Looking for things to do in Edgartown?
We love Martha’s Vineyard! This gorgeous island in Massachusetts is full of so many fun things to do. And some of the best activities are in Edgartown.
Edgartown is a gorgeous New England town on Martha’s Vineyard. A town made wealthy by the whaling industry, the style and grace of the buildings remain intact today.
If you are a Jaws fan, you may recognize some parts of the town. As one of the larger towns on the island, there are many things to do in Edgartown, many include great views and good food.
After exploring Edgartown, we also recommend stopping into Oak Bluffs for the day. Both towns have their own personality and fun things to offer.
And don’t leave the Martha’s Vineyard without seeing what other fun things there are to do on the island . There are so many ways to fill your long weekend or week-long vacation!
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Things to Know Before You Visit Edgartown
- The main part of Edgartown is small, with limited parking. Your best bet is to ride-share, get dropped off, or utilize the FREE Park N Ride (more info below).
- Edgartown has a public bathroom on Church Street, next to the Edgartown Visitor Center
- Even though Martha’s Vineyard is very dog-friendly, keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on public beaches from May 1st- September 15th.
Where to Stay in Edgartown
Many visitors to Martha’s Vineyard will rent a home for week (or more!) to maximize their visit to the island. But sometimes, you can only get away for a weekend. Thankfully, there are many beautiful hotels to stay at in Edgartown. Some are walking distance to all the amazing shops and restaurants in the main part of town.
The Harbor View Hotel is one of the more luxurious hotels in town. And it’s just across from the Edgartown Harbor Light and Lighthouse Beach.
If you’d rather stay outside of the hubub, but still be walking distance into town, consider the Edgar Hotel.
Where to Park in Edgartown
The main area of Edgartown has limited parking. Street parking is available (watch how much time you’re allowed) and there are a few small lots in town right near the harbor on Dock Street and in-between Mayhew Lane and Kelly Street. However, if you are visiting during prime tourist season, it’ll be difficult to find a spot.
The best option to get into town is to take the FREE bus by the Vineyard Transit Authority. This seasonal transportation in and out of town leaves from the Park N Ride on Dark Woods Road and picks up in front of the Edgartown Visitor Center on Church Street.
Fun Things to Do In Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard
1. Shopping
When you visit Edgartown, don’t forget your wallet! There are so many wonderful shops and stores in town that it’s hard to leave empty-handed.
Edgartown is home to some well-known brands, like Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer. Look for some good sales towards the end of the summer!
Soft As A Grape is the resident souvenir store on the island. You will find some good quality t-shirts and sweatshirts to remember your visit to Martha’s Vineyard.
Don’t forget to pick up some Jaws swag, as Edgartown is where they filmed many of the scenes from the movie.
On Martha’s Vineyard, the best place to get a piece of jewelry or charm to commemorate your visit is CB Stark Jewelers. They offers charms in the shape of the island, ones that replicate the famous town signs, and even ones that are in the form of the gazebo in Oak Bluffs.
2. Visit The Memorial Wharf
The Memorial Wharf, at the end of Dock Street, has recently been refurbished. Climb to the second story to sit and enjoy the views of the harbor and lighthouse.
From there, kids can watch the “On-Time”s, the ferries that carry cars and their passengers back and forth from Edgartown to the island of Chappaquiddick. Some days they have to work hard against the current to make it to the other side!
While at the top of the Memorial Wharf, turn around and take in the vista of the town. Across Dock Street is the historic Old Sculpin Gallery and the Whale Tail statue dedicated to the town’s whaling history
3. Visit a Beach
There are two small beaches right in the main part of town that anyone can enjoy. Fuller Street beach and Lighthouse Beach both feature calmer waters that are fun for kids to play in.
For those looking for rougher surf, South Beach is where you want to be. And at night, South Beach is a perfect spot for some star-gazing.
The most popular beach on the island is State Beach, which is shared by both Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. The famous “Jaws Bridge” divides the two towns.
4. Climb to the Top of the Edgartown Harbor Light
Built in 1939, the Edgartown lighthouse is open seasonally. A long, sandy path leads you from the main road to the lighthouse and the surrounding beach.
There is a fee to enter the lighthouse but the views are worth the price! With beautiful Chappaquiddick Island on one side and the gorgeous Edgartown and its harbor on the other, there is no bad view from the lighthouse.
Visitor Tip: The stairs in the lighthouse are very steep and may be difficult for some to climb.
5. Get Out on the Water
If you want to get out on the open seas, you’ll want to catch a ride on Mad Max, a catamaran sailboat that leaves from Edgartown. The two-hour sail is fun for everyone and will give you a fun tour of the waters around the island.
6. Take a Tour of Historic Edgartown
One of the beautiful features of Edgartown is the Federalist style of the town. When strolling through the main part of town, it is hard to miss the classic white buildings with black shutters that line the streets.
You can learn more about the history of the town by two different tours offered by the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. Both tours start at the Carnegie, a 100+ year-old building that is dedicated to the historical development of Martha’s Vineyard.
7. Mytoi Japanese Garden
Technically on Chappaquiddick Island, Mytoi Garden is beautiful, 14-acre Japanese Garden with several trails to enjoy. While the garden is beautiful and worth visiting, you’ll have to take the Chappy Ferry to access it, and the line to get on the ferry can get very long in the summer months.
8. Hang Out on the Farm
The main part of Edgartown is a big draw for visitors, but there is even more to see in Edgartown. If your family loves animals, then they’ll love a visit to the Farm Institute. In addition to the animals, there is a beautiful garden and walking trails. And the best part, it is FREE to visit.
Other Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard
For a small island, there is still a lot of fun things to do on Martha’s Vineyard. Visitors will love the unique charm of Oak Bluffs. And Jaws movie fans will want to see where the movie was filmed. It’s even fun to just spend one day on Martha’s Vineyard.
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