This is a pretty broad question since everybody will get something different out of a Martha’s Vineyard tour. However, most people would say that the island is known primarily for its natural beauty. Windswept beaches, seaside cliffs, open marshlands – Martha’s Vineyard has it all. Film buffs might recognize the island’s quintessential New England look from Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, where Martha’s Vineyard stood in for the movie’s fictional setting of Amity Island.
Just like the island in Jaws, Martha’s Vineyard is most famous for its beaches. Unlike some nearby areas, Martha’s Vineyard has beaches of all different kinds, including rock beaches, sandy ones, marshland shores, and more. We highly recommend stopping by South Beach, just outside of Edgartown, as well as the beaches up near Aquinnah. The northern part of the island also features some cliffs overlooking the ocean which make for great photo opportunities.
Once you’ve had your fill of the beaches, you can spend time in Martha’s Vineyard’s charming seaside villages, including Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. The former is the largest town on the island and features the best shopping with a downtown that still manages to hold on to the rustic aesthetic of the island. Oak Bluffs, meanwhile, is home to the oldest continually-running carousel in the United States.
If you’re looking for a little high society, you can keep an eye out for the many celebrities who have houses on Martha’s Vineyard. Since New York is only a few hours away, this place has long been a favored getaway for the rich and famous. Larry David, Spike Lee, and the Obamas are just a few of the famous faces who frequent the island, especially during the summer.
If you want to make the most of your trip to the island, we recommend taking our Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving Tour, available through the Action Tour Guide app.
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