Frequently asked questions:
How large is Martha’s Vineyard?
Martha’s Vineyard is 100 square miles, roughly triangular in shape, 25 miles
east to west, and 9 miles north to south.
Is Martha’s Vineyard one big town?
No, in fact there are 6 distinctive towns on the Vineyard, each with its own
character, flare, attractions, dining, lodging and more. Vineyard Haven (also known
as Tisbury), Oak Bluffs and Edgartown are vibrant communities, unique from one another,
representing the artists, the music and historical aspects of the Vineyard. The
up-Island towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah offer a more pastoral landscape,
dotted with small farms, cozy shopping and galleries in a rural environment. For
more information click here.
How many people live on Martha’s Vineyard?
The Vineyard is home to 15,000 year-round residents. During the summer months
the population increases to 125,000.
How do I get to Martha’s Vineyard?
The Island of Martha’s Vineyard can be reached by sea or by air; there are no
land routes, bridges or tunnels connecting it to the mainland. Most travelers arrive
via our harbors on ferry, with a growing number using the airport as a point of
entry. For more information click
here.
Where to I leave my car on the mainland?
All ferry companies providing service to Martha’s Vineyard have designated parking
facilities, and if necessary, provide shuttle services to and from the ferry to
the parking areas. For more specific information about parking, please contact the
ferry company directly.
Is Martha’s Vineyard Pet-friendly?
Yes! For many pets and their owners, the Vineyard is very pet friendly, from
a variety of accommodations that allow pets, to caretakers and boarding to assist
when your pet is not able to accompany you. Please note that in Massachusetts, leash
laws are in effect. For more information about pet friendly options
click
here.
How Do I Get Around?
Getting around the Vineyard is easy! Affordable, handicapped accessible public
buses, as well as taxis, transverse the Vineyard daily. Autos, mopeds, and bicycles
are available for rent.
If you choose to bring your own car to Martha's Vineyard, please contact the Steamship
Authority ferry to arrange for advanced vehicle reservations at 508. 477.8600 or
on-line at www.steamshipauthority.com
Where can I find a tour?
Sightseeing tours depart virtually every day (weather permitting, May – December)
from Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven from Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing,
www.mvtour.com or call 508.693.4681.
Private motor sightseeing tours are also available for individuals and groups
from:
Additional tours of the Vineyard are also available:
- Aerial Tours
- Classic Aviators 508.627.7677
- Bicycle Tours
- Walking Tours
- African American Heritage Trail Tours 508.693.4361
- Gingerbread Cottage Tours 508.693.0525 and online at
www.mvcma.org
- Vineyard Ghosts Walking Tours 508.687.9239
- Vineyard History Tours 508.627.8619
- Water Tours
Where can I shop?
Martha’s Vineyard is a shopper’s paradise! Although you won’t find a mall or
chain store on the Island, the Vineyard is home to exclusive shops and boutiques
offering antiques, handcrafts, whimsical gifts and designer label clothing.
For art collectors, the Island has more than 50 art galleries showing the best in
traditional and contemporary art. Hand-blown glass, metalwork sculpture, one-of-a-kind
jewelry and just about every other medium you can think of. You’ll find work by
locally and nationally recognized artists represented. Look for more information
on the Vineyard Artisan Festivals on the Calendar of Events Members of the Wampanoag
Tribe operate shops at the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah, specializing in Native American
crafts and souvenirs. You’ll find plenty of Martha’s Vineyard gear in the shops
on the main thoroughfares in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Antique stores are plentiful on the Vineyard. While some specialize in maritime
pieces and scrimshaw, every period and taste is on hand.
Whether you’re shopping with a particular item in mind, or just looking for something
out-of-the-ordinary, shoppers will leave the Vineyard loaded with treasures.
Is there anything to do in the off-season?
The best kept secret is Martha’s Vineyard in the off-season! Late spring, autumn
and early winter are wonderful months to experience this brilliant paradise. A temperate
climate keeps us warm through the fall, and most Vineyarders enjoy the natural beauty
of the Island year-round. Birders, cyclers, golfers, kayakers, hikers and fisherman
will love the brilliant weather that allows some much outdoor activity. Festivals
abound in the off-season, including the Lighthouse Challenge, Restaurant Week and
Harbor Festival and Summer Solstice in June, the International Film Festival, Tivoli
Day and the Fishing Derby in September, the Food and Wine Festival in October, the
Artisan Festival in November, the Last Night/First Day celebration in December and
the Annual Chili Festival in January are just a sampling of off-season reasons to
visit the Vineyard. Bounty from local farms and the sea make dining in the off-season
a true delight for palates hungry for locally grown fare slow cooked to perfection.
Check out our calendar of events for updated
listings year-round.
