Things To Do
South Beach
South Beach, often called Katama Beach, is one of the island’s most popular summer destinations, known for powerful surf, sweeping dunes, and easy public access via Katama Road. Main access: Katama Road, 3 miles south of Edgartown center South Beach stretches roughly three miles along the island’s south shore, facing directly onto the Atlantic. It consists of three main sections—Left Fork, Right Fork, and Norton Point—each separated by access roads and parking areas. The beach’s open exposure creates strong waves and undertow, appealing to surfers but requiring caution for swimmers. Recreation and access Public parking lots are located at both Left and Right Fork entrances, with lifeguards stationed during the summer season. Activities include sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball. The beach’s eastern extension, Norton Point, permits four-wheel-drive vehicles with a seasonal permit, linking Martha’s Vineyard to Chappaquiddick Island via a narrow barrier spit.
Groceries & Markets
Morning Glory Farm Famous zucchini bread, fresh produce, and flowers. Cronig’s Market The island’s staple grocery store. Edgartown Meat & Fish Prepared meals, fresh seafood, and sushi. The Net Result (Vineyard Haven) Legendary lobster rolls and great takeout sushi. Reliable Market (Oak Bluffs) Convenient stop for staples. Stop & Shop (VH & Edgartown) Best for large stock-ups (shop mornings for fresh restocks). Jim’s Package Store Wines, beer, spirits. Tony’s Market (OB) Gourmet and imported goods. Rosewater Market (VH) Cozy local grocery and sandwiches. Katama General Store Perfect for beach snacks. Chilmark General Store A must-stop up-island for pizza, sandwiches, and porch hangs. Whippoorwill & Ghost Island Farms Seasonal farmstands for ultra-local veggies. Scottish Bakehouse & Pie Chicks Island-favorite baked goods. Insider Tip: Many farmstands run on the honor system — bring cash.
Family-Friendly Fun
West Tisbury Farmer’s Market Wed & Sat mornings: live music, local honey, fresh pies. Native Earth Teaching Farm Hands-on animal visits, kid-friendly. Island Alpaca Company Book alpaca yoga online. Flying Horses Carousel (Oak Bluffs) Oldest operating carousel in the U.S. and one of Ernie's first memories of the island. Disc Golf at Riverhead Field Fun, casual, bring your own discs. Mini Golf at The Cove Finish with ice cream. Bowling at The Barn Reserve a lane for rainy days. MV Skatepark (OB) Fun for kids, teens, or just spectating. Mytoi Japanese Garden (Chappaquiddick) Peaceful, small-scale, and beautiful. Wasque Reservation (Chappaquiddick) Wildlife, fishing, and wide-open beaches.
Restaurants & Dining Gems
State Road Restaurant (West Tisbury) Vibe / Why Go: Farmhouse charm, locally sourced Insider Tip: Reserve early — a favorite for brunch and dinner Lookout Tavern (Oak Bluffs) Vibe / Why Go: Award winning lobster rolls Insider Tip: No reservations, get there early Back Door Donuts (Oak Bluffs) Vibe / Why Go: Famous late-night donuts Insider Tip: Go after 7 PM and join the line 19Raw (Edgartown) Vibe / Why Go: Upscale and intimate Insider Tip: Ideal date night Artcliff Diner (Vineyard Haven) Vibe / Why Go: Popular local breakfast and brunch spot Insider Tip: No reservations, arrive early Larsen’s Fish Market (Menemsha) Vibe / Why Go: Lobsters, clams, sunset picnic Insider Tip: Get takeout and eat on the beach Outermost Inn (Aquinnah) Vibe / Why Go: Elegant dining with cliff views Insider Tip: Book a sunset table
Drinks
Nancy's (Oak Bluffs) Vibe / Why Go: Famous for their mudslides Insider Tip: Go for sunset The Pelican Club at the Faraway (Edgartown) Vibe / Why Go: Chic outdoor dining with sushi, cocktails, and bites Insider Tip: Make reservations ahead of time Atlantic (Edgartown) Why Go: For the martinis Insider Tip: Late night the porch turns into a party
Vineyard Secrets (Only Locals Know)
Great Rock Bight (Chilmark) Hidden hike-in beach. Sepiessa Point (WT) Paddleboarding heaven. Mermaid Farm & Dairy Honor-system farmstand — cash only. Menemsha Bike Ferry Cross to Aquinnah for a scenic ride. Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks Watch glassblowing, then brunch at State Road. Polly Hill Arboretum Gorgeous gardens, especially at golden hour. Mo’s at the PA Club Friday night fish fry like a true local. Lambert’s Cove Road Scenic drive with secret ponds and bogs. First Friday Art Walk (VH) Street fair with live music (June–Oct + Dec).
Special & V. I. P. Experiences
Seanic With Amor Full-service pop-up picnic with dreamy setups and cleanup handled. Private Island Tour + Seafood Picnic Chauffeured island tour with a Menemsha dockside feast. Sunset Sail with Champagne Private catamaran or sloop at dusk, stargazing after dark. Guided Foraging + Picnic Learn local edible plants and enjoy a chef-prepared meal with what you find. Nighttime Bioluminescence Kayak Seasonal, magical glow-in-the-dark paddling experience.