This well-done museum has a fascinating collection of whaling paraphernalia and scrimshaw, and puts the history of Martha's Vineyard into context. Don't miss the lighthouse display, which includes the huge, 1000-prism Fresnel lens that sat in the Gay Head Lighthouse for a century until electrical power arrived in 1951.
Martha's Vineyard Museum
Martha's Vineyard
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.08 MILES
Oak Bluffs started out in the mid-19th century as a summer retreat by a revivalist church, whose members enjoyed a day at the beach as much as a gospel…
28.37 MILES
One of the island's highlights, this evocative museum occupies an 1847 spermaceti (whale oil) candle factory and the excellent exhibits relive Nantucket's…
10.88 MILES
Virtually unchanged since it appeared in the movie Jaws 40 years ago, Menemsha is a relaxing outpost to explore. Basin Rd borders a harbor of fishing…
21.22 MILES
Fun for kids and adults alike, the 100-acre Heritage Museums & Gardens sports a superb vintage automobile collection in a Shaker-style round barn, an…
25.37 MILES
Nearly 50 historic sea captains' homes are lined up along MA 6A (the Old King's Hwy) in Yarmouth Port, on a 1.5-mile stretch known as the Captains' Mile…
21.53 MILES
Hyannis has been the summer home of the Kennedy clan for generations. Back in the day, JFK spent the warmer months here – times that are beautifully…
28.4 MILES
More than just the public library, this stately Greek Revival edifice is a sight in itself. The 2nd-floor Great Hall has hosted such notables as Ralph…
28.64 MILES
Welcoming ferries into Nantucket Harbor, this lighthouse was established in 1746 and is still in operation. It's quite tiny (only 26ft), but impossibly…
Nearby Martha's Vineyard attractions
2.08 MILES
Oak Bluffs started out in the mid-19th century as a summer retreat by a revivalist church, whose members enjoyed a day at the beach as much as a gospel…
2.12 MILES
You can visit a typical Campground cottage, complete with period furnishings, thanks to the Cottage Museum. It's filled with Camp Meeting Association…
2.27 MILES
Take a nostalgic ride on this National Historic Landmark, which has been captivating kids of all ages since 1876. It's the USA's oldest continuously…
2.33 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…
5. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
2.97 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…
3.1 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. Martha's Vineyard Glassworks
5.01 MILES
Master glassblowers turn sand into colorful creations at the Martha's Vineyard Glassworks. If you can stand the heat, you can watch them work their magic…
5.22 MILES
Cedar Tree Neck's inviting 2.5-mile hike crosses native bogs and forest to a coastal bluff with views of Cape Cod and the Elizabeth Islands. Be sure to…