Your Perfect Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard {One Day Itinerary}

We recently took a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, and let me tell you, it was pure magic! From the charming streets of Edgartown to the iconic cliffs of Aquinnah, we packed our day with so many incredible moments that I just had to share. 

We did a ton of research before our trip and it all paid off to one perfect day on Martha’s Vineyard. Whether you’re planning a quick escape or just curious about all this island has to offer, I’ve got you covered. 

In this post, I’ll spill all the details on the best way to get around the island and the must-see spots you absolutely can’t miss if you’re short on time. 

So grab your sunnies, hop on the ferry, an let’s dive into a dreamy day in Martha’s Vineyard!

Where is Martha’s Vineyard?

Martha’s Vineyard is an island just seven miles off the cost of Massachusettes. It is larger than you might think, at 20 miles long and between 2-10 miles wide.

Why is Martha’s Vineyard so Famous?

Martha’s Vineyard has been a long-time summer escape for New Englanders and tourists alike. Even many celebrities visit on a regular basis.

The main draws to Martha’s Vineyard include the pristine beaches, idyllic towns and exclusive feel of the island.

The Towns of Martha’s Vineyard

When planning your day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, first things first: choosing which towns to explore. The island is comprised of six towns, each with their own distinct feel and features.

• Edgartown: This picturesque town is all about white picket fences, beautiful captain’s homes and cute boutiques. Don’t miss the classic Edgartown Lighthouse and the delicious seafood right by the harbor!
• Oak Bluffs: Think colorful gingerbread cottages, lively beaches and the Flying Horses Carousel (the oldest in the country!). It’s got such a fun, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for families and first-timers.
• Vineyard Haven: This charming port town is filled with local shops, art galleries and cozy cafes. It’s a great spot to explore before heading deeper into the island.
• West Tisbury: If you’re looking for a slice of rural New England Charm, this is it. With rolling hills, farmer’s markets and adorable general stores, West Tisbury is all about that peaceful, countryside vibe.
• Chilmark: Known for its stunning landscapes and quiet, upscale feel, Chilmark is home to some of the island’s pretties beaches like Lucy Vincent and Squibnocket. It’s perfect for those scenic, Instagram-worthy moments.
• Aquinnah: Famous for the breathtaking clay cliffs and serene beaches, Aquinnah is where you go for jaw-dropping views and island history. You’ll definitely want to check out the historic Gay Head Lighthouse just above the cliffs.

Getting to Martha’s Vineyard

There are a few great options when it comes to taking a ferry from Massachusetts to MV. 

• Steamship Authority: Leaving from Woods Hole, this is the only ferry that lets you bring your car (for an additional fee). The trip takes about 45 minutes and there are several time options throughout the day.
• Hy-Line Cruises: Departing from Hyannis, this high-speed ferry gets to the Vineyard in just about an hour. They don’t take cars, but do allow you to bring your bike along.
• Island Queen: This passenger-only ferry leaves from Falmouth and is the quickest option, arriving in Oak Bluffs in just 35 minutes.

We chose to use the Island Queen, since it is the shortest ferry ride and most convenient from where we were staying in Rhode Island. The ferry left right on time and we had a great experience.

We have also used Hy-Line Cruises for a day trip to Nantucket and enjoyed our experience with them as well.

*Planning tip: Purchase your ferry tickets in advance online, as they do occasionally sell out!

How to Get Around Martha’s Vineyard

What form of transportation you choose will make a big impact on what you are able to see and do on your Martha’s Vineyard day trip. Here’s the scoop on the pros and cons of each option:

Renting a Car

• Pros: Super convenient if you want to explore at your own pace, especially when going to the outskirts of the island to see the Aquinnah cliffs. Having a car will also give you a place to store your belongings.
• Cons: Parking can be tricky in some of the busier towns, and car rentals can be pricey in peak season. We saved money by renting on Turo. (If you are curious, check out our Turo car rental review.)

Biking

• Pros: Eco-friendly and super fun! You’ll get to see the island up close and personal, and it’s a great way to stay active. Plus, you can easily find bike rentals in most towns. Some rental companies also offer e-bikes which can get you around town more quickly.
• Cons: This isn’t ideal for long distances or if you are carrying a lot of items (shopping in Edgartown anyone??). In addition, some hills can make biking a bit challenging.

Walking

• Pros: Stroll through town while not spending a dime or worrying about parking.
• Cons: Not practical for covering long distances or if you’re trying to visit multiple towns in one day.

Public Buses

• Pros: Budget-friendly and covers a good portion of the island. It’s a good option if you’re sticking to the main towns and want to avoid the hassle of parking.
• Cons: Busses run on a set schedule, so you will have to plan around their timings. While the bus does run to Aquinnah, it take longer than driving a car and I wouldn’t recommend spending your time sitting on a bus that long.

For a more in-depth look, check out our complete guide to how to get around Martha’s Vineyard.

*My recommendation: While any of these can be viable options, I would recommend renting a car, especially if you want to visit the Aquinnah cliffs. None of the other options get you to Aquinnah efficiently, and it is an iconic spot in MV.

If you are content staying in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, no need to get a car. The bus or bikes would be your best option.

One Day in Martha’s Vineyard

Unfortunately, there is just no way to see the whole island in one day. However, with a little planning and preparation (that’s where I come in!), you can squeeze a lot into just one day in Martha’s Vineyard.

The first thing you need to decide is if you want to rent a car to go out to the Aquinnah Cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse. If you do, I would do that first, then come back and spend the rest of your time in the most popular towns, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.

If you don’t want to venture out to Aquinnah, that would allow you more time to explore Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. You could also add in Vineyard Haven if you have time. 

While charming, I would leave West Tisbury and Chilmark off your itinerary if you only have one day on the island.

We chose to see Aquinnah, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown (in that order) and were so happy with our choices.

Aquinnah

After stepping off the ferry and picking up our rental car, we headed straight to Aquinnah. We are glad we did this first, so we didn’t have to worry about squeezing it in later in the day.

The two main attractions in Aquinnah are the cliffs and the lighthouse.

Visit the Aquinnah Cliffs

One of the most iconic spots in Martha’s Vineyard, the Aquinnah Cliffs, will leave your jaw on the floor. These colorful clay cliffs are one of the most popular Martha’s Vineyard attractions. Take a stroll to the overlook and have your camera ready! You will be able to take beautiful photos of the cliffs and lighthouse.

Explore Gay Head Lighthouse

Just off the Aquinnah cliffs is Gay Head Lighthouse. For a few dollars you can climb the winding staircase inside the lighthouse to see it up close and personal. The views from the top are beautiful!

Oak Bluffs

Once we finished up in Aquinnah, we hopped in our car and drove to Oak Bluffs, a colorful, charming little town.

*If you choose not to go to Aquinnah, start here!

Visit the Gingerbread Houses

You can’t visit Oak Bluffs without seeing the Gingerbread Houses! You’ve never seen anything like these colorful, historic homes that look like they are straight out of a movie.

There is 10-minute parking available, which is about all you need for this short stroll.

East Chop Light House

East Chop Light House sits a little outside of downtown, and is a great spot to sit, relax and take a few photos. You won’t need more than 10-15 minutes here. As a bonus, there are some gorgeous homes on the short drive to the lighthouse!

Shop on Circuit Avenue

If you look forward to shopping for souvenirs, Circuit Avenue is the place to be. Shops line both sides of the street, and there are even a few places to grab a yummy treat.

There is free parking available if you are lucky enough to get a spot!

Jaws Bridge

As you finish your time in Oak Bluffs, head to Edgartown via Jaws Bridge- the location where the famous movie “Jaws” was filmed. There is a place to park and get out if you’d like to explore the area.

Edgartown

The grand, white homes and shops on the coast in Edgartown really set it apart. If you can only explore one place in Martha’s Vineyard, this is where you should go!

Take a Stroll Through Downtown

You could easily spend half a day strolling in and out of local shops and cafes in downtown Edgartown. From art galleries to clothing boutiques to souvenir shops, downtown has it all.

One of our favorite shops was Shirt Tales, where we found the best local shirts and hats.

Eat at The Seafood Shanty

One of the most popular restaurants in Edgartown, The Seafood Shanty boasts spectacular views of the water from its outdoor seating area. To avoid crowds, you may consider a later lunch. We went around 2:00pm and there were many tables open.

Get Ice Cream at Mad Martha’s

Mad Martha’s Homemade Ice Cream is a MV staple! Since we weren’t too hungry after a late lunch at The Seafood Shanty, we ended up just having ice cream for dinner. (And we regret nothing!)

I thoroughly enjoyed my peanut butter cup ice cream, and next time I’ll definitely try the sea salt caramel flavor, which looked equally amazing.

Visit Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse

A short walk from downtown, the Edgartown Lighthouse is a beautiful lighthouse right on the beach. This is definitely a spot you won’t want to miss and is the perfect place for a traditional Martha’s Vinyard photo op.

We lucked out and had the lighthouse and beach area all to ourselves for about 10 minutes!

Relax on South Beach

We made a very quick stop at South Beach as the sun was setting. This beach is so beautiful and known as one of the best on the island. If you have more time this would be a great place to relax and unwind!

Finish your day by heading back to your ferry. It is recommended to arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.

Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Itinerary

Can you believe we hit all those spots in just one day?? I know that was a lot of information, but don’t worry…I have condensed it down into the perfect printable day trip itinerary! Adjust the times as needed to fit your ferry arrival and departure schedule.

For easy access, print this off and stick it in your purse to reference throughout the day. Or simply save the graphic to your phone!

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What to Do in Martha’s Vineyard Without a Car

If you choose not to rent a car, I would suggest focusing your time on Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. These two towns are close to the ferry departure and you will easily be able to get around by walking or biking. Plus, they are quintessential Martha’s Vineyard towns you won’t want to miss.

The Best Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard

The most popular time to visit Martha’s Vineyard is between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. During this time the weather is typically beautiful and the flowers are in full bloom.

However, there are some downsides to visiting in the summer. Traffic, limited parking, and packed restaurants are all things to take into consideration.

We visited the weekend after Labor Day and all the locals told us it is one of the best times to visit. We still had beautiful weather, yet we weren’t overrun by hoards of tourists.

For more help with planning your getaway, check out our comprehensive guide on choosing the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard.

Tips for Visiting Martha’s Vineyard

Here are a few other things to keep in mind as you plan your day trip:

• There is a lot of poison ivy on the island. Stay on cleared trails and watch your step.
• Choose to arrive on the earliest ferry possible and leave on the latest ferry to extend your time in Martha’s Vineyard.
• You may have spotty cell phone service out in Aquinnah, so plan accordingly.

What to Take to Martha’s Vineyard

You’ll want to pack light if you won’t have a car with you, however there are a few necessities you will want to make sure and pack.

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bottle of water
• Jacket (it can get cold on the ferry)
• Phone and/or camera
• Beach gear
• Comfortable walking shoes

Plan Your Getaway!

Martha’s Vineyard truly stole our hearts, and I hope this guide helps you plan your own perfect Martha’s Vineyard day trip!

Whether you choose to soak up the views at Aquinnah Cliffs, stroll though the charming streets of Edgartown, or simply savor the island’s laid-back vibes, one day in Martha’s Vineyard is more than enough to make memories you’ll treasure forever.

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