Back to Full Day Destinations

Martha's Vineyard, often simply called the Vineyard, is an island south of the Cape known for being a popular, affluent summer colony, although, like the rest of Cape Cod, the year round population continues to grow. It is the 58th largest island in the U.S., with a land area of about 96 square miles, and the third-largest on the East Coast and encompasses harbor towns and lighthouses, sandy beaches and farmland. It's 7 miles offshore, so it's accessible only by boat or air.

The Vineyard is a great day trip when staying at 55. Grab a ferry over for the morning, enjoy several of the sights listed below, and catch one of the later afternoon/early evening ferries back.

Features

Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association

Not to be missed gingerbread houses

Edgartown

Quintessential New England

Aquinnah

The remote end of Martha's Vineyard

Joseph Sylvia State Beach

Two mile long barrier beach that runs alongside Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and protects Sengekontacket pond. Short sandy pathways lead down to this shallow, approachable beach. The water is generally calm, and there is access to Sengekontacket Pond, a great place for stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and small craft boating.</p><p>The Bridge that separates the Oak Bluffs and Edgartown sides of this beach is known to many as “Jaws Bridge,” after its memorable moment in the 1975 classic film “Jaws.” Though there are signs that warn you not to, many people take the plunge and jump from the bridge into the fast moving water flowing in or out of Sengekontacket Pond.

Menemsha

Little Martha's Vineyard village

Oak Bluffs

Martha's Vineyard's main town

Getting There

  • The Island Queen

    The Island Queen out of Falmouth and into Oak Bluffs is a seasonal passenger (plus bikes) only ferry that is pretty convenient and not too expensive.

  • The Steamship Authority

    The Steamship Authority is the only year-round ferry service for passengers, bikes, and vehicles and operates of out Woods Hole and into either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. Reservations are not needed without a vehicle and can be made on your phone.

  • The Falmouth-Edgartown Ferry

    The Falmouth - Edgartown is seasonal and more expensive but the Edgartown port might be convenient for either arrival or departure.

  • The Hy-Line

    The Hy-Line serves Martha's Vineyard out of Hyannis making it the least likely option if 55 is your home base.

Eats