Frequently Asked Questions
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How many people live on Martha’s Vineyard?
The Vineyard is home to roughly 17,000 year-round residents. During the summer months, the population increases to nearly 200,000. Sixty-three percent of all homes on the Vineyard belong to seasonal residents. How do I get to Martha’s Vineyard? Martha’s Vineyard is an Island, so you can only get here by boat or plane – unless you’re a super skilled open water distance swimmer and are able to swim the 7 miles from Cape Cod. There are no land routes, bridges, or tunnels connecting us to the mainland. Most travelers arrive by ferry or fly into our airport. All ferry services offer driving directions, fares, schedules, and parking information on their websites. 
Can Martha’s Vineyard be visited in just one day?
It sure can! Day trips to the Island are a popular choice for those visiting Cape Cod or New Bedford. With easy ferry service out of Woods Hole, Hyannis, Falmouth, or New Bedford, visitors can enjoy the three main port towns and all their unique charm, points of interest, and shopping options – or, if arriving early enough, the beautiful and iconic up-Island cliffs at Aquinnah can also be added to the day. Just know that while day trips are possible and super fun, everyone always says they wish they had more time – so if you’re not able to spend an overnight this time, we know you’ll want to come again and you’re welcome to do so! 
Is there anything to do in the off-season?
The best kept secret is that late spring and all of autumn are PERFECT times to visit the Vineyard! A temperate climate keeps us warm through the fall, and most Vineyarders enjoy the natural beauty of the Island year-round. Birders, cyclers, golfers, kayakers, hikers and fisherman will love the brilliant weather that allows so much outdoor activity. Festivals abound in the off-season – check out the Calendar of Events for all the year-round fun! How Do I Get Around?
Getting around the Vineyard is easy! Affordable, handicapped-accessible public buses, as well as taxis, transverse the Vineyard daily. Autos, mopeds, and bicycles are available for rent. If you choose to bring your own car to Martha's Vineyard, you must contact the Steamship Authority ferry to arrange for advanced vehicle reservations, which sell out frequently in the winter and early spring for the summer months, at 508-477-8600. Where can I get a tour? Sightseeing tours on-Island depart virtually every day (weather permitting, May through November) Private sightseeing tours are available for individuals and groups; and aerial, walking, and water tours are also available! |
How large is Martha’s Vineyard?
Martha’s Vineyard is approximately 96 square miles, roughly triangular in shape, 25 miles (42k) at its longest point east to west, and 9 miles (12.8k) at the longest point north to south. 
Is Martha’s Vineyard one big town?
No, in fact there are 6 distinctive towns on the Vineyard, each with its own character, flare, attractions, dining, lodging and more. Tisbury, which includes the year-round harbor port of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown are vibrant port communities, very unique from one another, very easy to walk around and very easy to get between. There are three rural towns, West Tisbury, Aquinnah, and Chilmark (including the popular fishing village of Menemsha), offer a more pastoral landscape, dotted with small farms, cozy shopping and galleries in a rural environment. Where can I shop?
Martha’s Vineyard is a shopper’s paradise! Although you won’t find a mall or chain store on the Island, the Vineyard is home to exclusive shops and boutiques offering antiques, handcrafts, whimsical gifts, and clothing. Each of the three main port towns of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown For art collectors, the Island has wonderful art galleries showing the best in traditional and contemporary art. Hand-blown glass, metalwork sculpture, one-of-a-kind jewelry and just about every other medium you can think of. You’ll find work by locally and nationally recognized artists. Whether you’re shopping with a particular item in mind, or just looking for something out-of-the-ordinary, shoppers will leave the Vineyard loaded with treasures. 
Is Martha’s Vineyard Too Expensive?
On the contrary, a Martha’s Vineyard experience is available on every budget! The best parts of the Vineyard, the natural beauty, arts, culture, and beaches can be enjoyed for little or no cost! Public transportation around the Island is reliable and inexpensive. Check out our Stay Here and Stay Now pages for deals on accommodations. Dining options vary. The good news is that it doesn’t matter if you’re eating on a picnic table or a 4-star restaurant, it will all be fresh, local, and delicious! 
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