If you’re planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard and trying to decide where to rent a house or book a hotel, you have some options!
There’s Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, East Chop, West Chop, West Tisbury, Chilmark, Chappaquiddick, and so on.
Out of all the places we’ve stayed and explored on the island, Edgartown is the area we come back to again and again. It has so much of what I love about Martha’s Vineyard: beautiful homes, hydrangea-lined streets, great restaurants, a walkable downtown, harbor views, nearby beaches, and just enough to do without ever feeling too busy.
We’ve visited Martha’s Vineyard many times since 2019, and while we always make time for places like Oak Bluffs, Aquinnah, and Chappaquiddick, Edgartown is still the place that feels the most like our home base.
If it’s your first time visiting Martha’s Vineyard, or you’re trying to decide where to stay, here’s my guide to Edgartown.
Why We Love Edgartown
We’ve stayed in both Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, but Edgartown is our favorite, hands down.
For us, it has the best mix of charm and convenience. We love being able to walk to restaurants, shops, the harbor, and downtown without constantly getting in the car.
It feels classic, polished, and relaxed, and it’s one of those places that is just as enjoyable to wander during the day as it is after dinner.
Oak Bluffs definitely has a livelier feel, but I personally prefer the quieter charm of Edgartown and Katama.
Where to Stay in Edgartown
When we stay on Martha’s Vineyard for a full week, we usually rent a house, and Edgartown is always the area we hope to stay in.
For a shorter trip, though, we’ve also stayed at The Richard and absolutely loved it. If you’re looking for a small hotel in Edgartown, I would definitely recommend it.
They serve homemade breakfast and afternoon snacks each day, and honestly, some of the food was so good that I still think about it. I’m still dreaming about their chia pudding!!!
If you want a walkable stay close to downtown, restaurants, and the harbor, Edgartown is such a good choice.
Walk Around Downtown Edgartown
One of our favorite things to do in Edgartown is also one of the simplest: just walk around.
On a week-long Martha’s Vineyard trip, we’ll usually have at least two days where we don’t plan much and just spend time exploring downtown Edgartown and the surrounding areas.
It’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours. And make sure you say hi to every dog you pass!
We love walking the side streets, admiring the historic homes, checking out the hydrangeas, browsing the shops, and stopping into whatever catches our eye.
There are plenty of shops if you want to pick up souvenirs, clothes, or little gifts, but honestly, even just walking around is fun enough on its own.
At night, downtown Edgartown is just as nice. We’ll often go to dinner, grab ice cream, and then walk around for a while.
Sometimes we’ll sit on a bench and just people-watch for a bit before heading back.
Visit Edgartown Lighthouse
If you’re spending time downtown, definitely walk over to Edgartown Lighthouse.
It’s an easy walk from the center of town and one of our favorite spots in the area.
If you’re near the Harbor View Hotel, all you have to do is cross the street and follow the sandy path over to the lighthouse and beach.
The lighthouse and the beach around it make such a pretty backdrop. It’s a great spot for family photos or just a quiet little walk by the water.
Catch Sunset by the Harbor or at South Beach
One of my favorite Edgartown traditions is heading down toward the harbor around sunset.
There’s just something about the light at that time of day, with the boats in the water and the town starting to quiet down a bit. We love finding a spot near the docks and just taking it all in.
It’s especially nice after dinner when you’re already downtown and don’t really have anywhere else you need to be.
But my favorite place to watch a sunset on island is on South Beach. You just can’t beat this.
Relax at the Harbor View Hotel
Another one of our favorite things to do in Edgartown is to stop by the Harbor View Hotel for an evening drink or morning coffee.
You don’t need to be a guest to sit out on the porch or deck, which is one reason I always recommend it. It’s such a pretty place to relax for a bit, whether you’re starting the morning with coffee or winding down later with a drink.
Katama Airfield and Katama Kitchen
If you’re spending time in Edgartown, I also think it’s worth heading over to Katama Airfield.
We love going there to watch the biplanes take off. It’s a fun little spot that feels unique to the area and gives you something different to do beyond shopping, eating, or heading to the beach.
While you’re there, Katama Kitchen is a great place to grab a bite or a drink. It’s casual, easy, and makes for a fun stop if you want to turn the airfield into a little outing.
Rent Bikes and Explore
There are several places around Edgartown where you can rent bikes, making it an easy and fun way to explore the area.
Chris usually brings his own bike, but renting one is an easy option if you want to ride around town, head toward Katama, or spend part of the day on the island’s bike paths.
Take a Sail on the Mad Max Catamaran
A few years ago, we also took a sail on the Mad Max catamaran, which was such a fun way to get out on the water and see Edgartown from a different perspective. If you’re looking for something beyond beaches and walking around town, this is a great activity to add to your trip.
Watch the Ducks by the Harbor
We love watching the ducks swim around in the harbor across from The Seafood Shanty.
It’s simple, but it’s also part of what makes Edgartown so charming.
Stop Into Edgartown Books
We almost always stop into Edgartown Books at least once on every trip. Being on vacation just puts us in the mood to pick up a new book.
It’s a cozy little local bookstore and one of those places that feels perfectly at home in Edgartown. If you like bookstores at all, it’s worth a stop.
Where to Eat and Drink in Edgartown
Edgartown has so many good places to eat, and a lot of our Martha’s Vineyard favorites are here.
Among the Flowers Cafe
Among the Flowers Cafe is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Edgartown. It’s so cute, and we visit every year.
They’re open for breakfast and lunch, and their breakfast options are SO good. I especially love the açaí bowl, but they also have yogurt and granola bowls, breakfast sandwiches, and plenty of other great options.
Behind the Bookstore Cafe
We like going to Behind the Bookstore Cafe for coffee, tea, or breakfast. It’s tucked away right in downtown Edgartown and feels like a little hidden spot away from the busier streets.
It can definitely be a little expensive, so I think of this more as a place you go for the atmosphere and experience.
The Seafood Shanty
For us, The Seafood Shanty is more of a drinks spot than a dinner spot. It’s right in downtown Edgartown, and the rooftop is such a fun place to sit on a nice day.
They have frozen drinks, cocktails, beer, and a great harbor view. The food has been a little hit or miss for us, but I always enjoy the sushi.
Rockfish
Rockfish is another Edgartown restaurant we really enjoy. It’s always a solid option when we’re looking for dinner downtown, but it’s always busy, so keep that in mind!
We usually sit at either the upstairs or downstairs bar. An easy option for a group of two!
l’etoile
We’ve only been to l’etoile once, when we went with the couple we rent our house from, but we really enjoyed it.
We sat outside on the lawn for drinks and appetizers, and it made for such a nice, relaxed stop.
The Atlantic
We’ve also stopped into The Atlantic with the couple we rent from. It’s not one of our must-visit spots, but it’s a nice option if you’re looking for a cocktail downtown.
The bar has a darker, cozier feel, which can be a nice change of pace from some of the brighter waterfront spots.
The Newes from America
We’ve returned to The Newes from America over the years, and while the menu can be a little hit or miss for us, we still enjoy it.
Our favorite part is sitting outside with a drink. It’s great for people-watching, and depending on the night, you may even catch live music nearby.
Beaches Near Edgartown
One of the best things about staying in Edgartown is how easy it is to get to some of our favorite Martha’s Vineyard beaches.
South Beach
South Beach in Katama is one of my favorite beaches on the island. There’s plenty of parking, plenty of space, and bathrooms, which always helps. The surf can be rough, though, so it’s one where we pay attention to the conditions before getting in.
It’s also my favorite place on the island to catch a sunset.
State Beach
State Beach is another favorite, and it’s a nice option if you want something a little more flexible. Parking is spread out along Beach Road, so it doesn’t usually feel too crowded.
State Beach runs along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, so it’s easy to visit from either town.
You can choose the ocean side or the pond side, and on windy days, the pond side can be a great pick.
There’s no bathroom, though, so that’s something to keep in mind.
And if you’re feeling brave, jump off! It’s one of those very Martha’s Vineyard things to do. Have I done it? Hell noooooo!
Norton Point Beach
Some of our favorite beach days have been at Norton Point with the couple we rent our house from. They drive their truck onto the beach, and we’ll spend the day grilling, having a few drinks, swimming, hanging out, and catching up.
Being able to drive right onto the sand makes it such a fun, different beach experience. Just make sure to check the current over-sand vehicle access before you go.
Parts of Norton Point can close during the summer for shorebird protection or changing beach conditions, and you’ll need the proper permit and vehicle if you plan to drive on the beach.
Chappaquiddick and East Beach
If you’re staying in Edgartown, one of the fun things you can do is take the Chappy Ferry over to Chappaquiddick.
We love heading over to East Beach, and for us, taking the ferry is all part of the experience.
Stop at Katama General Store
If you’re staying nearby for a few days, Katama General Store is such a useful spot to know about. It’s great for groceries, beach essentials, and the little things you realize you need once you’re already on vacation.
It’s one of those practical stops that makes the trip easier.
There’s been a time or two when I’ve walked from our rental house to pick up a thing of mustard. We’ve all been there, right???
Can You Visit Edgartown Without a Car?
Yes, absolutely.
Edgartown is actually one of the places on Martha’s Vineyard where I’d be most comfortable staying without a car. Downtown is very walkable, and if your trip is centered around restaurants, shopping, the harbor, Edgartown Lighthouse, and relaxing near town, you may not feel like you need a car much at all.
A car becomes more useful if you want to visit several beaches, spend time in Aquinnah or West Tisbury, or move around the island a lot.
But if your main goal is a slower, more walkable Martha’s Vineyard trip, Edgartown is a great place to base yourself.
Final Thoughts on Edgartown
If I were recommending one place on Martha’s Vineyard to a first-time visitor, Edgartown would be right at the top of the list.
It’s beautiful, easy to explore, full of great food, and close to so many of the places we love most on the island.
Whether you’re walking downtown, heading to the lighthouse, having breakfast at Among the Flowers, sitting on the porch at Harbor View Hotel, or watching the ducks near the harbor, Edgartown has a way of making even the smallest parts of the day feel special.
And after so many visits to Martha’s Vineyard, that’s exactly why we keep coming back.
More From Martha’s Vineyard
Leave a Reply