Walking tour of Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. White whaling captains' houses, historic Main Street, and the elegant harbor from the 19th century.
When you think of classic Martha’s Vineyard, the picture that comes to mind is probably 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.
Main Street under the plane trees: flags, window boxes and a slow parade of traffic.
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.
Sunset over Edgartown harbor and the yacht club, where the walking tour winds down.
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.
Filmed July 2021The island moves on: shops, signs and prices may differ from what you see here. The text of this guide was checked September 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.
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Exploring the town? Start with our complete Edgartown guide: food, beaches, parking and the local rhythm, all in one place.
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