How Big is Martha's Vineyard? 96 Square Miles Size Guide and Comparisons

How Big Is Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is an island off the coast of Massachusetts, and the short answer is: bigger than most first-time visitors expect. Here are the actual numbers, plus a quick tour of what fills all that space.
 

Size and Geography

Martha's Vineyard covers approximately 96 square miles, making it the 58th largest island in the United States and the third-largest on the East Coast, following Long Island and Mount Desert Island. Those 96 square miles break down roughly into:

• Beaches: The coastline runs from the flat sand of South Beach to the clay cliffs at Aquinnah, so the beach you get depends on which shore you pick.
• Countryside: The interior is rolling hills, farmland, and woods, with plenty of room for hiking and exploring.
• Six Towns: Martha's Vineyard has six towns, and they don't feel interchangeable.

Towns of Martha's Vineyard

Here's what each of the six towns is actually like:

• Edgartown: Historic architecture and the island's most upscale dining and shopping.
• Oak Bluffs: The liveliest town — home of the colorful Gingerbread Cottages and most of the nightlife.
• Vineyard Haven: The main port of entry, with a mix of traditional and newer restaurants.
• Chilmark: Rural and quiet, with farm-to-table dining and not much else — which is the point.
• West Tisbury: Farm country, plus art galleries and farmers' markets.
• Aquinnah: The clay cliffs are here, on land central to Wampanoag heritage.

What Makes Martha's Vineyard Famous?

The island's reputation comes from more than its acreage:

• Celebrity Appeal: Celebrities and public figures have vacationed here for decades, mostly because residents leave them alone.
• Cultural Events: The calendar runs from the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival to Illumination Night, with plenty in between.
• History: Landmarks like the Gingerbread Cottages and the Martha's Vineyard Museum cover the island's past.

FAQs

Q: How many square miles is Martha's Vineyard?

A: Martha's Vineyard covers approximately 96 square miles, making it one of the largest islands on the East Coast.

Q: What are the main attractions on Martha's Vineyard?

A: Key attractions include the Aquinnah Cliffs, Gingerbread Cottages, and the beaches. Each of the six towns has its own draw.

Q: Why is Martha's Vineyard popular among tourists?

A: The scenery, the summer events calendar, and decades of famous visitors keep it on people's lists.

Fun Facts about Martha's Vineyard

• The island has no traffic lights — none.
• Martha's Vineyard served as the filming location for the movie Jaws.
• The island's population swells from about 17,000 to over 100,000 during the summer months.

External Resources

• Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce: Offers additional information on attractions and events.
• Vineyard Conservation Society: Learn about conservation efforts and natural attractions on the island.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The information provided on MV Vacation's website, including details about attractions, events, and activities on Martha's Vineyard, is intended for general informational purposes only. We strive to ensure accuracy, but we cannot guarantee that all information is error-free or up-to-date. Visitors should verify the status of any location or event directly with official sources before planning their visit. MV Vacation is not responsible for any discrepancies, changes, or issues related to the information provided on our website.