Top Things to do in Martha's Vineyard
Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (MA)
Yes, getting there is a bit of a project. But vacationers have been braving the ferry for years, and this tiny island off Cape Cod remains one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in New England. Among the island's towns, you're sure to find the Vineyard that's right for you. With stately Greek revival houses dating back to the whaling era of the early 19th century, Edgartown is a seaside village of boutique shopping and pristine harbor views. For more of a "beach town" feel, Oak Bluffs has the Flying Horses carousel, an arcade and an easy walk to the beach, plus the history and charm of the "gingerbread" houses in the Methodist campgrounds. Vineyard Haven offers visitors a blend of both. For a real retreat, Chilmark/Aquinnah is the place to get away from it all. In the off-season, the island is quieter and far less crowded, but the shore is always beautiful. Whenever you visit, leave your car behind! Cabs are plentiful and greet the incoming ferries to help you reach your destination. Most visitors prefer to explore the island on a bicycle, scooter or tourist-friendly public buses.
Restaurants in Martha's Vineyard
1. Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
A good description of the many natural activities found on the island
Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States
Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary has it all: great hiking trails, a beautiful forest, great views, large boulders and a fabulous beach. Four hundred acres were purchased or received through donation to create this treasure. Some of the paths are a bit steep but not too challenging. One leads to the beach where you will fine pristine water and fine sand. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed. To get there, take State Road to Indian Hill Road, follow this to Obed Dagger Road and look for sanctuary signs. The road is narrow and unpaved and not for the faint of heart, but in about a mile, you will arrive to the parking area. There, relax and enjoy!
2. Waskosim's Rock Reservation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
3. Great Rock Bight Preserve
4. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
This 350-acre sanctuary is home to 100 species of birds, including cormorants and ospreys, and other wildlife. Follow one of the six well-marked trails for views of all the island's ecosystems: marshland, ponds, woods and grasslands.
Reviewed By peachcouv - Manchester-by-the-Sea, United States
Beautiful trails that have been re-routed one way for safety during Covid-19. We were warned it would be buggy and were offered bug spray and some details on the trail. It wasn’t buggy by the water and we enjoyed the sandy paths. One pond had several enormous swans. Near the end, we were pleasantly surprised by a labyrinth that we all walked through.
5. Peaked Hill Reservation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
6. Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Explore this magnificent barrier beach with its sandy shoreline, expansive salt marsh, beautiful salt pond, and unique colony of hardy red cedars.
Reviewed By lindapX661MN - Ballston Spa, United States
Getting to Martha's Vineyard needs planning and continuing to Chappaquiddick requires more. We spent the week, so had plenty of time to plan, rode the ferry across from Edgartown and took bikes so we could go to the front of the ferry line. Stop at the Mytoi garden first, the fee covers the beach as well at the end of the road. $5.00- dirt roads, but mostly level. Lots of sand, extremely clean, not a wide beach but really LONG, you can walk the entire side of the island. We took our lunch, lovely. 4 wheel drives with permits pass on regular basis, we returned on the pond side versus the ocean. Birds, shellfish, crabs, quiet.
7. Long Point Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Whether you want to body surf in the ocean, splash with the kids in sheltered salt- and freshwater ponds, or explore a rare grassland habitat, this spectacular reservation will become a favorite escape.
8. Menemsha Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Experience the drama of a rocky shoreline and scenic vistas across Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands from the second-highest point on the island.
Reviewed By lindapX661MN - Ballston Spa, United States
The bus drivers are so helpful. We started at Great Bight Rock trail and Menemsha Hills trail is down the road. A beautiful lush trail to overlooks, beach if you want to climb, a brick work site with foundation evident. Extreme hills down to village of Menemsha but the bus will pick you up across from fish market and bring you back up- we were on bikes. Strange to seem so alone but hear sounds of new building going up. The Land Trust protects the property
9. Wasque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
This southeastern corner of Martha's Vineyard is a saltwater angler's paradise. It's also a superb spot for birdwatching and for strolls along a beautiful shore.
10. Fulling Mill Brook Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
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