Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into HYA, drive to Martha's Vineyard
1 h 57 min drive40 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
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.
Your route
HYA
Cape Cod Gateway Airport
Martha's Vineyard
About 1 h 57 min · 40 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to HYA
Compare fares into Cape Cod Gateway Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at HYA
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Martha's Vineyard. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at HYA
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Martha's Vineyard
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Your route
Day 1 · Maritime Heritage and Harbor Lights
Flying Horses Carousel → Edgartown Harbor Light
Day 2 · Dramatic Cliffs and Coastal Geology
Gay Head Cliffs → Moshup Beach
Day 3 · Up-Island Nature and Wildlife
Polly Hill Arboretum → Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
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 separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Martha's Vineyard
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional 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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Martha's Vineyard?
Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from HYA to Martha's Vineyard?
Roughly 1 h 57 min (about 40 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Martha's Vineyard?
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.
