Things To Do in Edgartown
Walk North Water Street to the lighthouse, bike or bus to Katama Beach, cross to Chappaquiddick, and read Edgartown's whaling history in its white captain houses and brick sidewalks.
Four essential Edgartown experiences
Historic village, Atlantic beach, Chappaquiddick, and harbor water
The village is compact, but Katama and Chappaquiddick pull in opposite directions. Give each outing enough time for its own transport, weather, and shoreline conditions.
North Water Street and Edgartown Lighthouse
Walk from Memorial Wharf past whaling-era captain houses to Fuller Street Beach and the lighthouse at the harbor entrance.
Katama Beach, also called South Beach
South of the village, an Atlantic-facing shore offers a beach outing distinct from the sheltered harbor.
Chappaquiddick and Mytoi
Cross from Memorial Wharf on the small ferry, then continue by bike or car toward Mytoi and the island's salt-marsh roads when access conditions cooperate.
Historic Main and South Water streets
Look beyond the shops to the Vincent House area, brick sidewalks, gardens, and the architecture left by Edgartown's nineteenth-century whaling wealth.
Read the whaling town in its surviving streets
Main Street leads toward Memorial Wharf; North Water Street continues past captain houses and gardens; South Water Street holds more of the old village fabric. Together they explain why Edgartown looks different from Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven.
Katama replaces harbor calm with Atlantic surf
Katama Beach faces open ocean south of town. The bike path and seasonal bus make a car optional, but wind, rip-current risk, and limited shade matter more than the short mileage suggests.
Bring water, sun protection, a towel, and a waterproof phone pouch for the beach and the ride back.
A first day without a car
Walk Main and North Water streets, continue to the lighthouse, then use seasonal VTA Route 8 or a bicycle for South Beach at Katama before returning to town. Check the current bus timetable for the return trip.
A Chappaquiddick day
Cross early, verify Mytoi hours and current refuge or beach access, and return before ferry lines interfere with a dinner reservation.
A rainy or windy day
Use the Martha's Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven, Edgartown's historic streets and shops, or an island tour rather than forcing exposed beach time.
Guide picks
Martha's Vineyard tours
Marthas Vineyard Island Tour
Explore Edgartown and Martha's Vineyard highlights on a guided island tour showcasing scenic views and local landmarks.
Best of Marthas Vineyard 3 Hour Full Island Tour
Explore Edgartown and the full island of Martha's Vineyard on a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour highlighting key sights and local charm.
Electric Bike Tours On Marthas Vineyard The Happyness Factor
Explore Edgartown and Marthas Vineyard effortlessly with guided electric bike tours offered by The Happyness Factor.
Private Guided Sightseeing Tour of Marthas Vineyard Island 2 Hours
Explore Edgartown’s highlights on a private 2-hour guided sightseeing tour of Martha's Vineyard Island.
GetYourGuide activities
More bookable experiences
Compare this island tour's meeting point and schedule before booking.
Martha's Vineyard: 6 Town Island Group Tour
A small-group 3-hour island tour covering Martha’s Vineyard’s six towns, with local-guide commentary, seaside views, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Menemsha, Aquinnah cliffs, and other island highlights.
South Beach note: Tents are not permitted at South Beach. Skip the tent suggestions in the broader beach gear guide for this outing; check the town's current beach rules.