Whale-oil money built this too: a curved Greek Revival portico, white columns and a garden in full bloom on Main Street, the grandest house the 1840s left in town.
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Edgartown, once a major whaling port of Martha's Vineyard, is today one of New England's most photographed seaside towns. White-clapboard captains' homes, Greek Revival churches, boutique-lined streets and a lighthouse over the harbor: it is the polished end of the island, with the dining to match.
This guide was written and photographed by MV Vacation, with years of on-island experience documenting Edgartown's history, attractions, and coastal culture.
Edgartown connects easily to the rest of the island, especially West Tisbury, known for its farms and scenic conservation trails.
Main Street
Main Street is the center of town: historic inns, bookstores, coastal boutiques, galleries, and cafés. The architecture here reflects the town's whaling-era prosperity, with many preserved captain's homes dating back to the 1800s.
A side street off Main in early summer: white clapboard, a dogwood in flower, a picket fence and brick underfoot, the Edgartown template.
A short walk from Main Street brings you to the Pagoda Tree on South Water Street, planted in 1837 and believed to be one of the largest and oldest of its species in North America.
Nearby North Water Street is lined with some of the island's most historic waterfront homes, many built by ship captains during the height of the whaling era.
Many visitors pair Edgartown with a trip to Oak Bluffs, famous for its colorful gingerbread cottages and lively harbor.
The Harbor
Edgartown Harbor is one of the most scenic waterfronts in Massachusetts. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk from the yacht club area toward Lighthouse Beach, passing boat slips, classic sailboats and open water the whole way.
For live conditions, check our Island Live Webcams.
The Chappy Ferry crosses between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick every few minutes, making it one of the shortest ferry rides in the United States, and one of the best known.
The whaleboat and whale-tail memorial beside the wharf, where the Chappy ferry loads.
The Pied Piper tied up at Memorial Wharf on a blue-sky afternoon, the harbor full behind it: the passenger boat to Falmouth leaves from here.
Finding Edgartown
Edgartown has the island's most serious restaurants: seafood at the top end, fine dining, and casual tables on the harbor.
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Edgartown
08 PLACESSeasonal, chef-driven dishes and craft cocktails.
Luxury dining with lighthouse views at the Harbor View Hotel; the hotel also offers all-day casual fare at Behind The View and the seasonal Roxy Pool Bar.
Classic coastal dining on Main Street.
Modern American cuisine with a lively evening scene.
Wood-fired pizzas and comfort food done well.
Historic pub fare inside one of the island's oldest inns.
Casual harbor views and sushi upstairs.
Coffee and breakfast in the garden behind Edgartown Books.
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C A: the Atlantic's corner on Main Street at the end of the day; B: morning light inside Espresso Love; C: l'étoile lit for the evening.
The Essentials
The essentials in Edgartown
07 STOPSA classic Victorian-era lighthouse with harbor and Chappaquiddick views.
The 1891 grand hotel across from the lighthouse.
Island history and maritime collections in Vineyard Haven; for Wampanoag history, start with the Tribe's own Aquinnah Cultural Center.
The Greek Revival church of 1843, now used for concerts and events.
The free town beach around Edgartown Harbor Light, five minutes on foot from Main Street; harbor water with a tidal current, no lifeguards.
Calm, family-friendly, with views toward Chappaquiddick.
A lawn running down to the harbor beside a shingled house, moorings glinting beyond: the kind of address the captains built for.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Edgartown
04 STAYSThe reimagined historic Kelley House, with The Newes from America pub downstairs. Check rates
A shingled cottage behind its picket fence, hydrangeas in bloom and the flag out: the Edgartown most visitors come to sleep in.
Know Before You Go
Know before you go
Visit during May–June or September–October for good weather and lighter crowds.
Make restaurant reservations ahead of time, especially during July and August.
Biking is often easier than driving; Edgartown is walkable and bike-friendly.
Arrive early for lighthouse photography or sunrise at Fuller Street Beach.
Parking fills quickly; use paid lots or park farther out and walk in.
A VTA bus rolling down Main Street past the Old Whaling Church: the free ride that links Edgartown to every other town and ferry.
For seasonal rules, lighthouse hours, and beach access updates, visit our Martha's Vineyard FAQ.
Getting Around Edgartown
Edgartown is highly walkable, with most shops, restaurants, and waterfront paths located around Main Street and North Water Street. Parking is limited in summer, so biking or using VTA buses is often the easiest way to explore the area. The Chappy Ferry runs all day to Chappaquiddick.
A working boat home for the night while the sky does its ten-minute trick over the moorings.
Questions
Questions about Edgartown
What makes Edgartown unique?
Its preserved 19th-century architecture, busy harbor, lighthouse views and the island's best restaurants make it one of New England's most photographed coastal towns.
What landmarks should I not miss?
Edgartown Lighthouse, the Whaling Church, the Pagoda Tree, Harbor View Hotel, and the waterfront along North Water Street.
Is Edgartown family-friendly?
Yes. Beaches, lighthouse walks, ice cream shops, and harbor activities keep every age busy.
Edgartown harbor on a July morning: skiffs on the moorings, the yacht club launch heading out and the Chappaquiddick shore across the water.
For real-time weather and harbor conditions, visit our Island Webcams.
The Record
Fun Facts about Edgartown
A white picket fence dressed with small flags for the Fourth of July, the way half of Edgartown decorates for parade morning.
Edgartown on Film
From Our Lens The old whaling town, in every light. 202 photographs · View the Edgartown gallery
+198 View more island visuals in our full Photo Galleries.
A red vintage roadster with an Edgartown banner on the running board, waiting for the parade to move.
More photos: our South Beach gallery.
Keep Reading
Keep reading
Four free downloads · 2026 The Beach Guide, the Fall Guide, Where to Stay and What It Really Costs Every beach decoded, the fall season date by date, every town and price band for sleeping over, and the honest budget guide: four PDFs, free with the island letter. No spam, one click to leave. See a sample first More of Edgartown on film
Main Street, the harbor and the walk out to the lighthouse.
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Rodolfo Lugo Jewels, 7 Winter Street, Edgartown