Vineyard Haven Harbor in Martha’s Vineyard. Photo courtesy of Paul Lowry.
One worthwhile day trip from Boston is Martha’s Vineyard. A 100-square mile (260 km2) island full of 19th-century architecture, “gingerbread” houses, beaches, boutique shops and pristine harbors, the destination is a haven for outdoor recreation and charming town strolls. To help you plan the perfect day trip from Boston, here are some suggestions.
Getting there
In order to simplify the planning process of getting to Martha’s Vineyard — one of the many great day trips from Boston — it can be wise to take a tour. A Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard excursion allows you six hours to explore the island on your own, with the option to add on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the area. Moreover, you’ll enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop off to and from Falmouth (about 1.5 hours from Boston), pre-arranged round-trip ferry tickets, light snacks and water.
Things to do
There are myriad worthwhile experiences to have on a Martha’s Vineyard day trip from Boston, some of which include:
1) Explore the Aquinnah Cliffs – Aquinnah Cliffs are one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions, and for good reason. The dramatic clay cliffs were carved by glaciers millions of years ago, and can be viewed from the lower beaches or by hiking the trails to the top of the cliffs for aerial views of the island. Tip: This is a great spot to watch the sun set over the water.
2) View the “gingerbread” cottages in Oak Bluffs -Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard is home to some of the most ornately decorated cottages on the island. Today there are over 300 properties, which you can view from the outside or tour the Cottage Museum (open during the summer) for a peak at the inside. Bonus: The Campmeeting Association, whose members and descendants own the cottages, regularly host concerts, movie nights and other events.
3) Enjoy outdoor recreation at Long Point Wildlife Refuge – Long Point Wildlife Refuge encompasses 600 acres (243 hectares) of beach, dune, grassland, woodland and coastal ponds, making it a great place for hiking, bird watching, body surfing, swimming, cycling and other natural pursuits.
4) Relax on the beach – Martha’s Vineyard is home to a number of worthwhile beaches, some of which include the calm surf beach of Menemsha Public Beach in Menemsha, the three-mile (4.8-kilometer) barrier beach of Katama Beach in Edgartown and the family-favorite seashell-littered Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Oak Bluffs.
5) Experience the island’s shopping and dining scene – Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs is where you’ll find an excellent mix of charming shops and diverse restaurants, most of which are more affordable than on other parts of Martha’s Vineyard. Top experiences on Circuit Avenue include indulging in desserts at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, enjoying a delicious meal at Linda Jean’s Restaurant, perusing Martha’s Vineyard memorabilia in a charming gingerbread cottage at the Secret Garden of Martha’s Vineyard and shopping for handmade clothing, jewelry and gifts at C’est la Vie.
Martha’s Vineyard: An Unforgettable Day Trip From Boston from Boston Things to Do