Top Outdoor Activities on Martha's Vineyard
Outdoors Guide · Martha’s Vineyard
Trails, water, wildlife, and wide-open island views
- Hiking and nature trails
- Water sports and beach days
- Eco-tourism and conservation lands
This guide covers hiking trails, biking routes, fishing spots, water activities, wildlife, eco-tourism, and seasonal ideas across Martha’s Vineyard. For a categorized overview of all activities, visit our main directory:
Martha's Vineyard is a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, but the outdoor options run deep: conservation trails through forest and coastal heath, a paved bike network, surf beaches, salt ponds for fishing, and wildlife sanctuaries that stay open year-round.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The island has a large network of hiking trails, most of them free to walk, for all experience levels:
| Where | Town | The draw |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Tree Neck | West Tisbury · 4 mi | Woods that walk you down to a quiet north-shore beach |
| Menemsha Hills | Chilmark · 3 mi | Bluff-top views over Vineyard Sound; the island's best short climb |
| Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary | Edgartown | Easy family paths, programs, and the osprey cam nest |
| Long Point Wildlife Refuge | West Tisbury | Pond paddling and an Atlantic beach in one visit |
| Correllus State Forest | Mid-island | 14 miles of paved paths through pine and oak — flat and family-easy |
Cycling Adventures
Biking is the easiest way to cover ground here without a car:
- State Beach Loop: A 6-mile oceanside bike path between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
- Up-Island Route: Vineyard Haven → Aquinnah — hilly and demanding, with long water views as the payoff.
- Correllus State Forest: 14 miles of paved, family-friendly trails.
- Bike Rentals: Available in major towns, including e-bikes.
Fishing
- Surf Casting: Top spots include Lobsterville and Wasque Point.
- Deep Sea Fishing: Charters for tuna, shark, and bluefish.
- Fly Fishing: Salt ponds and estuaries with excellent conditions.
- Tournaments: The MV Derby, the island's biggest fishing event.
Water Sports & Beach Activities
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Calm waters in Edgartown Harbor and Menemsha Pond.
- Surfing: Katama, Squibnocket + beginner lessons.
- Beach Yoga: Sunrise and sunset classes.
- Sailing: Lessons + charters around Vineyard Sound.
Seasonal Outdoor Experiences
- Spring: Birding, wildflowers, Cross-Island Hike.
- Summer: Water sports, concerts, fairs.
- Fall: Foliage hikes, food & wine events, cranberry bog tours.
- Winter: Shellfishing + coastal seal watching.
Conservation & Eco-Tourism
Several island organizations keep these lands protected and open to the public:
- Land Bank & Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation manage protected lands and public trails.
- Eco Tours: Nature walks, birdwatching, marine ecology tours.
- Volunteer Programs: Beach cleanups + habitat restoration.
Leave No Trace: Outdoor Ethics on Martha’s Vineyard
When exploring the island, follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: plan ahead, stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, protect vegetation, minimize fire impacts, and be considerate of others enjoying the outdoors. These principles help keep Martha’s Vineyard beautiful for future generations.
Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors
- Check tides and weather conditions before visiting beaches.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of drinking water.
- Follow local fishing and shellfishing regulations.
- Shoulder season (May–June, Sept–Oct) offers best weather + fewer crowds.
Don't try to do all of this in one visit. Pick two or three — the island is small enough that you can hike in the morning and be in the water by afternoon.
All Activities in One Place
The full Activities Guide covers beaches, biking trails, wildlife, water sports, sailing, and lighthouses.
More Activity Guides
We also cover golf on the island, kayaking routes and rentals, and mountain biking.
Island prices, hours & details change often — please verify with businesses before you go. Full disclaimer