What to Do
Beaches
Take it from the ultimate sun worshipper: MV is a beach lovers' delight. But I admit the best ones are kind of a pain in the ass to get to….very on brand for MV! Here’s a cheat sheet.
Public Beaches
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Parking is $30 (credit card only). Use the drop-off point to unload your gear before parking. This is the only beach where you can walk among the famous red clay cliffs. Note: As you walk down the beach, it transitions to a clothing-optional area—a unique experience if you're feeling adventurous!
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Spectacular scenery and fabulous for families thanks to the giant pond. Reserve parking spots for either 10 AM-2 PM or 2 PM-6 PM time slots.
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Free parking and beautiful ocean views make this the easiest ocean beach to access from Edgartown. It does get crowded as a result but otherwise, a great and easy option.
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An incredible beach requiring a 10-15 minute hike down. The hike is relatively easy, but best suited for days when you have plenty of time.
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Perfect for a full-day adventure. Take the charming Chappy Ferry from downtown Edgartown, then drive to Wasque. Reservations are technically required but not strictly enforced. The dunes create pond-like water that's great for kids, with pristine ocean beach just a short walk beyond.
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A cute in-town beach with free, easy parking. Dog-friendly.
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Requires navigating a long, rugged unpaved road, but you're rewarded with a gorgeous, quiet beach featuring a lake on one side and the sound on the other. Excellent for young children.
Private Beaches
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Widely considered the absolute best beach on the island, but requires either owning or renting property in Chilmark. A common workaround: meet friends who have access at their house, or park at the Chilmark Store and catch a ride in.
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Another stunning private beach with the same access requirements as Lucy Vincent.
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Private during the day but open to the public after 6 PM—amazing for sunset viewing.
Dining
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State Road (Tisbury)★ Top Pick
My top pick for the entire island, State Road serves one of the best roast chickens you'll ever taste. The Obamas are regulars here, and for good reason. Don't leave without picking up some of their exceptional handcrafted chocolate—it makes a perfect gift or souvenir.
Atria (Edgartown)
Everything here is exceptional. Don't miss the island greens salad, peach salad, and the wok fried lobster—it's a splurge, but absolutely worth it. The Winner Winner Chicken Dinner is another standout. Ask about the Greek frozen yogurt for dessert if it's available.
Chilmark Tavern (Chilmark)
This charming BYOB spot lets you bring your own spirits (vodka, gin, or tequila) and mixers, and they'll craft cocktails for you. The roast chicken is outstanding, the burger is excellent, and the ice cream sundae is a must-order dessert.
Covington (Edgartown)
Chef Chris Fischer's (Amy Schumer's soon to be ex-husband) restaurant delivers an excellent dining experience with creative, locally-sourced dishes.
Alchemy (Edgartown)
Solid food paired with a great vibe makes this a reliable choice for dinner or drinks.
19 Raw (Edgartown)
A favorite among visitors and celebrities alike (Michelle Obama is a regular), 19 Raw offers a fun scene and excellent steak, lobster salad, and oysters.
Garde East (Vineyard Haven)
Featuring very good food and pretty waterfront views, this spot is worth a visit.
Outermost Inn (Aquinnah)
The setting is absolutely gorgeous, perched in Aquinnah with incredible sunset views.
Beach Road (Vineyard Haven)
The sister restaurant to State Road offers solid dining, though not quite at the same level as its sibling.
Fun, sophisticated vibe overlooking Edgartown harbor. Great for a nice lunch.
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Atria Brick Cellar Bar (Edgartown)
Located in the basement of Atria, this spot serves fantastic burgers and offers a fun atmosphere when you're craving something other than seafood.
Port Hunter (Edgartown)
Great menu options and a chill, welcoming vibe.
Black Dog Tavern (Vineyard Haven)
The original location for the famous clothing brand is especially fun for families with kids, who can run around outside seeing the tall ships.
Seafood Shanty (Edgartown)
Classic casual seafood in a laid-back setting overlooking Edgartown harbor.
Nancy's (Oak Bluffs)
A local favorite (including for the Obamas!) for casual waterfront dining overlooking OB harbor.
The Lookout (Oak Bluffs)
Great classic seafood bar (with surprisingly good sushi!) in a casual atmosphere.
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Rosewater (Edgartown)
Adorable for breakfast or lunch with a fantastic breakfast sandwich.
Among the Flowers (Edgartown)
Great for breakfast and lunch in a charming setting. Great lobster roll.
7A at Alley's (Tisbury)
Yummy and very convenient for grabbing lunch on your way to Chilmark or Aquinnah beaches.
Chilmark Store (Chilmark)
Excellent salads, pizza, and sandwiches perfect for the beach or enjoying on the porch while people-watching. Site of the infamous Larry David Alan Dershowitz showdown :).
Katama Store
Great for grabbing breakfast or lunch en route to South Beach or just lounging on their front porch.
Waterside Market (Vineyard Haven)
Great spot for provisions and prepared foods.
Black Dog Bakery (Vineyard Haven)
Fresh baked goods and breakfast, great for grabbing something en route to Lambert's Cove Beach.
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With locations in Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Oak Bluffs, this is the island's premier ice cream destination. The Mint Oreo flavor is legendary.
Scoops (Edgartown)
Amazing soft serve in unique flavors like Black Sesame and Chilmark Coffee. Cash only.
Back Door Donuts (Oak Bluffs)
These are truly some of the best donuts you'll ever taste. Order online to skip the long lines.
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The best coffee on the island, plus excellent breakfast and lunch options. Turns into fine dining in the evening.
Adorable coffee spot, great breakfast.
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Net Result (Vineyard Haven)
A great seafood shack with outdoor picnic table seating and surprisingly good sushi. Don't skip the key lime pie.
Fish House (Tisbury, behind the airport)
Home to what many consider the best lobster roll on the island. Also excellent for picking up fresh fish to cook at home. The green sauce is amazing on everything—a true local secret.
Morning Glory Farm (Edgartown)
The island's best produce and baked goods, plus a fantastic food truck serving breakfast sandwiches.
Katama General Store
Great breakfast sandwiches to start your day.
Larsen's Fish Market (Menemsha)
This famous fish stand is a Vineyard tradition. Grab a lobster roll and chowder early, then sit on the beach to watch the sunset. The neighboring Menemsha Fish Market is also excellent.
Black Sheep (near the airport)
High-end prepared foods.
Bars & Nightlife
Martha's Vineyard is refreshingly low-key when it comes to nightlife—it's sort of the antithesis of Nantucket and the Hamptons, and that's part of its charm. Having said that, of course there are still great bars if you feel like going out on the town.
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Fun cocktails overlooking the boats. Weekend nights feature a DJ and dancing.
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The upstairs bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere.
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More of a college bar/pub scene with live music. Great for beer and bands, but tends to skew young.
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Nice spot for cocktails with a cozy New England vibe, especially on rainy or chilly evenings.
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Fun bar scene with great live music.
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Has numerous bars with a rowdier, Jersey Shore-type atmosphere.
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Oak Bluffs Historic District
Visit the Tabernacle and gingerbread houses—an almost 200-year-old Methodist campground with charming houses built around it. Many have been passed down through generations, creating a unique community that feels frozen in time. Oak Bluffs holds significant historical importance as the first vacation area to allow Black people to own hotels, establishing the Vineyard's longstanding tradition of diversity. The area remains predominantly African American, and the main beach is affectionately known as "the Inkwell."
Aquinnah Lighthouse
A must-see attraction, especially on a beautiful day. The views are spectacular, showcasing the famous red cliffs. The tiny town offers a quick walk-around opportunity, cute shops, and a lobster roll shack. Combine this with a visit to Moshup Beach below.
Edgartown Walking Tour
Explore this historic whaling village with its preppy charm and gorgeous harbor. Don't miss the "On Time III," the tiny 3-car ferry to Chappaquiddick (famous for the Teddy Kennedy incident). From Main and Water Street, turn left on Water Street and walk to the Harborview Hotel for stunning views of beautiful captain's houses, the lighthouse, and harbor.
Menemsha Village
Drive through this tiny fishing village where "Jaws" was filmed. Grab a lobster roll at Larsen's, create a picnic, and watch the sunset—just arrive early as parking is very limited.
I’ve never actually done this before but it looks fun!
Sailing Tours
Mad Max Marina (Edgartown)
Black Dog Tall Ships (Vineyard Haven)
