Walking tour of Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. Iconic white whaling captain homes, historic Main Street, and the elegant harbor from the 19th century.
When you think of classic Martha’s Vineyard, the imagery that comes to mind might just be the stark white painted, whaling captain homes in Edgartown. Once a major whaling port that was home to hundreds of whaling captains and crews, now a coveted tourist destination offering luxury accommodations, award-winning restaurants, and gorgeous natural trails to explore, Edgartown is a must when visiting the island.
Location: Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard , Massachusetts, USA
Edgartown was once the wealthiest whaling port on the East Coast, and that prosperity is preserved in the grand Federal and Greek Revival homes lining North and South Water Streets. Many of these white-painted mansions were built between 1820 and 1850, when captains returned from multi-year whaling voyages with fortunes in whale oil.
Start your walk on Main Street, where you'll find upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants housed in buildings that have served the town for over 150 years. The Old Whaling Church (1843), now a performing arts center, anchors the top of Main Street with its massive columns and 92-foot tower.
Head down to the harbor to see the Edgartown Lighthouse, rebuilt in 1939 and accessible via a short walk along a sandy path. From the lighthouse, you can see Chappaquiddick Island across the narrow channel; the Chappy Ferry runs every few minutes if you want to hop over. The full walking loop from Main Street to the lighthouse and back takes about an hour, or longer if you stop to browse the shops.
Walk the streets of Edgartown, one of Martha's Vineyard's most historic towns. This walking tour takes you past elegant whaling captain homes, boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront views. Don't miss the Edgartown Lighthouse and the Old Whaling Church. For dining options, check our restaurant guide.
Keep Reading
Exploring the town? Start with our complete Edgartown guide: food, beaches, parking and the local rhythm, all in one place.
Island Tip of the Day · Timing
Visit Edgartown on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Same beautiful town, maybe 30% of the weekend crowds. Most restaurants have availability without reservations.
On August 19, 1991, Hurricane Bob hit Martha's Vineyard at the height of the season: 98 mph winds, 84 boats wrecked in Edgartown Harbor alone, a sloop in the Harborside Inn pool, and a false autumn by Labor Day. The story of the storm, told through an original Vineyard Gazette storm edition we found in an island thrift shop.
Inside Edgartown's 4th of July: the Main Street parade with fifes, floats, classic cars and Camp Jabberwocky, then fireworks over the harbor, with photos, video and tips for doing the day right.
Take a guided Jaws tour of Martha's Vineyard with local guide Mike Currid. Walk the real Amity Island in Edgartown and book the "Amity" Walking Tour.
A first-hand look at the Edgartown Historic Walking Tour and "Amity" Jaws Tour with Mike Currid of the Edgartown Tour Company: what to expect, what you'll learn, and how to book.
Plan a Chappaquiddick day trip: the On Time Ferry, Mytoi Japanese garden, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Wasque Beach, and biking routes on Martha's Vineyard.
Every verified Jaws filming location on Martha's Vineyard. The Jaws Bridge, Edgartown town hall, Menemsha, the Orca, Bruce the shark, and Amity Week.
The free island library · 2026
Beach reports, events worth a day, ferry heads-ups. Sent when there is something worth telling. The Beach Guide, The Vineyard in the Fall and Where to Stay arrive with your welcome email.
Get the free guidesIsland prices, hours and details change often. Please verify with businesses before you go. Full disclaimer
Three free downloads · 2026
The island guides, in your inbox
The Beach Guide, The Vineyard in the Fall and Where to Stay. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.
