My Photography & Travel Guide to Marta’s Vineyard
Welcome to Martha’s Vineyard, just seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod. It’s a beloved New England retreat with more character than coastline—and that's saying a lot. We have spent many wonderful summers with family and friends in Martha’s Vineyard, and each visit has created lasting memories.
Martha’s Vineyard isn’t just about beaches (although, yes, they’re gorgeous). It’s about that easy, breezy, toes-in-the-sand meets old-money charm kind of vibe. Think: classic lighthouses, white picket fences, pastel cottages in Edgartown, and sunsets that make you believe in magic again.
It’s also a Photographer’s Paradise. The light here? Soft, golden, painterly—especially in the evenings. You’ve got red clay cliffs in Aquinnah, windswept dunes, vintage carousel horses in Oak Bluffs, and harbors filled with sailboats that practically pose for you. Every turn is a frame-worthy moment.
This picturesque island offers a playground for photographers and travelers, with its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages. The iconic Aquinnah Cliffs are my favorite sunset spot, while the quaint streets of Oak Bluffs, with their gingerbread cottages, are so cute. Whether you're capturing the dramatic Beaches at sunrise or exploring the harbor towns, every corner of Martha's Vineyard is worth exploring during the summer.
This Photography Guide to Martha’s Vineyard covers travel tips, the best photography spots, where to stay, eat, and explore, and everything you need for an unforgettable island shoot.
Where to Stay in Martha’s Vineyard
Best Area to Stay: Edgartown is a prime location, offering picturesque streets, historic architecture, and easy access to beaches and dining. We have also used Airbnb in the Aquillah area, and it was wonderful.
The Harbor View Hotel
Luxury Hotels:
Harbor View Hotel: Overlooking Edgartown Harbor, this iconic hotel combines classic elegance with modern amenities.(Harbor View Hotel)
Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Located near South Beach, it offers spacious accommodations and family-friendly activities.(Winnetu Oceanside Resort)
Faraway Martha’s Vineyard: A boutique hotel blending historic charm with contemporary design.(Faraway Hotels)
Mid-Range Hotels:
Mansion House Inn: Situated in Vineyard Haven, it offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop deck.(Martha's Vineyard Visit Planner)
Edgar Hotel Martha's Vineyard: A modern hotel in Edgartown with convenient access to local attractions.(HotelsCombined)
The Edgartown Inn: A charming inn offering a cozy atmosphere and personalized service.(Smith Hotels)
How Many Days Should I Stay in Martha’s Vineyard?
A 3 to 5-day stay allows ample time to explore the island's diverse landscapes, charming towns, and scenic beaches. This duration provides opportunities to capture the island's beauty during different times of the day and in various lighting conditions.
The Cliffs of Aquillah
Getting to Martha’s Vineyard
Booking a ferry to Martha's Vineyard is straightforward, with several options depending on your departure point and whether you're bringing a vehicle. Here's a concise guide to help you plan your trip:
Steamship Authority (Year-Round Service)
Route: Woods Hole, MA to Vineyard Haven (year-round) and Oak Bluffs (seasonally)
Passengers (Walk-On): No reservations needed. Purchase tickets at the terminal on the day of travel.steamshipauthorityschedules.com
Vehicles: Reservations are required and can be made online via the Steamship Authority's reservation system. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak summer months.Steamship Authority
Note: The Steamship Authority is the only ferry service that transports vehicles to Martha's Vineyard.
If you plan to bring a vehicle to Martha's Vineyard, the Steamship Authority is your sole option. Vehicle reservations are mandatory and should be made as early as possible, especially during summer weekends and holidays, when slots fill up quickly.
🕒 Travel Tips
Advance Booking: Always check the ferry schedules and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Arrival Time: Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to allow time for parking and boarding.
Weather Considerations: Ferry schedules can be affected by weather conditions; check for updates on the respective ferry websites before traveling.
For more detailed information and to make reservations, visit the ferry operators' official websites:
Best Time to Visit Martha’s Vineyard for Photography
The island is most photogenic from late spring to early fall.
May to June: Blooming flowers and fewer crowds.
July to August: Vibrant festivals and bustling harbors.
September to October: Golden foliage and serene beaches.
How to Get Around Martha’s Vineyard
The best way to get around the island is by bike, rental car, or public bus. Hop on a bike and cruise between charming villages like Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown. No skyscrapers, no chaos—just tree-lined paths, sea breezes, and that peaceful feeling like time slowed down just for you. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) is reliable and affordable.
Uber and Lyft are limited but available in the summer.
Bikes are ideal for Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Car ferries from Cape Cod make road tripping easy.
Where to Eat in Martha’s Vineyard
There’s no chain restaurants or neon lights here—Martha’s Vineyard is more about porch swings, farmer’s markets, indie bookstores, yoga on the beach, and impromptu live music at local cafés. Whether it's a lobster roll from a seaside shack, fresh oysters at a dockside raw bar, or blueberry pie from a roadside bakery—you’ll eat well.
Top Restaurants:
The Port Hunter – Lively seafood and craft cocktails in Edgartown.
Red Cat Kitchen – Farm-to-table dishes and intimate vibes in Oak Bluffs.
Outermost Inn – Upscale dining with stunning views in Aquinnah.
The Net Result – Grab-and-go lobster rolls and fried clams in Vineyard Haven.
Larsen’s Fish Market – An island institution in Menemsha—don’t miss the chowder.
Charming Coffee Shops:
Behind the Bookstore – Artisan coffee tucked behind an indie bookstore.
Mocha Mott’s – Locals' favorite in both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs.
Espresso Love – Great espresso, pastries, and people-watching in Edgartown.
Best Photography Gear for Martha’s Vineyard
Best photography gear for Martha’s Vineyard:
Camera: Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z7 II, or Sony A7R V.
Lenses:
16–35mm wide-angle – Great for cliffs, cottages, and dramatic skies.
24–70mm zoom – Versatile for street scenes and harbor life.
70–200mm telephoto – Ideal for wildlife, lighthouses from afar, and compressed landscape shots.
Accessories:
Travel tripod for low-light scenes.
ND filters for silky beach exposures.
Drone (legal in designated areas – avoid FAA no-fly zones).
Extra batteries—chargers can be hard to find outside towns.
That’s Summer
Top Photography Spots in Martha’s Vineyard
Here are the best photography locations in Martha’s Vineyard:
📍 Gay Head Cliffs & Lighthouse (Aquinnah) – Vibrant clay cliffs, best shot at sunset.
📍 Edgartown Lighthouse – Gorgeous at blue hour with reflections on the harbor.
📍 Gingerbread Cottages in Oak Bluffs – A pastel dream for architectural photographers.
📍 Menemsha Harbor – Classic fishing village with unbeatable golden hour light.
📍 South Beach – Windy, wild, and perfect for long exposure wave shots.
📍 Chappaquiddick Island – For serene landscapes and dune paths.
Photography tip: Mornings are best for Edgartown, while sunsets favor Menemsha and Aquinnah. A polarizer filter helps cut glare on water scenes.
Martha’s Vineyard Festivals and Events
Time your visit with Martha’s Vineyard festivals for dynamic scenes and local culture:
🎥 Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival – Spring indie cinema showcase.
🐚 Grand Illumination Night (August) – The Gingerbread Cottages glow with lanterns—a photographer’s dream.
🐳 Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair – Classic Americana in August with colorful carnival scenes.
🎨 Artisans Festival (June–September) – Great for street and event photography.
Final Thoughts: Framing the Magic of Martha’s Vineyard
If Martha’s Vineyard isn’t already on your photo bucket list, it should be now. This island is more than a summer escape—it’s an incredible photography location.
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