Up Island attractions

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 boats on one side and dunes on the other, ending at the public Me…

Also known as the Gay Head Cliffs, these clay cliffs, overlooking a 5-mile-long beach, were formed by glaciers 100 million years ago. Rising 150ft from the ocean, they're dramatic any time of day but are at their ve…

Built in 1844 with a state-of-the-art Fresnel lens, this red-brick structure on the Gay Head Cliffs is arguably the most scenic lighthouse on the Vineyard. In 2015 it was carefully moved 134ft back from its eroding …

The 1859 Grange Hall is a historic meetinghouse, most visited these days for markets and events. This post-and-beam structure is also a venue for concerts, lectures and other events.There's usually something interes…

This 60-acre refuge celebrates woodlands and wildflower meadows, and is particularly pretty in the fall. The visitor center is open from 9:30am to 4pm from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. You can explore on your own o…

Part food shop ('dealers in almost everything'), part historic landmark, Alley's General Store is a favorite local gathering place and has been since 1858. Lots of souvenirs and gifts available.

Aquinnah Public Beach (also known as Moshup Beach) is an impressive 5 miles long. Access is free, although parking ($10 to $20) is not. From the parking lot, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach.

Pond, cove and ocean views all open up on a mile-long trail that leads to a remote beach. Along the way birders can expect to spot nesting osprey and other raptors, from northern harriers to the more common red-tail…

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 take the short detour to Ames Pond to enjoy a meditative moment…

You can't miss the Field Gallery, a field of large white sculptures by local artist and gallery founder Tom Maley (1911–2000) that playfully pose while tourists mill around them. There's an indoor gallery, too, with…