Explore Edgartown
Edgartown, located on the southeast end of Martha's Vineyard and the largest of the six island towns, includes an historic village first settled in the late 1600s. Much of its present downtown architecture dates from the 19th century, when it served as a bustling whaling port and home to many ship's captains, whose stately white houses and beautifully landscaped gardens still line the harbor. Today the picturesque waterfront town is home to shops and galleries, restaurants, historic inns and hotels, and museums, with special events throughout the year. Further afield are working farms, the State Forest, and Edgartown Great Pond, offering a variety of recreational pursuits.
Edgartown locations of interest
The Old Whaling Church, the Edgartown Lighthouse, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, South Beach, and the adjacent island of Chappaquiddick are among Edgartown's most-visited sites.
For more information on Edgartown, please visit the Edgartown Board of Trade website.
Edgartown beaches
Edgartown has miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, each with a different personality:
- Bend-in-the-Road (aka State Beach) follows Beach Road along Nantucket Sound toward Oak Bluffs, with gentle lapping waves and plenty of roadside parking
- South Beach in Katama faces the Atlantic Ocean and has a wide, long expanse of sand, parking and easy shuttle bus access, and often crashing surf
- Lighthouse Beach overlooks the entrance to Edgartown harbor, a peaceful spot for picnicking by the lighthouse and watching the sailboats go by, an easy walk from downtown
- Fuller Street Beach is a small, quiet beach tucked away between Eel Pond and the Edgartown Lighthouse, great for catching the sunrise over Nantucket Sound
- Chappaquiddick's beaches, operated by The Trustees of Reservations, are dramatic, ever-changing, and off the beaten path
Many Vineyard beaches are open to the public, and some are only available to town residents and their guests. Please inquire at the front desk and we'll help you find the best beach for you! To get you started, here's a map of island beaches. Hob Knob has beach chairs, umbrellas, water bottles, and more. Our Momentum seven-speed cruiser bikes are perfect for getting to the beach and back. Don't forget the sunscreen!
Edgartown farms
Edgartown’s fertile land supports many working farms, including Morning Glory Farm, Chappaquiddick’s Slip Away Farm, and the FARM Institute in Katama, among others. Katama Bay is home to several commercial oyster farmers whose briny crop is available in island markets and by direct sale.
See Martha’s Vineyard’s farm map for details, locations, and contact information. We’re happy to arrange a custom farm tour with culinary experiences for you and your guests. For information, please call us at 800-696-2723 or 508-627-9510, or e-mail us.
The Edgartown landscape
Stretching from the Manuel Correllus State Forest in the center of the island to Chappaquiddick at its southeastern point, from the great ponds on the south shore to the gently lapping waters of Nantucket Sound to the east, Edgartown is the largest town on Martha’s Vineyard. Bird-watching, golfing, hiking, swimming, sailing, fishing, shopping, dining, relaxing, and more – there's something for everyone here! Ask about our Momentum seven-speed cruiser bikes, and we'll send you off in style.
Photo Credits:
Ferry courtesy L.A. Brown Photography
Farm courtesy Larry Glick
Island aerial courtesy Larry Glick
Plan your vacation to Martha's Vineyard
The Vineyard is a Destination…to Hob Knob is a Way of Life….see why!
“Martha’s Vineyard is a magical place, and Hob Knob offers the perfect base for exploring the island, or celebrating a special occasion.”
- Diane M. Carr