Are you thinking about visiting Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Martha's Vineyard worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this island for one to three days because of the many great activities. Martha's Vineyard is an island in Massachusetts that has quintessential New England charm. It has a handful of harbor towns and is lined with sandy beaches and striking lighthouses. There are New England cottages and beautiful coastal walks that have long attracted celebrities and the wealthy.
Martha's Vineyard, MA
Reasons to Visit Martha's Vineyard
Resorts
There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.
Food
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.
Beaches
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.
Shopping
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.
Hiking
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.
Is Martha's Vineyard worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Martha's Vineyard, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, soak up the small town charm, and take a hike. Also, you can experience the luxurious resorts.
Summer Weather in Martha's Vineyard
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Martha's Vineyard worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Martha's Vineyard. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, and the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Martha's Vineyard
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 12°C (53°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| November | 7°C (44°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| December | 0°C (33°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
Is Martha's Vineyard worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -2°C (28°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Martha's Vineyard is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
This is a great time of year to taste delicious cuisine.
Winter Weather in Martha's Vineyard
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -2°C (28°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| February | -1°C (30°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| March | 3°C (38°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
Is Martha's Vineyard worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Martha's Vineyard. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, take in the beautiful scenery, and explore the small town.
Spring Weather in Martha's Vineyard
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (48°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| June | 20°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Martha's Vineyard
Museums: Martha's Vineyard isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Martha's Vineyard with a lively nightlife scene. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Martha's Vineyard might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Martha's Vineyard here or see if Martha's Vineyard is expensive here.
Related
What is Martha's Vineyard most famous for?
Martha's Vineyard is most famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. People visit this impressive island for its great resorts. Also, it's known for food, beaches, and shopping. Many people love the hiking, too. It is often described as peaceful, affluent, and coastal.
What is the most famous sight in Martha's Vineyard?
The most popular sight in Martha's Vineyard is the Aquinnah Cliffs. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Martha's Vineyard on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Aquinnah Cliffs and other attractions here.
How touristy is Martha's Vineyard? Is it a popular island to visit?
Martha's Vineyard is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
- 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
- All Island Bus Tour: $65
- Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
- Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
How long should I spend in Martha's Vineyard?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Martha's Vineyard is one to three days. Since Martha's Vineyard has a variety of activities such as resorts, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Martha's Vineyard?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Martha's Vineyard?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Martha's Vineyard?.
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