Martha's Vineyard
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Martha's Vineyard

A charming blend of dramatic clay cliffs, historic lighthouses, and refined coastal villages.

Arrival airport
HYA
Airport drive
1 h 57 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–5 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Large RVs are discouraged due to narrow historic streets; small cars or bicycles are the preferred modes of island travel.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Martha's Vineyard

Know before you go

Town Center Constraints

Parking in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs is extremely limited and heavily regulated during summer. Use the 'Park and Ride' lots located on the outskirts of towns to avoid congestion.

Rural Dead Zones

While town centers have strong coverage, signals can drop in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest and parts of Aquinnah. Carry a physical map for Up-island navigation.

Island Surcharges

Gas stations are found in the main harbor towns but are absent in the rural Up-island areas. Prices are significantly higher than the mainland; fuel up before departing the Cape if possible.

Ferry Departure Buffer

Allow at least 45-60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure for vehicle check-in at Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. Traffic near the docks can be unpredictable during peak season.

Public Transportation

The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) provides comprehensive bus service across the island. This is often more efficient than navigating narrow streets in a private vehicle.

Check current conditions:Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce

2RVs, campervans & cars near HYA

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
American N952AA Boeing 737-900 Takeoff CLT0225.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to HYA

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at HYA
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at HYA

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at HYA
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at HYA
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at HYA

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at HYA
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Martha's Vineyard

  1. 01

    Maritime Heritage and Harbor Lights

    Suggested: 9 AM from Oak Bluffs

    • Flying Horses Carousel

      Visit the oldest platform carousel in the US for a glimpse of Victorian-era island recreation.

    • Edgartown Harbor Light

      Walk the causeway to this iconic lighthouse for views of sailboats and historic captain's houses.

    Walking or cycling recommended; local shuttles available between towns.

    Bike paths between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown are flat but can be crowded in midday heat.

    Pick up your vehicle at HYA →
  2. 02

    Dramatic Cliffs and Coastal Geology

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Vineyard Haven

    • Gay Head Cliffs

      Witness the multi-colored clay cliffs and visit the lighthouse on the island's western tip.

    • Moshup Beach

      Descend the designated path to the shore to see the cliffs from the Atlantic water level.

    Allow 45-60 minutes; roads are narrow and speed limits are strictly enforced.

    Respect Wampanoag Tribe land and stay on marked paths near the ecologically sensitive cliffs.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Up-Island Nature and Wildlife

    Suggested: 9 AM from West Tisbury

    • Polly Hill Arboretum

      Explore the arboretum’s plant collections and grounds; check the official visitor information for seasonal hours and access.

    • Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

      Walk the salt marsh trails to observe nesting ospreys and local waterfowl.

    Allow 30 minutes; Up-island travel is slower due to winding rural roads.

    Bird activity is highest in early morning; bring binoculars for the marsh overlooks.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Advance Ferry and Island Access Planning

A permit or reservation is typically required for vehicle transport via the Steamship Authority, often booking months in advance. Island lodging, particularly glamping and campsites, is strictly seasonal and fills quickly for July and August. Verify all ferry and stay confirmations directly with official operators as systems vary by season.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

HYAMartha's Vineyard

Cape Cod Gateway Airport · 1 h 57 min drive

Find flights to HYA

Plan your road trip

From Cape Cod Gateway Airport

1 h 57 min

about 40 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Martha's Vineyard on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Martha's Vineyard on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Martha's Vineyard

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Martha's Vineyard

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Martha's Vineyard

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Martha's Vineyard

Explore guided activities around Martha's Vineyard. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Martha's Vineyard

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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