8 Best Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard in Winter
Martha’s Vineyard is one of the top destinations in Massachusetts. But did you know it is open year-round with fun winter activities? Although many people only visit in the summer, there are many things to do on Martha’s Vineyard in the winter.
And the best part? You can enjoy the beautiful island without crowds and spend less money since it is the off-season. We loved visiting Martha’s Vineyard in the winter because it was far less crowded and cheaper than peak season. Trust me, it is not any less beautiful in the winter!
Visiting Martha’s Vineyard in winter is magical! Whether you want to explore lighthouses, cross-country ski, visit an alpaca farm, or eat delicious food, there is something to do for everyone on Martha’s Vineyard in winter! This guide has everything you need to know about visiting, including the best things to do on Martha’s Vineyard in winter!
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Tips for Visiting Martha’s Vineyard in Winter
Research what is closed. Many businesses are only open during the peak season, so I recommend researching what has closed. It will allow you to plan and pack everything you need before heading to the island.
Buy your ferry tickets in advance. The only ferry that is open year-round is Steamship Authority. These ferries leave from Woods Hole near Falmouth and are about 45 minutes long. I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to secure your spot. Although winter is not a popular time to visit Martha’s Vineyard, the ferries still fill up, so you should purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Bring your car. Although Martha’s Vineyard has a year-round public transportation system, I highly recommend bringing your car on the ferry with you. It is much easier to drive yourself around the island and be on your schedule. And the best part? It is less expensive to bring your car on the ferry in the winter than in the other seasons!
Be prepared with the appropriate winter clothing. The weather in Martha’s Vineyard in winter can change quickly, so it is crucial to pack layers. Winters are cold in Martha’s Vineyard, and you should pack warm clothes and jackets for your adventures.
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Where to Stay on Martha’s Vineyard in Winter
Although some properties close in the off-season, there are still many hotels that offer great places to stay on Martha’s Vineyard in winter! Whether you want to stay in the downtown area or a quiet neighborhood, there are accommodations for everyone!
The Best Things to Do on Martha’s Vineyard in Winter
Lighthouses
Martha’s Vineyard has five lighthouses around the island but only four are open to the public. And the best part? You can visit them year-round! Although you may not be able to explore the insides of the lighthouses, you can walk around the grounds and take in the beauty of each! Many of these lighthouses do not have large parking lots or are in residential neighborhoods, so please make sure to only park in appropriate areas and respect those who live there. Here are the lighthouses you should visit on Martha’s Vineyard in winter!
Gay Head Light
Edgartown Harbor Light
East Chop Lighthouse
Cape Poge Lighthouse
Aquinnah Cliffs
One of the most beautiful areas to visit on Martha’s Vineyard in winter is Aquinnah Cliffs. It is one of the most photographed areas on the island, for good reasons! These stunning cliffs have a rainbow of clay, making them multi-colored and stand out against the turquoise ocean water. You can enjoy the cliffs from an overlook or walk along the beach beneath them. No matter how you decide to explore Aquinnah Cliffs, they will quickly become one of your favorite things to do on Martha’s Vineyard in winter!
Martha’s Vineyard Beaches
Although you may not be able to swim on Martha’s Vineyard in winter (unless you want to do a cold plunge!), you can still enjoy the beaches. Many beautiful beaches are open year-round and make perfect places to walk or watch the sunrise and sunset. The sunrises and sunsets on Martha’s Vineyard in winter are stunning and usually have pink clouds! You also have a chance to see some of the wildlife on Martha’s Vineyard on the beaches if you are lucky! Here are a few of the best beaches to visit on Martha’s Vineyard in winter:
Lucy Vincent Beach
Squibnocket Beach
Lambert’s Cove Beach
Philbin Beach
Island Alpaca Company
If you want to visit cute animals, look no further! The Island Alpaca Company is a large farm on Martha’s Vineyard with alpacas! The farm offers a variety of things, including a chance to meet their alpacas. They are open daily year-round, and you can visit their cute alpacas and gift shop in the winter! Visiting Island Alpaca Company is a fun winter activity on Martha’s Vineyard!
Martha’s Vineyard Downtowns
If you want to shop or eat delicious food during your winter getaway on Martha’s Vineyard, you have a few places to choose from! The three main downtown areas are Oaks Bluff, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown. All three downtowns have shops, cafes, and restaurants that are open year-round! You can enjoy a winter stroll in the downtown areas, buy gifts for your family, and eat delicious food with beautiful views!
Martha’s Vineyard Museum
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is a great thing to do on Martha’s Vineyard in winter if you want to get out of the cold and learn more about its history. Even if you are not a history buff, you will enjoy walking through the history of Martha’s Vineyard and its diverse heritage. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is a fun thing to do for the entire family!
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want to hike in a beautiful area with opportunities to see wildlife, you should visit Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary! The 350-acre sanctuary has four miles of trails for the entire family, bringing you through meadows, marshes, ponds, and woodlands. With over 100 species of birds, there are many opportunities to see different birds on your hikes year-round!
Cross-Country Ski
One of the best things to do on Martha’s Vineyard in winter is cross-country skiing. There are 30 areas throughout the island that offer cross-country ski trails, with two of the best places being Manuel F. Correllus State Forest and Long Point Wildlife Refuge. The Manuel F. Correllus State Forest has over 5,000 acres with miles of trails that are great for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The Long Point Wildlife Refuge has over 600 acres with a few miles of trails perfect for winter hiking and cross-country skiing. With plenty of properties throughout the island offering cross-country ski trails, it is one of the best things to do in winter!
If you want to visit Martha’s Vineyard in winter, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your getaway! It has everything you need to know, including the best things to do on Martha’s Vineyard in winter.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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