Martha’s Vineyard Attractions

• Martha's Vineyard Beaches
• Martha's Vineyard Biking
• Martha's Vineyard Boating and Sailing
• Martha's Vineyard Entertainment
• Martha's Vineyard Fishing
• Martha's Vineyard Hiking
• Martha's Vineyard Kayaking

Martha’s Vineyard is a great place to take a vacation especially if you want to escape the bustle of a busy urban or suburban lifestyle. There are a multitude of wonders to behold and explore.

Aquinnah Cliffs (formerly Gay Head) was a popular tourist destination long before there were paved roads in the area. In the late 19th century people would arrive by ship and then be driven in ox carts to visit the lighthouse or to eat at one of the many restaurants which particularly featured fresh lobster. The colorful cliffs themselves are a geology student’s dream. They are comprised of 150 feet of sediment from six glaciers including white and red clay, white quartz, green sand, lignite, and black organic soil.

The lighthouse of Aquinnah Cliffs is one of five majestic lighthouses located on the Vineyard. For anyone spending a significant amount of time on the island, the Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse tour is a must. These lighthouses were built between 1801 and 1844. Many local caretakers and historians have gone to great lengths to preserve these treasures. Each has its own stories to tell; local experts conduct all the tours.

If hiking Martha’s Vineyard is of interest, one of the most picturesque destinations is the three miles of trails of the Menemsha Hills. Menemsha Hills is located in Chilmark on North Road. It is open to the public year round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free, however donations are gladly accepted from non-members. Parking is limited to twenty parking spaces. This area sports trails that loop through wetlands that house red maples, beech, cinquefoil, and black cherry. Oaks and shrubs line the path to Prospect View, which is one of the highest points on the island. The view, which consists of the Elizabeth Islands, village of Menemsha, and Gay Head Light, is one of the most glorious on the island.

If beaches are more your fancy, you are in luck. Martha’s Vineyard is home to twenty. While some of them are not open to the public, many are and they offer something for everyone. Whether you are a surfer, fisherman, swimmer, or you just like walking in the sand and peering into crystal blue water, there is a beach for you at the Vineyard.

Another extraordinary Martha’s Vineyard attraction is Camp Pogue Wildlife Refuge, which is located on Chappaquiddick Island. This remarkable destination features breathtaking views of brilliant foliage and wildlife. A grove of 100-year-old eastern red cedars growing amidst the wind and salt spray is situated at a site named “The Cedars.” Cape Poge Elbow features nesting piping plovers, oystercatchers, and a gull rookery. To the West of the dunes you’ll find Cape Pogue Bay with still crystal water that attracts bluefish, bonito, albacore, and striped bass.