Chappaquiddick

Martha's Vineyard


Accessed by frequent ferry (the 'Chappy Ferry') from Edgartown harbor, Chappaquiddick is a small island with a big history, thanks to a fatal accident in 1969 that involved Senator Ted Kennedy. The island's population is around 180; it's a popular spot with visitors for its beaches, cycling, hiking, fishing and birding. Bring a bike and a picnic over on the ferry and go exploring (there is one shop and no restaurants). Mytoi, a beautiful Japanese-style garden, is free and worth a visit if you're in the area.

It's worth looking into the summer tours of Cape Poge Wildlife Reserve, offered by a nonprofit group called the Trustees. You must book ahead for tours that visit the remote lighthouse or enjoy naturalist-guided kayaking on Cape Poge Bay.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Martha's Vineyard attractions

1. Eisenhauer Gallery

0.25 MILES

Gallery hoppers will want to make time to visit the Eisenhauer Gallery, which represents over 40 artists and is considered one of the best on the island…

2. Lighthouse Beach

0.25 MILES

Simply walk along N Water St in the direction of the Edgartown Lighthouse to reach a pair of beaches on the northeast side of town. Lighthouse Beach,…

3. Edgartown Lighthouse

0.3 MILES

It's not a long climb to the top, but the Edgartown Lighthouse does have a pretty spectacular panoramic view of the town harbor and Chappaquiddick.

4. Katama Beach

2.7 MILES

Although they're convenient, Edgartown's in-town beaches are just kids' stuff. For the real deal head to Katama Beach, aka South Beach, about 3 miles…

5. Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

2.97 MILES

On the eastern edge of Chappaquiddick sits this idyllic reserve that contains coastal forests, estuaries, rolling dunes and miles of pristine coastline…

6. Joseph Sylvia State Beach

3.26 MILES

A mile south of the Oak Bluffs Town Beach is this popular spot, which has calm waters suitable for kids. The Edgarton-side portion of the beach is also…

7. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

3.46 MILES

Mass Audubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, 3 miles northwest of Edgartown center, is a birder's paradise, with miles of trails skirting fields, marshes…

8. Oak Bluffs Town Beach

5.34 MILES

Just south of the ferry terminal, a narrow strip of sandy beach runs unbroken for several miles, beginning with Oak Bluffs Town Beach. It's backed by the…