The Aquinnah Cliffs, which are also referred to as the Gay Head Cliffs, have long attracted visitors to the Martha's Vineyard town of Aquinnah. Their appeal lies largely in their colorful nature. It took millions of years for these cliffs to form, and their dazzling mix of colors is tied to the fact that various clays, sands, and gravels make up their sedimentary layers. Only adding to the allure of an Aquinnah Cliffs visit is the lovely half-mile beach that can be found near their base, and there's even a picturesque lighthouse to complete the relaxing maritime setting.
Discover the adorable, iconic gingerbread cottages. Thousands of visitors flock to Oak Bluffs every year to tour the famous and colorful gingerbread cottages. The 34 acres of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA) is an open, pedestrian friendly National Historic Landmark and looks like something out of a storybook. The MVCMA is a short (2-5 minute) walk from the Oak Bluffs harbor where many ferries and buses arrive. There is no admission cost to enter and explore "The Campground" and visitors are welcome to take pictures from the roads and walkways during the day. To view the inside of one of these historic cottages, visitors can pay $3 to visit the Cottage Museum
Jump off the famous Jaws Bridge. Jaws was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard in 1974 but the references to the movie continue to prevail across the Island. The most famous landmark from the film is the Jaws bridge, the bridge that was the home of the iconic shark attack scene in the movie. Brave souls step up to the railing on the bridge and jump down to the cool ocean water below, located on Beach Road near the Oak Bluffs/Edgartown line. It’s a rite of passage on Martha’s Vineyard and a must-do if you’re up for it!
This brewery and taproom in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard sits amongst beautiful flowers, mature trees, plantings, and native grasses on the Donaroma’s Nursery property. They have a 7-barrel brewing system so the brewmaster can create fresh beer daily. To accompany your brew, they offer soft pretzels, charcuterie platters, and artisan pizza. To add to the chill brewery vibe, they have games, live music, and an array of fun Bad Martha merch. Stop in for a free sample of beers, purchase a flight paddle or brew by the glass, or take home a growler.
l'étoile restaurant is chef-owned & operated. They offer an inventive & fresh seasonally-driven menu utilizing native ingredients such as produce and herbs from local farms and shellfish from the surrounding waters, along with fresh game birds, lamb and other meats.
Farm Neck Golf Club is a semi-private golf club located in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on the island of Martha's Vineyard. The course was designed in 1979 by Geoffrey Cornish, Bill Robinson, and Patrick Mulligan. Farm Neck has been one of the top-ranked courses in the northeast United States and has consistently been ranked 4.5 out of 5 stars in Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play".
South Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Island. It's a free and public beach located in the southern, Katama area of Edgartown and facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is a barrier beach, which means surf on one side and a calm protected pond on the other. The surf can be fairly rough, which is fun for body surfing, but it's not great swimming for young kids.
From the front, this bakery looks handsome and unassuming. Walk around the back at night, though, and you’ll stumble on a sight that practically defines Martha Vineyard summers: dozens of customers lining up to buy freshly prepared fritters and donuts through the back door between a dumpster and an alley.
Visit our island bakery, where the walls are lined with our artisan bread stacked in wooden racks and our bakery case is filled with an assortment of tasty sweet and savory treats. Early risers can start the day with our fresh-baked muffins, Woofer egg sandwich, or a bowl of our homemade granola with fresh fruit and yogurt. All paired with a cup of our locally roasted fair-trade, organic coffee. Our Café also specializes in fresh sandwiches, including lobster rolls, the turkey club, classic BLT, and more, all made on our delicious Black Dog bread. If you’re seeking lighter fare, check out our variety of salad options. Traveling up island or spending a day picnicking on the beach? Grab a few sandwiches (and maybe even a world-renowned Black Dog cookie or two!), and you’re set for the perfect lunch on the go.
Martha’s Vineyard is home to miles of hiking trails. From wooded paths, to open field trails, to stretches along seaside cliffs, there’s a trail for everyone. All the trails accommodate an easy to moderate skill level, since the Island is mostly flat. In fact, the highest elevation is only 311 feet at Peak Hill in the town of Chilmark, making hiking on the Vineyard a great family activity or a simple way for the more serious hiker to complete all trails
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort is conveniently located at the beginning of the bicycle path that leads to Edgartown and beyond — a wonderful outing for all ages. Bike paths range from easy and flat between the Resort and Edgartown (good for all ages) – to challenging and hilly between the Resort and Gay Head Cliffs (good for the pros!) We have maps on-hand that detail all the bicycling options that are available to everyone.
Scheduled regularly throughout the season, the Alabama sets sail from the Black Dog Wharf on three-hour long cruises. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon or evening sail, where as a passenger you join the crew in the raising of the sails, manning the wheel with the captain or simply sitting back, enjoying the gorgeous scenery as you sip a glass of wine. A sail onboard will be the highlight of your stay on the island. This is a true sailing experience, taking advantage of the World’s best cruising waters. Perfect for couples, both small and large groups, and families!
An unforgettable Signature Oyster Farm tour is a shuckin' fun experience and great way to experience how Katama Bay oysters are farmed. You will be guided through the water on our unique tour boat, custom built by coast guard licensed Captain Ryan Smith. The tour leaves from Katama Landing and lasts 1.5 hrs. Enjoy some history of the Vineyard and learn how the best oysters on Marthas Vineyard are grown while soaking up some sun in the middle of Katama Bay. Crush down oysters as fast as we can shuck them, paired with delicious cocktail and mignonette sauces. This intimate tour will get you away from crowds and enjoy the best of what the island has to offer: watch Ospreys catch fish; enjoy the tranquility of the bay; and even get a chance to hand feed our pet striped bass. With over 15 years of experience, we have it figured out.
Spend the afternoon at historic Katama Airfield watching the vintage bi-planes take off and land, or take a ride yourself! Katama Airfield is also the home of Right Fork Diner, one of the islands cherished dining experiences, where you’ll find some of the best greasy spoon and diner fare on the island.