Nothing screams summer more than a relaxing trip to a little island. Luckily for us, Martha's Vineyard fits the bill! Martha's Vineyard is a small, isolated island located off of Massachusetts. The island's rich history, vintage charm, and high-end shopping makes it the perfect summer destination for tourists. Here's how you can maximize your trip to Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres and plan a day trip to Martha's Vineyard!
Martha's Vineyard History
Martha's Vineyard was purchased in 1641 and began developing in 1642 - making it one of the first settlements in our country's history. Previously, the island was inhabited by the Native American group, the Wampanoags, followed by immigrants from England such as blacksmiths, fishermen, and farmers. The Martha's Vineyard we all know and love began development in 1835, but different cities located on the island were all developed at different times - Vineyard Haven being one of today's most popular tourist destinations. These multiple cities differ greatly, ranging from rural to coastline to elegant settings. Edgartown is known for its elegance and classic East Coast charm, Vineyard Haven is the perfect stop for visitors, and Chillmark is right along the water. Click here for the full history on each city and all the charm they offer before planning which things to do in Martha's Vineyard.
Roadtrip
Martha's Vineyward is a little way's away from our Massachusetts camping resort, but it is well worth your while! Martha's Vineyard is located 1.5 hours away from our campground, and you have to take a couple means of transportation to get there.
The first step is to hop on 1-495 and follow MA-25 and MA-28 S to Locust Street. You'll be cruising down that way for about 25 miles, then you can take the exit toward Woods Hole Road to Woods Hole - Vineyard Haven Ferry.
Here comes the fun part - you'll approach the ferry you need to take! Here, you can purchase ferry tickets. Make sure you bring a magazine, book, game, or something to do on the ferry, because it's a one hour ride to the island!
Once you arrive on the island, you'll need to head south on Edgartown Road to West Tisbury - you can rent bikes, a car, or a taxi! The directions for the way back to our Massachusetts campground are the same - just backwards! For the full list of directions to Martha's Vineyard from Carver, click here.
Best Restaurants in Martha's Vineyard
You'll need to find the hot spots to eat when planning your Martha's Vineyard day trip itinerary, so we've found some of the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurants so you don't have to!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you'll need to start your day off right! If you want a quick and affordable bite to eat before your full-day of activities, stop by Dock Street Coffee Shop in Edgartown! This can be a quick in-and-out or pickup spot. For a charming breakfast spot and outdoor seating options, Little House Cafe in Vineyard Haven is one of the highest rated breakfast places on the island! Plus, they have a bakery too so you can grab a sweet treat to-go.
Martha's Vineyard Chowder Company is a great, casual spot perfect for lunch time. They're known for being the island's #1 chowder! Whatever you choose to order, be sure to try a cup of the authentic clam chowder. Waterside Market is a great quick stop where you can order takeout or sit down for a little. Your day will be full of things to do and see, so it's good to have a quick option too!
Once dinner time hits, you've probably seen a majority of the sights you set out to see, so you can afford the time for a nice sit-down dinner! Views of the water while you eat? Sign us up! Lookout Tavern is located in Oak Bluffs and was awarded "Best of the Cape & Islands." Be sure to try one of their famous lobster rolls, which was voted "Best of the Vineyard!" They also have quick bites like sandwiches, burgers, and tacos, or you can order entrees - their menu is big! This is the perfect spot to close out your day.
These are just a few of the many incredible food options you can find during your Martha's Vineyard day trip!
Top Activities
There are a lot of fun things to do in Martha's Vineyard with your family! An obvious pick would be to visit one of the many beaches Martha's Vineyard has to offer. Chillmark is known for its beautiful coastline, and Lucy Vincent Beach is the perfect example of that! This hilly beach looks right out of a postcard. You can view all the beaches on Martha's Vineyard here.
Get out on a boat with an Island Sailing Tour! Have fun on your very own private boating excursion and soak in the sunshine and bright blue water all around you.
If you can't experience boating because of poor weather, enjoy an indoor activity like bowling! The Barn Bowl & Bistro is a great bowling alley and restaurant located in Oak Bluffs.
It's always important to make time for art & culture while you're visiting a new place. Martha's Vineyard Museum has exhibits specifically for children, adults, or both, that detail out the history of the island and more! Plus, they have an events calendar with even more to do.
A vacation is more fun with some shopping, and luckily, Martha's Vineyard is the prime destination for the best shopping. With so many store options to choose from, you'll have to look at the whole list of shops for yourself!
Lastly, it wouldn't be Martha's Vineyard without a trip to an actual vineyard. If you need any more inspiration, Martha's Vineyard created a "bucket list" of all the must-dos on the island - check it out here!
Martha's Vineyard is the perfect spot to have a premier New England island experience. Enjoy all the history throughout the island while you're walking down the roads and admire the classic East Coast architecture. Indulge in delicious New England cuisine with views of the ocean everywhere you look. Take a boat excursion out or visit a museum, but no matter what, the island has a variety of fun things to fill your perfect day trip with. We hope our Martha's Vineyard day trip itinerary can help you plan your visit! Next time you stay with us at Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres, consider wandering off to Martha's Vineyard to explore all that the island has to offer!