A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mystic and Martha's Vineyard. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Mystic and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Mystic is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Mystic different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Martha's Vineyard and Mystic. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Mystic is a great town for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Mystic is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Mystic has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Mystic is not a resort destination.


Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Mystic and Martha's Vineyard both offer excellent beaches.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Mystic and Martha's Vineyard.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.


Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Mystic is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.


Is Mystic or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Mystic
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mystic and Martha's Vineyard. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Martha's Vineyard than Mystic. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

Families should spend more time in Mystic than Martha's Vineyard. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Mystic, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Mystic. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Mystic if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Martha's Vineyard.


  • How many days in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Mystic, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the quaint town of Mystic, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Mystic. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard or Mystic?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $241. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mystic and Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Mystic or Martha's Vineyard? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Mystic


Hotels in Marthas Vineyard


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mystic Hotel Prices and Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard and Mystic change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mystic $52
    Martha's Vineyard $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Martha's Vineyard $30

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $35
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Sunset Sail Shared Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Martha's Vineyard $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Mystic and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mystic Expensive? and Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Mystic or Martha's Vineyard?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mystic or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Martha's Vineyard. The summer months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In July, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Martha's Vineyard. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Martha's Vineyard. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Mystic is around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the autumn, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Martha's Vineyard. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. In the winter, Mystic is around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Martha's Vineyard. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Mystic during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mystic in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the spring, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Martha's Vineyard. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Mystic

Mystic Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)