Top Summer Activities on Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is at its best in summer: beaches open, harbors full, every town running at full speed. The island has enough going on to fill a week without repeating yourself. Here are the summer activities worth planning around.

Filmed June 2026

Exploring the Beaches

The beaches are the main event, and they differ more than first-timers expect. Pick by what you want to do.

South Beach (Katama Beach)

South Beach, also known as Katama Beach, is a three-mile stretch facing the open Atlantic. Expect:

• Open ocean views
• Strong waves, good for surfing and boogie boarding
• More elbow room than the in-town beaches

State Beach

State Beach, stretching between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, is the family pick. You get:

• Calm water for swimming
• A shallow bottom that's safe for children
• The famous Jaws Bridge (posted signs prohibit jumping and diving, and the tidal current through the channel is strong; enjoy the view from the sand)

Menemsha Beach

Menemsha Beach is the fishing-village option. Here you can:

• Watch fishing boats come in with their daily catch
• Catch one of the best sunsets on the island
• Buy fresh seafood from the local fish markets

Town Exploration

Each of Martha's Vineyard's six towns has a different feel. The stops worth your time in each:

Edgartown

Edgartown's downtown draws the biggest crowds, and earns them. Worth a stop:

• The Edgartown Lighthouse
• Shopping along Main Street
• Dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants

Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is the loudest and most colorful of the towns. While you're there:

• Visit the colorful gingerbread cottages
• Ride the Flying Horses Carousel, the nation's oldest operating platform carousel
• Stroll down Circuit Avenue for shopping and dining

Vineyard Haven

Vineyard Haven, also known as Tisbury, is the island's working port town. Highlights include:

• The Martha's Vineyard Museum
• Owen Park Beach
• The Black Dog Tavern, a local institution

Aquinnah

Aquinnah, home to the Wampanoag Tribe, is worth the long drive up-island. See:

• The Gay Head Lighthouse
• The colorful clay cliffs
• Aquinnah Beach, also known as Moshup Beach (admire the cliffs from the sand at a distance: the cliff face belongs to the Wampanoag Tribe and is a National Natural Landmark, and climbing it or taking clay is illegal)

Chilmark

Chilmark, all rolling hills and farmland, is home to:

• Menemsha fishing village
• Lucy Vincent Beach (restricted to Chilmark residents in summer)
• The Allen Farm Sheep and Wool Company

West Tisbury

West Tisbury is the island's farm town. Don't skip:

• The West Tisbury Farmers Market
• Alley's General Store, the oldest operating retailer on the island
• Long Point Wildlife Refuge

Outdoor Activities

There's plenty to do once you're off the sand.

Biking

Biking is one of the best ways to explore the island. Popular routes include:

• The State Forest Loop
• The Edgartown-Oak Bluffs Loop
• The Up-Island Route through West Tisbury and Chilmark

Hiking

The island has hiking trails for all skill levels. Some favorites:

• Menemsha Hills Reservation
• Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary
• Fulling Mill Brook Preserve

Water Sports

You're surrounded by water. Use it:

• Kayaking and paddleboarding in Edgartown Harbor or Menemsha Pond
• Surfing at South Beach (free, no sticker needed). Squibnocket in Chilmark is limited to residents and renters with a town pass from mid-June through Labor Day.
• Sailing lessons or charters from Vineyard Haven Harbor

Cultural Experiences

A few indoor stops are worth planning around, especially on a cloudy day.

Martha's Vineyard Museum

The Martha's Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven covers the island's history. Exhibits include:

• The island's maritime history
• The island's Wampanoag heritage
• The African American experience on Martha's Vineyard

Aquinnah Cultural Center

Learn about the Wampanoag Tribe's history and culture at the Aquinnah Cultural Center. The center offers:

• Educational exhibits
• Cultural demonstrations
• A summer guided walk to the Gay Head Cliffs Overlook (Wednesdays in July and August)

Art Galleries

Galleries are scattered across the island. A few to visit:

• Eisenhauer Gallery in Edgartown
• Alison Shaw Gallery in Oak Bluffs
• Granary Gallery in West Tisbury

Plan the whole trip, one step at a time

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 honest range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which beach is best for families with small children?

State Beach, the long strip between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The water is calm, the bottom is shallow and it is free with no sticker. South Beach has bigger surf and suits older kids and strong swimmers. Our State Beach guide covers parking and the Jaws Bridge.

Where is the best sunset on Martha's Vineyard?

Menemsha Beach in Chilmark. The sun goes down over the water, the fishing boats come in with the day's catch, and the fish markets sell fresh seafood you can eat on the sand. Arrive early on summer evenings, since the crowd builds well before the sun drops. Our Menemsha guide has the details.

Can I see the island without a car?

Yes. VTA buses reach all six towns and are fare-free through June 30, 2027, so a walk-on ferry ticket is all you need. Bikes cover the flat down-island paths between Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Our car-free guide lays out the routes.

How many days do I need?

The island has enough for a week without repeating yourself: beaches, six towns, biking, hiking and museums. A single day works for one town and a beach. Three or four days lets you cover the down-island towns and still make the long drive up-island to Aquinnah and Menemsha.

What are the rules at the Aquinnah Cliffs?

Look, do not touch. The cliff face belongs to the Wampanoag Tribe and is a National Natural Landmark, so climbing it or taking clay is illegal. Admire the colors from Moshup Beach or the overlook, then visit the Gay Head Lighthouse and the Aquinnah Cultural Center. Our cliffs guide explains the geology.

What can we do on a rainy day?

Head indoors. The Martha's Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven covers maritime history, Wampanoag heritage and the island's African American story. Galleries in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and West Tisbury make a good loop, and Oak Bluffs has the Flying Horses Carousel, the nation's oldest operating platform carousel.