FAQs About MV

How many people live on Martha’s Vineyard?

Martha’s Vineyard is home to approximately 20,000 year-round residents, but the Island’s population grows dramatically during the summer months as seasonal residents, workers, and visitors arrive. At the height of the season, the number of people on the Island can swell to well over 100,000 on busy days.

How do I get to Martha’s Vineyard?

Getting here is part of the Island experience! Because there are no bridges connecting Martha’s Vineyard to the mainland, visitors arrive by ferry or plane.

The Steamship Authority provides year-round passenger and vehicle ferry service between Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard, and additional seasonal passenger ferries operate from several mainland ports. You can also fly directly into Martha’s Vineyard Airport.

If you plan to bring a vehicle on the Steamship Authority, advance vehicle reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during the busy summer season.

Where am I when I get off the ferry?

If you arrive by ferry, you’ll step right into one of the Island’s bustling port communities. Ferries arrive in Vineyard Haven year-round and Oak Bluffs seasonally, depending on the ferry service and route.

Both towns offer restaurants, shops, transportation options, and plenty to explore within walking distance. Public buses and taxis make it easy to continue your journey to other parts of the Island.

Can I visit Martha’s Vineyard for just one day?

Absolutely! Martha’s Vineyard is a popular day-trip destination, and you can experience quite a bit without bringing a car.

Spend the day exploring Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, or Edgartown, or use the Island’s bus system to venture farther afield to places like Aquinnah and Menemsha.

That said, there’s much more to Martha’s Vineyard than can fit into a single day. Staying overnight gives you time to slow down, explore all six towns, enjoy dinner without watching the ferry schedule.

Is there anything to do outside of summer?

Definitely. In fact, spring and fall are favorite seasons for many Island visitors.

The pace is more relaxed, temperatures are often ideal for exploring, and there are wonderful opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, fishing, kayaking, shopping, dining, and experiencing the Island’s arts and culture.

Martha’s Vineyard also hosts events and celebrations throughout the year. Explore our Calendar of Events to see what’s happening during your visit.

How do I get around Martha’s Vineyard?

You don’t necessarily need a car to enjoy Martha’s Vineyard.

The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority operates public bus service connecting all six Island towns, with expanded routes during the peak season. Taxis, private transportation, bicycles, and rental vehicles are also available.

If you decide to bring your own vehicle, advance reservations are required for vehicle passage aboard the Steamship Authority and popular summer dates can sell out well in advance.

Where can I take a tour?

There are plenty of ways to explore Martha’s Vineyard with a local guide. Depending on the season, options include sightseeing tours, private tours, walking tours, water excursions, and other specialized Island experiences.

Tours can fill quickly during peak travel periods, so we recommend exploring and booking tours in advance whenever possible.

How large is Martha’s Vineyard?

Martha’s Vineyard covers approximately 96 square miles and is about 20 miles long and 9 miles wide at its broadest points.

While those distances may sound small, the Island’s winding roads, six distinctive towns, beaches, villages, conservation lands, and scenic stops make it worth allowing plenty of time to explore.

Is Martha’s Vineyard one big town?

No, and discovering the differences among our six distinctive towns is one of the joys of visiting Martha’s Vineyard.

Vineyard Haven, located within the town of Tisbury, is a bustling year-round port community. Oak Bluffs is known for its colorful architecture, historic Campground, lively harbor, shops, and restaurants. Edgartown combines historic charm with beautiful architecture, shopping, dining, and waterfront experiences.

Up-Island, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah offer a more rural side of Martha’s Vineyard, with farms, conservation land, galleries, scenic roads, fishing villages, beaches, and some of the Island’s most dramatic landscapes.

Each town has its own personality, so make time to discover more than one.

Where can I shop?

Shopping local is part of the Martha’s Vineyard experience.

Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown offer walkable shopping districts filled with independently owned boutiques, galleries, bookstores, jewelry shops, specialty stores, and businesses showcasing Island-made products.

You’ll also discover shops, farm stands, studios, galleries, and other hidden gems throughout the Up-Island towns.

From original artwork and handcrafted jewelry to clothing, home goods, books, gifts, and locally made treasures, shopping on Martha’s Vineyard is a wonderful way to bring a little piece of the Island home with you.

Is Martha’s Vineyard expensive?

A Martha’s Vineyard vacation can be enjoyed at many different price points, and some of the Island’s most memorable experiences cost little or nothing at all.

Walk through our historic villages, explore conservation trails, pack a picnic, visit public beaches, watch the sunset, bike scenic roads, browse galleries, and experience the Island’s natural beauty.

Public transportation also makes it possible to explore without the expense of bringing a vehicle. Accommodations and dining range from casual and budget-conscious options to luxury experiences, so planning ahead can help you create a Vineyard getaway that works for your travel style and budget.

One of our best tips: consider visiting during the spring or fall, when accommodations may offer greater availability and value while there is still plenty to see and do.

When is the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard?

There really is something special about every season.

Summer offers the quintessential Vineyard experience with beaches, boating, outdoor dining, events, and all six towns buzzing with activity. Spring and fall bring a more relaxed pace, beautiful weather, seasonal events, and excellent opportunities for outdoor exploration. Winter reveals a quieter, more local side of Island life.

The best time to visit depends on the Martha’s Vineyard experience you’re looking for.