Martha's Vineyard

Aquinnah Cliffs at Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a small island off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. With its beautiful sweeping beaches, Martha’s Vineyard is a handy summer escape for city slickers from the East Coast mainland. Its laid-back charm attracts many celebrities and politicians.

The island - which is about 100 square miles in all - can get quite crowded in the summer, when the population swells from 15,000 regular residents to about 80,000 people. Despite the summer influx, Martha’s Vineyard remains a relaxed and easygoing place where you can enjoy the benefits of a small community.

There is a thriving arts and theater scene on the island - Martha's Vineyard supports its own theater company and hosts a number of annual arts and culture events.

Martha’s Vineyard has six main towns – Aquinnah, Chilmark, West Tisbury, Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. The bustling “down island” towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven offer activities and attractions that can keep the most ambitious traveller busy during their vacation. “Up island” toward the towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah is more rural and relaxed.

Because Martha’s Vineyard is so popular during the summer, it can be difficult to find last-minute accommodation. Unless you own your own cottage on the island or plan to stay with friends, make reservations well in advance. This is especially true on big holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

The weather on Martha’s Vineyard is quite pleasant in the summer months. Unlike the mainland areas of the northeast, the temperature rarely goes above 90°F. If you choose to go during the fall or winter however, prepare for the storms that whip in from the Atlantic Ocean by bringing along layers of warm clothing and a windproof and waterproof jacket.