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Walking tour of Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. White whaling captains' houses, historic Main Street, and the elegant harbor from the 19th century.
For a lot of people, classic Martha’s Vineyard means the white whaling captains’ houses of Edgartown. Once a major whaling port that was home to hundreds of whaling captains and crews, Edgartown is now the island’s polished town: hotels, restaurants, galleries and a lighthouse at the end of a short walk.
A downtown Edgartown street under the big trees: flags, window boxes and a slow line of traffic.
Location: Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA
Edgartown was once a prosperous whaling port, 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.
Sunset over a harbor full of moored boats. The walking tour winds down at Edgartown harbor.
Head down to the harbor to see the Edgartown Lighthouse, brought here from Ipswich in 1939 and reached by 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.
Filmed July 2021The island moves on: shops, signs and prices may differ from what you see here. The text of this guide was checked October 2026.
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. Make time for the Edgartown Lighthouse and the Old Whaling Church. For dining options, check our restaurant guide.
Exploring the town? Start with our complete Edgartown guide for food, beaches and parking.
Step 1 · WhenMonth PickerTwelve months compared on NOAA numbers, crowds, prices and what is open. 
Step 2 · DaysDay-by-Day Trip PlannerMorning, afternoon and evening sketched for every day, events dropped in, emailed to you. 
Step 3 · CostTrip Cost CalculatorFerry, beds with the rooms tax, meals, getting around and activities in one price range. 
The Hallmark Martha's Vineyard Mysteries are not filmed on Martha's Vineyard: Victoria, British Columbia plays the island on screen. But the books behind the movies are pure Vineyard, and the real places are better than the set.
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.
Island tip of the day Timing No. 61 of 79 New tip at midnight, island time
Visit Edgartown on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Same beautiful town, maybe 30% of the weekend crowds. Most restaurants have availability without reservations.
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