own, or, purchase an optional 3-hour guided tour of the island.
Day Trip to Nantucket from Martha’s Vineyard
Nantucket is an easy one-hour ferry ride from Martha’s Vineyard Oak Bluffs. Nantucket is the perfect Cape Cod Island to rejuvenate and have a little fun. You will find crushed shell walkways, cobblestoned streets, bicycles with wicker baskets, shaker homes covered in roses, tall seagrass beaches, a wharf full of yachts, shopping, shopping, and more shopping.
READ: Day Trip to Nantucket Massachusetts
Bookmark and Pin Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts
Plan Your Trip to Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts Travel Guide
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Book Your Accommodation in Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts Now
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Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts Attractions and Day Tours
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