Where to Stay on MVY
Where to Stay on Martha’s Vineyard
Overview
For day- or weekend-trippers, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven are perfect since they are conveniently located within walking distance of the Steamship Authority ports. During the height of summer, the Falmouth Edgartown Ferry will drop you into Edgartown, as well. Basically, the three “Down Island” towns are your easiest options for a shorter trip.
If you prefer a quieter scene and/or have more time here, you might consider staying in Chilmark, Aquinnah, or West Tisbury.
If you’d like to experience the island’s more lively areas, you’ll find the most crowds and social activity in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. Vineyard Haven is busier in the mornings and during the day, but by night it’s much quieter and can be a good balance! So if you want some more activity around town but less of a loud, tourist-centered crowd, Vineyard Haven is the way to go out of those three.
BY: Jenna @ExploreMVY
PUBLISHED: June 21, 2024
LAST UPDATE: June 21, 2024
PAGE CONTENTS
Click to jump to a topic here:
Tisbury/VH
Oak Bluffs
Edgartown
Chappaquiddick
West Tisbury
Chilmark
Aquinnah
”Issues” to Consider
FAQs
Tisbury aka “Vineyard Haven”
Let’s just get some really quick housekeeping out of the way! Tisbury is the name of the town, and Vineyard Haven is a village in the central part of the town. That said, for whatever reason, it’s become more common in recent decades to simply call the town “Vineyard Haven” even though it is technically the town of Tisbury! While it’s not perfectly correct that they are the exact same thing, you’ll find in local usage that some of us call it “Tisbury”, some of us say “Vineyard Haven”, and some of us just say “VH”.
Tisbury is our most year-round town with ferries coming in and out every week of the year! This lovely town offers a charming Main Street for a stroll, some shopping, and grabbing a bite to eat along the way. If you’re looking to soak up some history with a scenic view over the harbor, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum can also be found in VH. Be sure not to overlook Vineyard Haven, because although it reflects a small-town feel, there is still plenty of action to be found but simply without the more intense summer crowds.
Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is the tourist hub of Martha’s Vineyard, known for its energetic atmosphere. Here, you’ll find restaurants, harborside bars, gift shops galore, and the historical gingerbread cottage neighborhood. It’s easily walkable and bikeable, so visitors staying for any amount of time can fill their days with activity with minimal commuting needed.
Oak Bluffs also offers great shopping opportunities for gifts, apparel, and late-night sweet treats. At night during the summer season, the nightlife is just as vibrant as the hustle and bustle during the day.
Edgartown
Known for its upscale shopping environment and historic architecture, Edgartown has a lot to offer for visitors looking for picture-perfect views and a more elegant experience on the island.
Here just in front of the famous Harbor View Hotel, you’ll find the Edgartown Lighthouse — a great place to relax for a bit after an afternoon of shopping.
Edgartown is also home to the famous “Jaws Bridge”, featured in the Steven Spielberg film Jaws. With that said, even if you don’t choose to stay in Edgartown, it is one of the best places to visit on the island if not for the social atmosphere and postcard-worthy sights, then at least for the right to say that you jumped off the “Jaws Bridge”!
Chappaquiddick aka “Chappy”
Technically part of Edgartown, Chappaquiddick offers a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the island crowds. Follow Chappy’s singular paved main road by car or bike to find quiet beaches, the Mytoi Japanese Gardens, farm stands, and Jerry’s Place on Chappy (the only store there!). While the lines for the ferries may sometimes be long, you’ll find that Chappaquiddick itself is very tranquil once you get there.
West Tisbury
For a relaxed, more agriculture-oriented feel, West Tisbury is perfect for those who want to embrace the peacefulness of the island.
Chilmark
Chilmark is ideal for those who want to connect with island nature on another level. Find the most beautiful hikes and outdoor strolls, or set sail on a fishing charter out of the fishing village, Menemsha.
Aquinnah
Aquinnah, formerly known as Gay Head, is a great place to view the cliffs or take scenic photos for any occasion.
“Issues” to Consider for MVY Lodging
We’ll go through town by town wit the issues and challenges you might like to consider as you choose the area where you’ll stay on island!
Oak Bluffs Challenges
Oak Bluffs is very busy with crowded sidewalks during peak season, during weekends especially. It also has the most lively nightlife, so noise levels and rowdiness around Circuit Avenue can get to a higher point than other areas on the island.
Vineyard Haven Challenges
While there are some lovely beaches, they’re not necessary the ones that most commonly visitor favorites. Home to more year-round residents, Vineyard Haven also closes up shop a bit earlier than Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. So, if you’re looking for nightlife and evening activities, VH might not be the place you want to stay!
Edgartown Challenges
If you’re looking to treat yourself and feel a bit ritzy during your stay, Edgartown is the place to go if you want to easily exceed your budget. While its offerings are of high-quality, they come with some tough prices that your wallet may not particularly enjoy.
Up Island Challenges
The three up island towns (West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah) are far quieter, so if you’re looking for a ton of activities and popular landmarks to visit within walking distance of your stay, it may be better for you to stick around a more tourist-oriented town.
Chappaquiddick Challenges
To add to the quieter towns on the island, you won’t find one nearly as quiet as Chappaqquiddick, which again, is technically part of Edgartown. However, even if you wanted to stay here, there are no hotels or inns available. So, you would have to find a home to rent, which can be expensive. On top of renting the home, you might also need to rent a car or bike, since Chappaquiddick doesn’t have a lot to see within close distances of each other. With only one paved main road on the island, it is also highly likely that your rental house will be down a dirt road. If the peace and quiet is more your speed, Chappy could be a good option to consider. However, it can feel rather isolated with its singular store (very cute, but very small… does NOT have all of your essentials) and main road.
FAQ’s
Do you have a question we didn’t answer here? Let us know — we’ll happily answer and add your question if it’s one that’s common enough to include!
Q: What is the best place to stay for families?
A: Depending on family lifestyle, every part of the island can be ideal for families to stay. Overall, Oak Bluffs has a lot of activities for families who enjoy a number of quick activities to do throughout the day. This walkable town includes fun activities to keep the kids busy, such as riding the Flying Horses, playing some games at the arcade, and picnicking at Ocean Park.
Q: What is the best place to stay for luxury seekers?
A: Edgartown is the best place to stay for luxury seekers with its upscale shopping and restaurant offerings, as well as luxurious hotels right by the water. Edgartown mixes history and elegance with its beautiful buildings.
Q: What is the best place to stay for active adventurers?
A: While much of the island is bikeable and much of the water is kayak/water sport-friendly, there are beautiful hiking paths that can be found in the Chilmark area. Walk Menemsha Hills for a three mile hike with a view, mountain bike Waskosim’s Rock Reservation, or take a stroll through the Raft and Marl Ponds Loop at the Great Rock Bight Preserve.