Great Outdoors on Martha's Vineyard
 Once an active haven for merchant fleets, Martha’s Vineyard has become a picturesque vacation destination over the last century. The 90 square mile island off the southern coast of Cape Cod – studded with lighthouses, white picket fences, and meandering bicycle paths - is often simply referred to as “the Vineyard.”
There are six towns on Martha’s Vineyard, each with a unique personality. “Down Island” refers to Vineyard Haven (also known as Tisbury), the busy main port, Edgartown, and Oak Bluffs, while “up-island,” encompasses West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head).
Martha’s Vineyard has a reputation for being a melting pot in which residents and vacationers co-exist in harmony. The roots of this diversity date back to more than 100 years ago, when affluent African-Americans began vacationing in Oak Bluffs. Another example of island heterogeneity: in the small town of Aquinnah, the Wampanoags are the only Native American tribe in the region to be officially recognized (they have official status in Washington D.C.).
Thanks to the efforts of several local conservation groups, the island is far less developed than Cape Cod, making it an ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors. From cycling to hiking to lounging beachside, there are many wonderful natural spots to discover and explore. For more outdoor activity ideas, check out HomeAway homeowner Vineyard tips.
Martha’s Vineyard is an excellent place to escape the summer heat. Although rain and fog come and go, summer on the Vineyard is often spectacular, with temperatures averaging between 70 and 80 degrees.
Off-season (fall, winter and spring) is an alluring time to visit the island as well. Private beaches open to the public, and the locals resume their normal lives. The Vineyard becomes a place of simple beauty and tranquility.
HomeAway Martha's Vineyard Homeowners
Share Local Great Outdoors Tips
Edgartown Wharf – “… we feel that one of the best spots for young children to drop a line is the Edgartown wharf. There is a bait shop right there, and parents can bring a lawn chair and/or use the picnic tables.
Jean and Bob Aston, property 139561
Best Beach for Kids – “Best place for beaching with kids: Trustees of Reservations properties at Long Pond and on Chappaquiddick.”
Susan Freedman, property 130230
Horse Back Riding – “at the farm off Indian Hill Road - near the upper end of Lambert's Cove Road - just past Christiantown Road on the left. You will not find a more beautiful spot on the island - Quintessential New England farm fields and stone walls - and lots of friendly horses for young and old - Jimmy is our favorite!”
John Zarba, property 131001
 Take a Ride on the Ferry – “Take a ride on the ‘on time’ ferry boat from Edgartown to Chappaquiddick. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the sunset from one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Go to the end of the main road, park in the designated area and walk the wooden planks over the dunes to the beach.”
Katherine Smith, property 116677
Hillmans Point – “It's a small nature preserve that has a parking lot for 4 cars - so it never can really get too crowded! It is on Lake Tashmoo - more of an inlet to the Vineyard sound. When the tide is out it's a great place for young ones to explore the ocean's edge - there are crabs, seashells, fish and birds a plenty. If you bring a lounge chair and a picnic it makes for a perfect afternoon of exploring. Getting there is a long bumpy, unpaved road but it's worth the ride!
John Zarba, property 131001
Town Beach – “A good spot to take out your boat that is a bit "forgotten" is the town beach off the Boulevard on Sengekontocket.”
Jean and Bob Aston, property 139561
 Best Place to Rent – “Best place to rent sailboats, kayaks, and windsurfers is WindsUp in Vineyard Haven. Our kids learned how to windsurf right there in the shallow waters of the Lagoon. They provide wetsuits, water shoes, and life preservers.”
Susan Freedman, property 130230
Guided Kayak Tours – “A wonderful option for guided kayak tours of the Pond is of course Felix Neck.”
Jean and Bob Aston, property 139561
Flea Market – “We particularly like to take guests to the weekly flea market in Chilmark. It's a scenic ride along less traveled roads, and the flea market itself has an interesting blend of artists, crafters and garage sale stuff.”
Edward Meagher, property 127761
Artists on the Island – “Artists and artisans thrive and abound on the islands and you can find a wonderful array of locally produced treasures on the Vineyard in conjunction with some of those provided by nature.”
Betty Wlodyka, property 153123
Ocean View in Oak Bluffs – “This restaurant is a favorite with year round residents and has excellent food at modest prices. The ocean View has a restaurant half and a bar half. The bar serves pizza as well as the regular menu. Sit in the bar side and you will get a sense of what it is like to live and work on the Vineyard year round.”
Edward Meagher, property 127761
Secret Beach – “To get to this secret beach in Oak Bluffs, head out of town on NY Ave., turn right at our market and continue out East Chop for exactly 1/2 mile. There are bluffs on the right-hand side, across from the red fire hydrant. An inconspicuous sand path takes you down to the water for excellent fishing or a secluded sun bath, idling away the summer hours watching the ferries pass by.”
Nathan Ruff, property 132595
Public Tennis Courts – “If you are looking for public tennis courts - there are 2 public tennis courts located at the Oak Bluffs Elementary school.” – Marie McCooey, property 129025
Quaint Fishing Village – “Some of the most wonderful - off the beaten track - ventures for families or couples include taking a ride to Menemsha (quaint fishing village) where you can buy fresh caught fish right off the fishing boats, enjoy a fresh made lobster roll, and stroll the docks. It is a beautiful spot.”
Katherine Smith, property 116677
Fresh Seafood – “Skip eating at a fancy restaurant and instead enjoy the outdoors either on the beach or on Menemsha's harbor. You can feast on fresh lobster and other seafood outside on the crates behind the local fish store right in front of the harbor. As the sun sets, watch the fisherman fish off the dock or jetty while they pull in their last catch before nightfall.” –
Andrea McBarnette, property 154955
Hiking Trails – “You can travel 'Up Island' to visit the Menemsha Hills Hiking Trails. These trails are former woods roads and footpaths that pass through several distinct ecosystems that demonstrate the unusual topographic diversity of Menemsha Hills. You can take a 3-mile moderate hike or take a guided tour. Both of these properties are maintained by the Trustees of Reservation.”
Meg Burke, property 150010
Fresh Seafood – “Vineyard Haven (also known as Tisbury) is only ten minutes away for easy access to Woods Hole. Vineyard Haven offers a ferry boat terminal, shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, family entertainment, rental cars, boats, etc.”
Curtis and Carolyn Carpenter, property 122410
Land Bank Trails – “I recommend the Land Bank trails located on preserved land throughout the island.”
Catherine Lowther
Best Breakfast – “The best breakfast BY FAR is at the Art Cliff diner on beach road in Vineyard Haven - it is a small place but the food is BIG!”
John Zarba, property 131001
 Mink Meadows – “Mink Meadows is a landowners association, which enjoys proximity to the village of Vineyard Haven. It has a pristine private beach on the Vineyard Sound and a public golf course. Its sandy roads winding through wooded glens are ideal for jogging or walking. The Tashmoo Pond public beach, only 10 minutes away on sandy roads, is a scenic destination where one can watch the sailboats go in and out of the inlet or enjoy a swim.”
Susan Currier, property 152381
Cedar Tree Neck Wildlife Sanctuary – “A little further up Indian Hill Road - almost to the end on the right is a dirt road (long and bumpy - follow signs to "the Sanctuary") that leads to Cedar Tree Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, there are some amazing hiking trails which lead out to an incredible beach. The beach is very rocky and it makes a musical sound as the waves crash on shore and then trickle out to sea, rumbling the small rocks as it goes. It's a nature reserve, so swimming is not encouraged - but for an early evening hike and sunset walk it can't be beat. Along the trails are the "crazy trees" which have a magical quality to them.
John Zarba, property 131001
Secluded Beach – “The Tashmoo Public Beach is a secluded, not so well known Martha's Vineyard beach. Originally, Tashmoo was a lake. In the 1800’s, a big storm tore an opening through the sandbanks, and opened the lake up to the Ocean. Experienced fishermen love to come to this opening for their striper fishing. It is a great event with fish and bird-life, when the tide comes in, and the ocean waters press through the narrow opening with great force, forcing the small fish grown in the protected lagoon, to the surface. You will see diving birds and jumping stripers in plenty, when the conditions are good. Ellen Bang-Birge, Property 113222
Surrounded by Cliffs – “One of the most wonderful beaches on the island- public, with limited parking at the trailhead, so arrive early morning to get a parking space. Walk a mile on a beautiful path through fields and glens, then down a steep way to the cresent beach surrounded by cliffs.” – James Weisman, property 106069
Mountain Bike Riding – “In the State Forest, there are more trails and challenges than the map will show. You can spend an entire day exploring in the State Forest – in the center of the island. And never fear you'll get lost - if you go in one direction long enough, you will always come to a road, so you can find your way home again.”
John Zarba, property 131001
Use Cape Cod as Your Base – “I have only one suggestion for folks who may be interested in the Vineyard. Since it can be a bit pricy to stay there, they should know that creating a home base on the Cape, and then taking the numerous flights available with Cape Air is a wonderful experience. Our place is in Truro, 10 minutes from Provincetown. Flying in and out of P-Town airport is an amazing flight to any of the islands. It is the neatest little ocean airport you have ever seen! Plunked right down in the middle of the dunes. We fly in and out of there to the Truro house all the time. Just thought it might be an interesting option for people.”
Elaine Curl, property 216980
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