Dreamy New England Coastal Vacation on Martha’s Vineyard
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Lovingly called “The Vineyard” by locals, Martha’s Vineyard has long been the summer vacation destination of choice for ex-presidents and other celebrities looking for a quiet coastal getaway. Don’t be surprised if you run into Bill Murray having lunch at an outdoor café here or Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen taking in a show at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse. You may even find yourself vacationing alongside island regulars such as Spike Lee, members of the Kennedy family, or the Obamas.
What they and other visitors know is that this quintessential New England town, located on the southeastern coast of Massachusetts, is a true northeastern island paradise. Less crowded than nearby Cape Cod, but just a short ferry ride away, The Vineyard has everything you’d expect from an upscale coastal community—charming cottages, historic lighthouses, high-end boutique hotels, family-friendly beaches, and clear blue water that’s perfect for swimming and sailing during the warmer months.
For this trip, you’ll have deluxe accommodations at the unique Lark Hotels’ Edgartown Collection, four luxurious boutique B&B hotels located in downtown Edgartown. Open seasonally from late May through October, the amenities here include complimentary small-plates breakfasts and afternoon treats, beach towels and chairs, and access to the beautiful porches, patios, and cozy gathering spaces at each of the hotels. Best of all, you’ll be in the heart of the action, with galleries, shops, restaurants, and activities just steps from the front door.
We recommend having lunch at The Terrace at Charlotte Inn on one of your days out. This elegant bistro-style restaurant in Edgartown Village is located in a beautifully updated Edwardian home, lending a special old-world vibe to your meal, whether you dine in the light-filled conservatory or outdoors on the spacious stone patio. It’s a lovely place to relax between shopping and sightseeing when exploring the neighborhood around your hotel.
Fans of Stephen Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster, Jaws, may recognize Edgartown as one of the main shooting locations for the movie. Standing in for the fictional town of Amity, many iconic landmarks captured in the film can still be seen here today. For your vacation, we’ve arranged for you to take a guided Jaws Tour through the town, to see where all of your favorite scenes were shot and learn more about the production. This unique one-hour walking tour is a fun—and informative—way to explore this part of the island, and it’s appropriate for both kids and adults.
When you’re ready to hit the beach, there are several to choose from, each with something different to offer. July through September are the best beach months for anyone wanting to swim on Martha’s Vineyard, but visitors can enjoy time along the shore during other months as well.
The family-friendly Joseph Sylvia State Beach is the one to visit if you want to spend your summer day playing in the water. Here, you can swim, go kiteboarding, or try windsurfing. There’s free parking, calm water, and two miles of white sand to enjoy. Just be sure to get there early and reserve your spot since it can get crowded later in the day.
Katama Beach, often called South Beach because of its location on the island, is a popular three-mile public beach known for its turquoise water and sweeping sand dunes. It’s a hot spot for surfers due to its rough surf, but also attracts swimmers who tend to hang out at its protected, salt-pond side where the waters are calmer.
And Lighthouse Beach, a great gathering spot for vacationers looking for a quieter beach day, is just a 10-minute walk or bike ride from the hotels. A short sandy path opens to a wide beach with calm water and a scenic lighthouse, making it perfect for picnicking, swimming, or fishing.
During your stay, we recommend seeing as much of Martha’s Vineyard as you can. To help with this, a one-day bike rental is included with this trip, perfect for leisurely rides along the ocean or for cruising the more than 44-miles of bike trails that crisscross the island.
For more fun and adventure, you can also charter a boat and go for a sailing cruise. Visit local museums. Or check out the stunning Menemsha Hills, a 211-acre nature reserve known for its diverse plant habitats. You’ll see wetlands, woodland groves, and low, marshy landscapes here, and it’s a wonderful spot for a leisurely hike or simple picnic. If you’re not afraid of heights, climb Menemsha’s 308-foot high Prospect Hill, with vistas that span the rugged shoreline with the cliffs of Aquinnah, across the Vineyard Sound, to the Elizabeth and Normal Islands.
You can also visit Chappaquiddick Island’s 18 square miles of beaches, salt marshes, and coastal inlets. This small, secluded part of Edgartown is great for walking, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching.
With so much to see and do on this beautiful New England island, you may be dreaming of your next Martha’s Vineyard vacation before this one is even over.
highlights
- 5 days / 4 nights on Martha's Vineyard
- Deluxe accommodations at The Edgartown Collection
- Private transportation to and from the airport
- A Jaws movie tour
- A one-day bike rental
Trip details
Trip Type: Small Group
Comfort: Luxury
Travel Styles: Leisure, Family, Luxury
Starts: Martha's Vineyard, United States
Finishes: Martha's Vineyard, United States
Duration: 5 days
ITINERARY
1Arrive in Martha's Vineyard
- Check in to your deluxe accommodations with The Edgartown Collection
- Explore the local surrounding and check for any seasonal events and activities
2Explore the Island by bike
- Tour Martha's Vineyard at your own pace with included rental bikes
Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:
- Visit the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse at the entrance to Katama Bay and Edgartown Harbor
- Wander the grounds of the secluded and peaceful Myoti Japanese Garden
- Learn more about the history of the island at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum
3Guided Walking Tour
- Take a guided walking tour through the town to see where all of your favorite scenes from Jaws were shot and learn more about the production.
- Spend the rest of the day at one of the local beaches, swimming, surfing, or soaking up the sun
- Take a guided or self-guided tour of the Polly Hill Arboretum
- Explore the stunning Menemsha Hills nature reserve
4Enjoy Martha's Vineyard your way
- Explore the island at your leisure
Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:
- Go bird watching or kayaking on Chappaquiddick Island
- Hike the 4-miles of trails at the 194-acre Felix Neck Sanctuary
- Tee off at the scenic Farm Neck Golf Club
- Book a private sailing cruise with Catboat Charters
5Depart for Home
- Check out of your deluxe accommodations
- Start planning your next Manifest getaway
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Private car service from your home to the airport
- Transportation to your hotel from the airport
- Deluxe accommodations at The Edgartown Collection
- A Jaws movie tour
- A one-day bike rental
- Transportation to the airport upon departure
- Private car service from the airport back to your home
ACCOMMODATIONS
PAYMENT TERMS
- 50% due upon booking
- 50% due at 60 days from trip start date
- 100% due if booked inside 60 days from trip start date
CANCELLATION TERMS
- 36 or more days from trip start date - 100% refund
- 16-35 days from trip start date - 100% refund less $150 per person administration fee or a 100% refund in Manifest travel credits (must be used within one calendar year of cancellation date)
- 0-15 days from trip start date - 100% non-refundable and no Manifest credits given
Partner Details
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