Are you taking a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard? This guide has everything you need to know!
Martha’s Vineyard, a small island off of Cape Cod, is a bucket list destination for many people! With so many things to do on Martha’s Vineyard, ideally, you’d want to spend a long weekend, or even a week exploring.
However, you can still enjoy the fun and beauty of Martha’s Vineyard for one day.
The guide below shares everything you need to know about spending an enjoyable day on Martha’s Vineyard, including how to get there, what to do, and where to eat!
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How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard
You have several options to get to Martha’s Vineyard, but only a few are suitable for a day trip. For one day on Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll want to take a ferry from one of these locations. Each of these ferry rides is less than two hours.
Steamship Authority Ferry from Woods Hole, MA
The Steamship Authority is the primary operating ferry to and from Martha’s Vineyard. They are the only ferry to operate year-round, allowing visitors and permanent residents access to the island at all times.
The Steamship Authority leaves from Woods Hole on Cape Cod. Paid parking for the ferry is off-site, with bus transport to the ferry terminal.
One of the pluses of taking the Steamship Authority ferry is that you do not need reservations for passengers, just vehicles.
If there is traffic on the Bourne Bridge or anywhere else along your route, you don’t have to stress out about missing your boat! You can get on the next one.
Another plus is the ride length. The Steamship Authority ferry ride is the shortest of the four ferries listed here at 35-45 minutes.
The last thing that makes the Steamship Authority appealing is the cost. A round trip passenger ticket on the Steamship ferry is a fraction of the cost of the other three ferries, saving you money on your day trip to Martha’s Vineyard!
If you take the Steamship Authority ferry, you’ll arrive in either Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. Both towns are fun and have plenty to offer. They are also close in proximity and easy to get to via bike or bus.
- Location: 1 Cowdry Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543
- Ferry Ride Duration: 35-45 minutes
- Parking: Paid, Off-Site
- Reservations: Not Required for Passengers
Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis, MA
If you’re already vacationing on Cape Cod, Hy-Line Cruises might be your best option for a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. At just about an hour, the ride from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard will be fast, with gorgeous views of the Cape and sound.
Hy-Line Cruises ticket prices are more expensive than the Steamship Authority, but the time you will save driving across the Cape is worth the extra costs. Reservations are required.
Departure times vary throughout the season, with limited availability in the spring and fall, and more options in the summer. On-site and Off-site paid parking is available. The parking fees vary depending on the time of year.
Like the ferries below, you will arrive in Oak Bluffs when you take the Hy-Line ferry. There is enough to do in Oak Bluffs to fill your day on Martha’s Vineyard, but the rest of the island is also fun to explore!
- Location: 220 Ocean Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
- Ferry Ride Duration: 60 minutes
- Parking: Paid, On-Site and Off-Site
- Reservations: Required for Passengers
Seastreak Ferry from New Bedford, MA
The Seastreak Ferry from New Bedford is the next fastest ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. At just shy of an hour, the Seastreak will get you there fast and easy. And its location is a perfect stop if you’re road-tripping through New England.
The ferry operates seasonally and requires advanced reservations, so make sure to check their website before you plan your trip. The Seastreak also offers ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard from New York City, but, at 6-7 hours, that trip is better for a long weekend or week-long getaway.
One of the best reasons to take the Seastreak to Martha’s Vineyard is its location. The Seastreak Ferry departs from New Bedford, meaning you won’t have to contend with Cape Cod traffic. The ferry ride is shorter in length compared to the Fast Ferry (below).
The Seastreak Ferry is more expensive than the Steamship Authority. It also has limited departure times, and reservations are required in advance. However, its speed, location, and comforts onboard help to balance out those negatives.
They have a paid parking lot off-site, but a complimentary, short bus ride will take you directly to the terminal.
The Seastreak Ferry disembarks in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. While there is plenty to do in Oak Bluffs to keep you busy for the day, it is also simple to bike or take the bus to Vineyard Haven and Edgartown.
- Location: 49 State Pier – New Bedford, MA 02740
- Ferry Ride Duration: 55-60 minutes
- Parking: Paid, Off-Site
- Reservations: Required for Passengers
Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry from Quonset Point, RI
The last ferry option for your day trip to Martha’s Vineyard is the Fast Ferry from Quonset Point, RI. Right outside of Providence, this ferry option saves you time driving to Woods Hole and helps avoid Cape Cod and Bourne Bridge traffic.
At 105-115 minutes, it is the longest ride time of the ferry options, but the time you save not driving to the other ferries makes up for it (that is if you’re coming from Rhode Island and Connecticut and points south; it may be longer drive if you’re coming from Massachusetts).
Like the Seastreak, the Fast Ferry has a seasonal schedule and limited departures. Reservations are also required. However, unlike the other two ferries, the Fast Ferry parking is at the terminal, saving you a bus ride.
As far as ticket prices, the Fast Ferry is similarly priced at the Seastreak, making it much more expensive than the Steamship Authority. However, like the Seastreak, its speed, location, and comforts onboard help balance out the cost.
The Fast Ferry terminal on Martha’s Vineyard is in Oak Bluffs. You’ll find many fun ways to spend your day in Oak Bluffs, or you can ride a bike or take the bus to Edgartown and Vineyard Haven to explore the island more!
- Location: 1347 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852
- Ferry Ride Duration: 105-115 minutes
- Parking: Paid, On-Site
- Reservations: Required for Passengers
How to Get Around on Martha’s Vineyard
If you visit Martha’s Vineyard for one day, it’s not worth bringing your car on the ferry. So how will you get around on Martha’s Vineyard? We suggest either by bike or bus (or both).
Riding a Bike Around Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is very easy to get around by bike, especially between the three main towns; Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. There are over 40 miles of paved bike paths, allowing visitors to traverse the island safely. Biking around Martha’s Vineyard is one of our favorite things to do!
You can either rent a bicycle or bring your own. Keep in mind all of the ferries charge an additional fee for bringing your a bike onboard, but it’ll most likely be cheaper than renting.
Ride the Bus
The Vineyard Transit Authority is an easy way to get around the island. They even sell day passes for a day trip on Martha’s Vineyard. The buses travel between the towns, making the small towns “up island” accessible for visitors without a car. Aquinnah’s Cliffs and the Gay Head Light are popular tourist attractions. You may recognize the lighthouse from Jaws!
Visit the VTA’s website for the most up-to-date fare and schedule information.
What to Do on a Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
If you’ve poked around on this website, you know that we’ve shared tons of fun things to do on Martha’s Vineyard. Depending on what you and your family are interested in, you’ll find something that appeals to everyone.
This three-hour tour will give you the highlights and history of the island.
Explore the Towns
Each of the three main towns on the island has its own unique style and vibe.
Vineyard Haven is quiet but has plenty of unique stores. Home goods, clothing, and souvenirs, you’ll find it all in this town. Some of our favorite stores are the Green Room, Rainy Day, and Bunch of Grapes bookstore, all of which can be found on Main Street.
Oak Bluffs has many family-friendly things to do. Walk among the beautiful gingerbread cottages at the campground, ride the Flying Horses, or visit the shops on Circuit Avenue. The whole family will enjoy the vibes of this relaxed town.
Check out this walking audio tour of Oak Bluff’s history
Edgartown is one of our favorites, thanks to its signature white and black buildings. We love sitting on the wharf, watching the “On Time” ferry, or enjoying the sculptures and art around the town. Of course, there are plenty of stores to spend your time and money in!
Visit the Lighthouses
Martha’s Vineyard is home to five lighthouses. You can climb inside some of them to get some incredible views of the island. The Gay Head Light (recognizable from Jaws), Edgartown Light, and the East Chop Lighthouse all allow visitors, depending on the time of year. Make sure to visit their websites for the most up-to-date information.
Hit the Beach
There are plenty of things to do on Martha’s Vineyard to keep you busy while you stay dry. But maybe you want to dip your toes (or more) in the water? There are plenty of places to do that!
Each of the main towns has a beach that is easy to get to and fun to visit. In Vineyard Haven, we love Owen Park Beach. It is off Main Street, within walking distance of the center of town, and offers the harbor’s gorgeous views. There is even a floating platform that kids and adults can jump from into the water.
In Oak Bluffs, the closest beach is Inkwell Beach (or the Oak Bluffs Town Beach). Easily accessible by multiple entrances along Seaview Avenue, you can soak up the sun and watch the ferries come in and out.
Lastly, in Edgartown, if you’re visiting the lighthouse, you can enjoy some beach time too! The Edgartown Light is in the middle of Lighthouse Beach, giving visitors a two-for-one attraction.
Where to Eat On a Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip
You won’t go hungry on your day trip to Martha’s Vineyard! There are plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes to choose from to satiate your appetite!
Lunch and Dinner Options
Do you know the popular solid black Labrador dog silhouettes that you’ve seen as bumper stickers and on t-shirts? They come from the famous Black Dog Tavern! Located on the harbor in Vineyard Haven, the Black Dog has delicious brunch and lunch/dinner options that will appeal to any eater. Or, if you’re looking for a quick bite, stop by the Black Dog Bakery next door.
Oak Bluffs is full of fantastic food options. Some of our favorites include the Lookout and Offshore Ale. The Lookout is right near the ferry terminal, making it the perfect way to cap off your day on Martha’s Vineyard before you return to the mainland.
In Edgartown, a meal with a view is the way to go! Though we love Among the Flowers Cafe, tucked away on Mayhew Lane, you can’t beat the view that the Seafood Shanty offers. No matter where you choose to eat, don’t forget to get a bowl of “chowdah”. It’s not a trip to Martha’s Vineyard without it!
Sweet Stuff
No matter which town you choose to visit, you’ll find a way to satisfy your sweet tooth! Luckily, some of our favorite spots are in all three towns.
Step inside a Murdick’s Fudge to watch the delicious confection made right before your eyes! With several flavors to choose from, it’ll be hard to pick just one. We’re partial to the chocolate peanut butter option, but you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.
If you’d like some ice cream, Mad Martha’s is one of the best! Their ice cream, made on-site, comes in all sorts of flavors. From standards to creative concoctions like peanut butter swirl with brownie bites, or even fruity ones like peach, whichever one you try, you’ll be sure to love!
Best Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is a popular summer tourist destination. With all of the fun things to do in the summer, it makes sense. But the island is also fun to visit in the off-season.
Spring is a beautiful time to enjoy Martha’s Vineyard before the island gets to hectic. If you want to visit when crowds are low, but the weather and the water still make for some great beach days, then planning a fall getaway to Martha’s Vineyard might be the best option.
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