Martha's Vineyard Island Lighthouses

The Five Lighthouses of Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard sits off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and its five lighthouses have been guiding boats for more than two centuries. Each one marks a different corner of the coastline, and each is worth a visit on its own — for the history, the views, or just a good place to end the day. The waters these lights guard have claimed more ships than most visitors realize — see our history of Martha's Vineyard shipwrecks.

The five lights at a glance

Edgartown Lighthouse

BUILT 1828 · EDGARTOWN HARBOR · GROUNDS OPEN IN SEASON

Location:Edgartown Harbor

The Edgartown Lighthouse is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most photographed landmarks. First built in 1828, it has marked the entrance to Edgartown Harbor for nearly two centuries. You reach it on foot across a short stretch of beach from downtown Edgartown, and the harbor view from its base is hard to beat.

Gay Head Lighthouse (Aquinnah)

BUILT 1799 · AQUINNAH CLIFFS · SEASONAL TOURS

Location:Aquinnah Cliffs

The Gay Head Lighthouse stands above the red-and-orange clay cliffs in Aquinnah. Built in 1799, it is the island’s first lighthouse—and one of the most historically significant in New England. In 2015, the entire structure was moved inland to save it from the eroding cliff, a serious piece of engineering that kept it standing.

East Chop Lighthouse

BUILT 1878 · TELEGRAPH HILL, OAK BLUFFS · SUNSET OPENINGS

Location:Oak Bluffs

The East Chop Lighthouse overlooks the entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor and is one of the best sunset spots on the entire island. The current iron tower, built in 1878, still guides mariners. In the evening it draws walkers and photographers waiting for the sun to go down.

West Chop Lighthouse

BUILT 1817 · VINEYARD HAVEN · CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Location:Vineyard Haven

The West Chop Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the island that still serves as a residence for the U.S. Coast Guard. Built in 1817, it overlooks Holmes Hole from the northernmost point of Vineyard Haven. The lighthouse itself is closed to the public, but the paths around it make for a good quiet walk along the water.

Cape Poge Lighthouse

BUILT 1801 · CHAPPAQUIDDICK · OVER-SAND TOURS

Location:Chappaquiddick Island

You can only reach Cape Poge Lighthouse by over-sand vehicle tour or a long walk up the beach, which makes it the island’s most secluded light. Built in 1801 and moved multiple times as the shoreline eroded, it sits inside the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge — a long stretch of dunes, tidal flats, and open coastline.

Guided tours offer rare access inside the lighthouse, and the guides cover its relocations, the engineering behind them, and the ecosystem around it.

Preserving Maritime Heritage

These lighthouses still stand because people on the island keep them standing. Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and local conservation groups handle their upkeep and restoration.

Each one has its own story. Go for the history, the photographs, or just the view.

For nearby ideas, see our guides to outdoor activities and beaches.