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Martha's Vineyard Tourist Information and Martha's Vineyard Tourism
(Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts - MA, USA)



The island of Martha's Vineyard is part of Massachusetts (MA) and close to the mainland, being just 7 miles / 11 km to the south of Cape Cod. Measuring around 24 miles / 39 km long and 10 miles / 16 km wide, Martha's Vineyard is the largest island in New England, with six main communities, including Edgartown, Oaks Bluff and Vineyard Haven. Martha's Vineyard is believed to be named after the wild grapes found growing on the island in the 16th century.

With many scenic cycle trails and roads, such as the roads of Chilmark and West Tisbury, hiking trails in West Chop Woods near Franklin Street, superb fishing in the village area of Menemsha, water sports and deep-sea cruises, around one fifth of Martha's Vineyard is dedicated to conservation, with many wildlife sanctuaries and refuges. Martha's Vineyard also features a number of superb sandy beaches, which are particularly popular during the summer months.




Martha's Vineyard offers a range of accommodation, although this should always be booked well in advance. The main lodging areas on the island of Martha's Vineyard are located around the commercial center of Vineyard Haven, the lively town of Oaks Bluff, and in the historic Edgartown area, which is filled with many grand houses built by past sea captains. Further hotels can be found in the Up-Island area of Martha's Vineyard, which includes the other towns of Chilmark, Menemsha, West Tisbury and Aquinnah, previously known as Gay Head. More information on Martha's Vineyard Hotels.

Tourism is an essential part of the Martha's Vineyard economy and is boosted by the number of famous celebrities and wealthy individuals who regularly visit the island, often owning secluded beachfront homes. Most ferries traveling to Martha's Vineyard arrive at the Oak Bluffs harbor area, or at the somewhat more upmarket harbor of Vineyard Haven. Additional ferries also regularly travel between Edgartown and nearby Chappaquiddick Island, offering popular excursions and day trips. The main tourist information center on Martha's Vineyard is the Chamber of Commerce office, which is situated on Beach Road, in Vineyard Haven. Here you will find helpful staff who will assist you with most requirements, providing leaflets about tourist attractions, island maps, magazines and general tourism information.

Martha's Vineyard has many popular tourist attractions, including the Aquinnah Cliffs - colorful cliffs offering magnificent sunrises, sunsets and breathtaking views; Aquinnah Lighthouse - an impressive lighthouse with spectacular coastal scenery; East Chop Lighthouse - offering amazing views of Martha's Vineyard; Cranberry Lands - a marshland of natural beauty and breeding ground for numerous varieties of birds; Martha's Vineyard's Flying Horses Carousel - a fascinating and popular merry-go-round, which has been in use since 1876; and the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary - an important wildlife area on Martha's Vineyard, with a wealth of flora and fauna, together with a wide variety of outdoor sporting activities. More information on Martha's Vineyard Tourist Attractions and Martha's Vineyard Landmarks.

More Martha's Vineyard Information / Fast Facts and Orientation -

• Country: United States of America (USA)
• Location: Dukes County, Massachusetts (MA)
• Status: island
• Area: approximately 100 square miles / 259 square kilometers
• Population: approximately 15,000 year-round increasing to 75,000 in the summer
• Language: American English
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Time zone: GMT - 5 hours Eastern Standard Time (daylight saving time is observed)
• Country dialing code: +1
• Telephone area code: 508 and 774
• Religion: various religions
• Average daily January temperature: 4ºC / 39ºF
• Average daily July temperature: 26ºC / 79ºF

 
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