Martha’s Vineyard is an island set only 7 miles off the Massachusetts coast. It actually consists of two islands, the other being Chappaquiddick Island. This popular summer destination is known for its charming villages, otherwise known as the towns of Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven.

Plan a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, and you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of activities, like swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking over the sand dunes. The island is also home to several art galleries, museums, and theaters and boasts fantastic dining and nightlife venues.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So I’ve compiled our list of my absolute favorite things to do in Martha’s Vineyard for you. Stick to my fun and unique Martha’s Vineyard bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous Massachusetts island!

The Top 15 Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard

1. Take the Cottage City Oyster Farm Tour

Martha’s Vineyard is known for its amazing seafood. If you’re a serious seafood fan, going on a Cottage City Oyster Farm Tour will give you behind-the-scenes insights into oyster farming, and you’ll get to enjoy the freshest oysters on the island while you’re at it! This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Martha’s Vineyard.

This is a great excursion if you’re interested in learning about the ins and outs of oyster farming. You’ll get to see how oysters are cultivated and harvested from start to finish. This tour is the perfect combination of educational and delicious.

The tour will get you on a boat with a guide who will explain the history of the oyster business in Martha’s Vineyard. You’ll see how oysters are cleaned and shucked before eating a few yourself in a true farm-to-table experience.

You can bring your own drinks to enjoy at the raw bar, too. The tour takes about an hour, and make sure to bring your sun hat.

2. Enjoy a Day at Katama Beach

Katama Beach, also known as South Beach, is the longest and most popular beach in Martha’s Vineyard. You’ll find over 3 miles of pristine white sand beach to lounge on and turquoise blue waters to enjoy.

During the summer months, Katama Beach can get quite busy, especially on weekends. However, the beach’s size means that there is usually plenty of room for everyone, and if you’re willing to trek a bit, you might have a stretch of shore all to yourself. Conveniently, facilities and concession stands are located on the beachfront.

The waves at this beach can get big, making for stunning photographs and amazing kite surfing. When the water is calmer, this is a great swimming and body surfing beach, too.

Overall, Katama Beach is one of the must-visit Martha’s Vineyard attractions if you want to hit the waves or simply want to soak up the sun. The beach goes on for ages, and you’ll get amazing views of the sunset over the water.

3. Climb Up Menemsha Hills

Menemsha Hills is a beautiful nature preserve. It features well-maintained hiking trails that offer up breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape of Martha’s Vineyard.

The 3 miles of trail here will take you past ancient boulders, marks of a glacier, berry bushes, and a variety of woodlands and coastal bluffs. It’s one of the longest walks on the island, making it a fantastic way to stretch your legs and take in nature.

The view at the top makes this one of the best Martha’s Vineyard activities. You’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of the Vineyard Sound from the top of Prospect Hill, one of the tallest points on the island.

It’s a perfect spot to take in the sunset, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Gay Head Lighthouse in the distance. Overall, climbing up Menemsha Hills is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Martha’s Vineyard and is a must-do if you’re a nature lover.

4. Indulge in Fresh Oysters at 19 Raw Oyster Bar

You can’t leave Martha’s Vineyard without having a plate of New England oysters. If you’re wondering where to go, 19 Raw Oyster Bar was the first oyster bar in Martha’s Vineyard – and it remains the coolest.

Since 2017, 19 Raw Oyster bar has been serving up choice local and imported oysters, creative small plates, and killer cocktails. The ambiance is fun, combining unique driftwood with a turn-of-the-century twist. There’s no kitchen, just a bar where you can watch the magic happen.

Try your oysters with special sauces, like a champagne mignonette and kimchi puree. You can add a bump of caviar if you’re feeling fancy, and are you really in New England if you don’t order a bowl of chowder to start?

You should definitely try the lobster caviar slider. The bar also serves plenty of fresh fish. Pair your meal with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a watermelon Bellini, or a house recipe Moscow Mule, and you won’t regret having put this on your Martha’s Vineyard bucket list!

5. Get Historical at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the island. Its rich collection of over 10,000 artifacts and documents tells the story of the island’s past and present.

First opened in 1923, the museum has long served the community. It features a range of exhibits that showcase the island’s natural, cultural, and historical heritage. Some of the notable exhibits include the history of the island’s whaling industry, the story of the Wampanoag people, who are the native inhabitants of the island, and the history of the island’s African American community.

The museum also features exhibits on the island’s maritime history, including shipbuilding, fishing, and boating. In addition to its exhibits, the museum offers a range of educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions. It also houses a research library and archives that are open to the public for research purposes.

This is one of the must-do things in Martha’s Vineyard for anyone who wants to learn more about the unique history and culture of this one-of-a-kind destination.

6. Stroll through Polly Hill Arboretum

One of the most unique Martha’s Vineyard attractions, the Polly Hill Arboretum is a beautiful botanical garden. It was established in 1958 by Polly Hill, who wanted to preserve and study the diverse collection of trees and shrubs that she had cultivated on her family’s property over several decades.

Today, the arboretum spans over 70 acres and contains a collection of over 2,000 woody plants from around the world, including rare and endangered species like North Tisbury azaleas, monkey puzzle tree, and kousa dogwood allée. The gardens are organized into various thematic sections, such as the Magnolia Collection, the Heather Garden, and the North American Native Collection.

In addition to its impressive gardens, the arboretum also facilitates special programming, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures. You can learn about plant ecology, conservation, and horticulture – all of the passion and science that goes into maintaining the peaceful beauty of the gardens.

The Polly Hill Arboretum is a unique and valuable resource for every plant enthusiast and nature lover, and it is a testament to the island’s deep conservationist philosophy.

7. Sunbathe on Lucy Vincent Beach

This exclusive beach locale is often only open to residents and renters in Chilmark – during the off-season, access opens up to the general public – but it’s absolutely worth the extra effort to experience.

For one, due to its private nature, you’ll have the view of the bluffs, the cliffs, and the shore all to yourself. It’s really a hidden gem in Martha’s Vineyard, and you can spend some time shopping in Chilmark village too.

Over the past few years, erosion has been changing the shape of the cliffs and the beach, exposing underwater boulders during low tide. All in all, this makes it a unique Martha’s Vineyard sightseeing experience, as well as a great place to sunbathe and catch some excellent waves.

If you won’t be staying in Chilmark but you visit the island in the off-season, add this place to your Martha’s Vineyard bucket list and make the time to check out one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

8. Do Yoga with Alpacas at the Island Alpaca Company

Alpacas are cute, soft, and slightly odd creatures that you wouldn’t expect to see on an island in Massachusetts. And yet, they seem perfectly at home at the Island Alpaca Company’s farm.

Visiting this place is one of the most fun things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, especially if you’re traveling with little ones. They’ll love exploring the farm, visiting with the herd, or doing an alpaca walk and talk.

You might meet darling baby alpacas or do a yoga class in the open air with alpacas for company. You can even schedule an alpaca-gram for a special occasion and have a message and gift basket delivered anywhere on the island.

Going on an alpaca tour is one of the most unique things to do in Martha’s Vineyard. You might even come home with a handmade scarf or sweater.

9. Set Sail from Edgartown Harbor

We’d be remiss not to mention the amazing sailing opportunities in Martha’s Vineyard, and one of the best ways to experience the sound is aboard the Mad Max Catamaran.

Mad Max offers public and private cruises aboard a spacious catamaran. You’ll go over the waves at a fast clip, but it’ll feel smooth and relaxing. The boat is ultra-spacious, with room for up to 50 guests.

There’s nothing quite like opening up a bottle of wine (BYOB!) on a boat, watching the sunset, and then settling into the netting in the front of the boat for a quick nap. A cruise will take about two hours, giving you a lot of time to relax, chat, and just enjoy the ocean. The company offers cruises in the afternoon and early evening, and rain or shine, you’ll be out on the water.

If you’re hoping for a more intimate experience, you can book a private charter. Alternatively, try going on a Sunday or a Monday, since the cruises get a bit more crowded nearer the weekend. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard – it’s the perfect combination of relaxing, fun, and romantic.

10. Enjoy the Picturesque Aquinnah Cliffs

The Aquinnah Cliffs, also known as Gay Head Cliffs, are a set of vibrant clay cliffs situated at the western end of the island. The cliffs are an iconic destination known for their stunning natural beauty, unique geological formations, and rich cultural history.

The cliffs were first formed millions of years ago as layers of clay, sand, and gravel were compressed and heated. The resulting metamorphic rocks are characterized by their striking red, orange, and yellow colors, which are caused by the oxidation of iron minerals.

These cliffs are of significant cultural importance to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), who have lived on the island for thousands of years. The tribe considers the cliffs to be sacred, their creation by the Great Spirit serving as a symbol of his power and presence.

You’ll be able to experience the cultural and geological significance of the Aquinnah Cliffs at your own pace. You might hike up the cliffs to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes or stay at sea level at one of the nearby beaches and take a swim or sail in the shadow of the cliffs.

The Aquinnah Cliffs are unique and captivating natural wonders that embody the unique history of the island, the land, and its inhabitants. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, don’t miss this spot.

11. Do a Walking Tour through the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Community

This small community in the town of Oak Bluffs is one of the most unique Martha’s Vineyard attractions. Known for its colorful cottages, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.

First established in 1835, this designated National Historic Landmark is a celebration of the island’s spiritual life. Initially a settling ground for the Methodist community in Martha’s Vineyard, it continues to serve as a cultural center, while the cottages have become summer homes.

The beautiful, brightly colored, Victorian cottages are the main draw of the area. Come to admire the interesting architecture through a guided walking tour, which will give you a special appreciation for the history of the area and its inhabitants.

During the summer months, the MVCMA hosts free sunset concerts and other events like the Grand Illumination Night, which bring together hundreds of residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the campgrounds.

12. Eat Amazing Island Fare at Red Cat Kitchen

This funky, irreverent restaurant is an island mainstay. Unassuming as it is, the food here is top-notch and locally sourced, and the service has a personal touch.

From the outside, you’ll notice that Red Cat Kitchen looks like an island cottage. You’ll walk through its iconic red doors into a bustling dining area, and you’ll be able to sit at the bar, at a rustic table, or on the patio. The vibe is decidedly cottage with a twist!

The kitchen serves local delicacies, including the locally sourced lobster and scallops that the island is famed for and plenty of land options that are equally delicious. We’d recommend ordering the fried oysters and Brussels sprouts to start.

This is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, so reservations are a must if you’re going during peak hours or on a weekend. 

13. Take in the Views at Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse

A trip to Martha’s Vineyard wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the island’s historic lighthouses. These beautiful, functional landmarks continue to light the way for nautical travel today. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might be able to climb to the top to get spectacular views of the entire island.

The Edgartown Harbor Light was first constructed in 1828, then torn down and rebuilt in 1939. The lighthouse served to direct ships during the whaling boom in Martha’s Vineyard and across New England from the 1700s through the 1800s.

These days, the lighthouse is maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and is well worth a visit if you’re interested in the history of the area. From the top of the lighthouse, which you can access via a spiral staircase, you’ll be able to see as far as Cape Code, across to Chappaquiddick and the Edgartown Harbor.

The lighthouse and surrounding harbor and beaches are beautiful places to take a walk in the daytime and early evening, a must-do when you visit Martha’s Vineyard.

14. Enjoy a Picnic at Ocean Park

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Martha’s Vineyard, there’s nothing quite like a day spent at the park, underneath the shade of a tree, listening to the waves breaking just across the way. Ocean Park is one of the most beautiful places to be – impressive, considering just how much beauty can be found on the island.

Arriving at the park, you’ll also be treated to views of beautiful seafront homes, many of them built in a stunning Victorian style. Walking around the park, you’ll find plenty of seating on the benches and a gazebo to get out of the sun. Take along a picnic basket and a blanket, and you’ll have a quiet place to linger and take in the island air.

Aside from its day-to-day charms, the park is also the site of the annual fireworks show that happens in the third week of August during Illumination Night. Kite-flying days, free outdoor concerts, and other events take place throughout the summer, so you might be in for a nice surprise on your visit!

15. Hike through the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Located on Chappaquiddick Island, the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge is a stunning 500-acre nature preserve that comprises a saltwater lagoon, marshes, and a barrier beach.

You have a few options for exploring the refuge. You might rent an all-terrain vehicle to tour the area, visit the fishing spots, and check out the marine life. Walking is also an option for an up close and personal view of the landscape. If you’re feeling aquatic, you might even paddle your way over Poucha Pond and explore the refuge by waterway.

No matter how you want to tackle it, you’ll find over 14 miles of trails to keep you occupied. You’ll spot migratory birds over the bay, like sandpipers and plovers, and plenty of fish and shellfish in the water.

The Cape Poge Lighthouse is located at the northern tip of the reserve’s sandy beaches. Trek over the sand dunes to check it out while you’re there!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard. What’s your favorite thing to do in Martha’s Vineyard?

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