One day, one ferry, one unforgettable meal. Our full Martha’s Vineyard day trip guide from Cape Cod, stop by stop.
If you don’t already know, Rich and I met while we both lived in Boston, and Rich’s family still lives in the area! During a recent family visit and stay in Cape Cod, we decided to carve out one day just for us. So Rich and I took the out to Falmouth, packed up for the day, and did the whole island in a single trip. No overnight bag, no hotel; just a ferry ticket and a plan. If you’re staying anywhere on Cape Cod this summer, Martha’s Vineyard belongs on your list, and you genuinely do not need more than a day to fall in love with it.
This isn’t our first New England food adventure (you can see my Maine guide for more ideas). We’re still talking about the hermit cookies we picked up on our last Cape Cod trip, and the Vineyard gave us an entirely new list of unforgettable bites. Here’s exactly how we spent our day, island-hopping included.
Getting There: Skip the Hyannis Ferry
Island Queen Ferry from Falmouth Harbor: A friend who does this trip every summer gave us the tip, and it changed everything: skip the Hyannis ferry. Falmouth is closer, cheaper, and faster, and crossing only takes 35 minutes. Get there early to park and grab a spot on the upper deck. If the weather is good, sit up top the whole way. Watching the island come into view is half the fun!
Getting Round: Rent Bikes the Second You Land
All Star Bike Rentals, Oak Bluffs: This is steps from the dock, and we had four bikes ready to go the second we landed. It’s the easiest bike rental process we’ve found anywhere, and there’s a shop right across the street to grab water and use the restroom before you hit the paved bike path.
The Bridge Everyone Stops For
Jaws Bridge: Yes, we stopped. Yes, we watched people jump. This bridge was filmed on the island in 1974, and 50 years later people still line up to jump off it. The boys were obsessed, and honestly, so were we.
The Most Delicious Lunch
Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine, Oak Bluffs: This was the find of the trip. An island known for lobster rolls, and the best meal we had all week was oxtails and jerk chicken. Completely unplanned, completely unforgettable. If you only take one recommendation from this list, let it be this one.
Shopping in Edgartown
Vineyard Vines, Edgartown: The original store, opened July 4, 2005. There’s something about buying the whale where the whale was born. Asher and Jacob were obsessed. Here are a few of our favorite pieces from this season.
Nell, Edgartown: I found the cutest lobster dress and a strawberry top here. If you love a good coastal wardrobe moment, this shop is a must.
The Black Dog General Store: This was the boys’ favorite stop of the day. Iconic Vineyard gear, and now half our closets are Black Dog shirts.
Dinner on the Harbor
The Seafood Shanty, Edgartown: Dinner on the deck, right over the harbor, before catching the ferry home. Order the lobster roll, watch the boats, and don’t rush it. This is the moment to slow down before the day ends.
Tips for a Successful Day Trip
- Book your ferry tickets in advance. Especially in July and August, the Island Queen fills up fast on both directions. Round trip tickets in hand mean one less thing to think about once you’re on the island.
- Rent bikes before you eat. Oak Bluffs is walkable, but a lot of the best stops are spread between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Bikes make the whole day faster and honestly more fun with kids.
- Build in time for one thing you didn’t plan. Our best meal of the trip wasn’t on any list. Leave room in the day for a place that just looks good when you walk by.
- Pack cash and a phone charger. Some of the smaller shops and food stops move faster with cash, and you’ll be taking more photos than you expect.
Hi, I’m Liz!
Hey there, I’m Liz Della Croce and I’m thrilled to have you here! My aim is to motivate and ignite your passion for cooking amazing meals for your loved ones. I believe in the power of real, wholesome ingredients that are bursting with flavor and won’t break the bank. Whether it’s a traditional Lebanese recipe from my family or a culinary creation from across the globe, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that nutritious food can be exciting, affordable, and easy to prepare.
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