Martha’s Vineyard isn’t just a location – it’s a destination. It’s more than just sand dunes and sailboats (although, those are two of the Vineyard’s best qualities). This little island located only a short distance from Cape Cod is one the nation’s most popular vacation spots, and a favorite weekend getaway for New Englanders.

There’s an unspoken rule on the Vineyard: to each their own. Whether you’re into sailing or nude sunbathing, Martha’s Vineyard doesn’t care — the low-key atmosphere and unbridled privacy make this island one of the top destinations for celebrities and locals, alike.

Thanks to daily flights to Martha’s Vineyard from local carrier Cape Air, getting to the Vineyard is easy. From Boston, New York, Vermont and Maine, daily flights will get you to the island in time for mid-afternoon cocktails.

There’s something to be said for convenience – why waste time stuck in traffic when you can hop a 20-minute flight to the Vineyard? During the off season, flights to Martha’s Vineyard start as low as $79 one-way. During the high-season summer months, flights are more frequent and can run you at least $130 one-way.

Hotels and B&Bs on Martha’s Vineyard range in price and style. If you’re looking for luxury accommodations on the beach, you’re in luck: the Vineyard boasts some of the grandest hotels in New England. Prices start at $250/night for off-season rooms and can run as high as $800/night during the peak-season for water-view suites.

If budget and simplicity is your cup of tea there’s an abundance of opportunity: B&Bs in Martha’s Vineyard start as low as $100/night and come with free continental breakfasts and coupons for local restaurants and pubs.

Once you’ve booked your flights and hotels, the rest of your vacation is easy. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery on the Vineyard.

A few must-dos while you’re here:

  • Take a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel. The oldest working carousel in the U.S is an enchanting to adults as it is for children.
  • Hit the Black Dog Tavern for a history lesson. One of the oldest, and most famous, bars on the island is also was once a watering hole for sailors and fisherman needing a place to gather.
  • Walk through Oak Bluffs to awe at the famous gingerbread homes.

Grab your bathing suit and a bottle of SPF and hit the high seas.
Some of the most beautiful views of the island are from the water, so
rent a sailboat or charter a private boat for the day, and relax under
the sun. Charter boat companies like Island Time
offer custom packages for travelers. (Mention you saw this article on Cheapflights and get an extra 10% off your half or full day charter boat rental.)

Before you leave the island, make sure you spend one night watching the sunset. Few things are as peaceful as watching the sun go down over the Vineyard. Sit back with a glass of wine and appreciate the finer things on your Martha’s Vineyard vacation.

© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer

About the author

Author Pleasance Coddington
Pleasance CoddingtonPleasance is a British travel writer and online content specialist in travel. She has written for numerous publications and sites including Wired, Lucky, Rough Guides and Yahoo! Travel. After working for six years on content and social media at VisitBritain, she is now the Global Content and Social Media Manager for Cheapflights.

Explore more articles