Martha’s Vineyard Travel Guide: Edgartown
With its shingled mansions, storied harbor, and streets lined with boutiques and cafés, Edgartown is Martha’s Vineyard at its most polished. Once a prosperous whaling port, today it’s a playground for those seeking understated elegance, world-class dining, and the island’s quintessential New England charm. Whether you’re arriving by ferry or private yacht, Edgartown offers a refined yet relaxed escape, where every detail feels steeped in coastal sophistication.
Harbor View Hotel
Stay
Harbor View Hotel – An Edgartown landmark since 1891, offering sweeping views of the lighthouse, newly refreshed interiors, and a perfect balance of historic charm with modern luxury.
The Charlotte Inn – Tucked away just off Main Street, this Relais & Châteaux property feels like a private estate. Think antique-filled interiors, walled gardens, and impeccable service.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort – Located on South Beach, this resort offers the tranquility of the dunes with quick shuttle access into town. Spacious accommodations make it ideal for extended stays. Great for families.
Faraway - While not directly on the water, this boutique hotel has a great loaction in the heart of Edgartown.
The Edgartown Inn- Another stylish option in a great location.
Eat
Edgartown’s dining scene reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage: fresh seafood, farm-to-table produce, and inventive chefs blending tradition with creativity.
• Atria – Chic courtyard dining paired with a stellar wine list. Upstairs offers refined New England cuisine, while the cellar is casual and lively.
• Détente – A seasonal gem tucked in Nevin Square, known for intimate dining and artfully plated dishes that spotlight Vineyard farms.
• Atlantic Fish & Chop House – Overlooking the harbor, this restaurant is perfect for a sunset dinner with a mix of surf-and-turf favorites. Fun fact: Michelle Obama visited here the night before we dined.
• Behind the Bookstore – A bohemian-chic café that serves locally roasted coffee, elevated breakfast dishes, and craft cocktails by evening.
• Alchemy – A Main Street institution blending European and American influences, known for elegant pastas, fresh seafood, and inventive cocktails.
• The Terrace at The Charlotte Inn – For a special evening, this is one of the most refined dining rooms on the island, offering old-world ambiance and a French-inspired menu.
• Larsen’s Fish Market (in nearby Menemsha, but worth the short drive) – A Vineyard classic where you can enjoy lobster and oysters on the dock as the sun sets over the harbor.
• The Covington – A farm-and-sea driven menu with a focus on elevated simplicity; a great spot for those who want local flavors with a fine-dining twist.
DO
• Edgartown Lighthouse – A short stroll from Main Street, this picturesque landmark offers sweeping views of Chappaquiddick and the harbor.
• Main Street Boutiques – Browse curated shops like Vineyard Vines’ flagship, elegant galleries, and local artisans for everything from nautical homewares to fine jewelry.
• Sailing Excursion – Charter a yacht or classic wooden sailboat for a private cruise around Katama Bay or out into Nantucket Sound. Sunset sails are particularly magical.
• South Beach – A vast, windswept shoreline where the Atlantic rolls in with force. Perfect for a morning walk, surf-watching, or basking in the ocean breeze.
• Day Trip to Chappaquiddick – A quick ferry ride across the harbor reveals pristine beaches, the Mytoi Japanese Garden, and the remote beauty of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge.
Kid-Friendly Activities in and around Edgartown
While Edgartown exudes sophistication, it’s also surprisingly welcoming to families. Kids will find just as much adventure as adults here.
• Katama Airfield Biplane Rides – For thrill-seeking families, soar above the island in a vintage biplane for a truly unforgettable perspective.
• Mini Golf & Ice Cream – Head to Oak Bluffs (a short drive away) for island-favorite mini golf and classic ice cream shops like Mad Martha’s.
• Edgartown’s Children’s Art Programs – During summer, local galleries and community centers host workshops where kids can paint, craft, or learn about the island’s natural history.
• Sailing Lessons – The Edgartown Yacht Club offers youth sailing programs in the summer, a wonderful way for kids to experience Vineyard waters safely.
• South Beach Adventures – Beyond swimming, the dunes are perfect for kite-flying, sandcastle building, or just running along the wide shoreline.
• Morning at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary – Families can explore trails, go on nature scavenger hunts, and spot osprey, herons, and turtles.
• Carousel in Oak Bluffs – The Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest in the U.S., is a whimsical must-do for kids and nostalgic parents alike.
Edgartown distills the best of Martha’s Vineyard: a harbor town steeped in history, brimming with charm, and balanced by luxurious comforts. With fine dining, boutique shopping, and unforgettable experiences—whether sipping wine at sunset, exploring the dunes of South Beach, or letting kids chase the tide—it offers the rare gift of being both sophisticated and welcoming. Edgartown is the island at its most enchanting.
