Where to stay in Martha's Vineyard
Where to stay in Martha's Vineyard depends on how you plan to arrive and move around. Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown offer different starting points for exploring the island. The rural Up-Island towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah need a more specific look at the location of each property.
Begin with your arrival port and the journey to your accommodation. A place near a terminal may suit an arrival on foot, while a rural address can make a car or a planned bus connection more useful. Check the exact address against the timetable rather than judging by the town name alone. Our ferry guide explains the mainland routes.
For an introduction after arrival, a narrated island tour starts in Oak Bluffs. Tell the operator about your ferry arrival and check the meeting details when booking. Your accommodation and travel to the meeting point should be arranged separately.
Our take: an outing from Oak Bluffs
From your island base, you can join this small-group drive at its Oak Bluffs meeting point.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
An island overview from Oak Bluffs
A narrated island outing starts in Oak Bluffs.
Vineyard Haven and year-round arrivals
Vineyard Haven is in Tisbury and receives the year-round ferry from Woods Hole. Staying within walking distance of the terminal can simplify arrival without a vehicle, especially outside the summer season. Check the walking route to the particular address and the space you need for luggage.
Vineyard Haven is also a useful point from which to plan onward bus travel. Timetables change with the season, so compare the day’s services with your intended return. See getting there for an overview of island transport and mainland connections.
Oak Bluffs for the harbor and town walks
Oak Bluffs has a seasonal ferry harbor, the Campground cottages and Town Beach. It can be a convenient base when your crossing and your planned activities use the same harbor. Outside the period served by your chosen ferry, check the journey from Vineyard Haven before booking a location.
The cottages are private homes. Explore the exterior paths and streets without entering gardens or porches. For the seasonal museum and carousel, check opening arrangements before setting out. Our Oak Bluffs guide brings those details together.
Edgartown and Katama
Edgartown has a walkable town center and connections toward Katama and Chappaquiddick. Consider whether you want to spend time in the center, reach South Beach, or cross on the Chappy Ferry. Each plan has a different transport requirement, so check distances and the return journey from the actual property.
South Beach is public, but beach conditions and local restrictions can change. Use marked paths and keep off dunes. A beach address does not by itself tell you where you may park or what facilities will be available on your date.
Rural Up-Island locations
West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah are more rural. Menemsha is part of Chilmark. Before choosing a property, check its distance from a bus stop, a suitable walking route and the services you need. Do not assume that the same connection will be convenient late in the day or in every season.
If bringing a car, reserve the vehicle ferry in advance and consider mainland parking separately if leaving it behind. The sightseeing guide can help you match a base to the places you want to visit, with enough time for the trip back.
Beach access and parking
Ask about the specific beach you intend to use before deciding on accommodation. Eligibility for a town beach, permission to walk on, vehicle parking and an off-road permit are separate matters. In West Tisbury, renters need to obtain their own eligible beach pass; a rental address does not automatically provide one.
Check current local signs and the rules for your own circumstances. A practical conversation about access is more useful than assuming that every beach or parking area works the same way. Also plan for changing weather and allow flexibility in your daily schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Which harbor operates year-round?
The Woods Hole ferry serves Vineyard Haven year-round. Oak Bluffs ferry service is seasonal.
Does a rental automatically include beach access?
Check the rules for the specific beach. West Tisbury renters need their own eligible pass.
Can I stay without a car?
A location near your arrival terminal and a suitable bus route can make that practical. Check the timetable and the walk to the exact address.
Should I reserve a place for my car on the ferry?
Yes. Reserve a vehicle crossing in advance and check the separate arrangements for passengers and parking.