martha's vineyard lighthouse tour

Updated March 20, 2024

17 Minute Read

The Five Treasured Lighthouses of Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is home to five distinct lighthouses which offer a glimpse into the island's significance as a famed whaling and fishing hub in the 1800s.

Martha's Vineyard is home to five distinct lighthouses and their unique character and histories offer a glimpse into the island's significance as a famed whaling and fishing hub in the 1800s. A visit to any one of our lighthouses reminds visitors of the days long before GPS and electronic navigational systems.

From the early 18th to the mid-19th century the whaling industry was big business on Martha's Vineyard and the surrounding areas off of Cape Cod, Nantucket, and the South Coast. Before the construction of the Cape Cod Canal, the waters of Martha's Vineyard were nautical superhighways for mariners to pass through en route to the large port cities of Boston and New York. Each one of Martha's Vineyard lighthouses were constructed at a time when lamps and lenses served as important beacons for navigational assistance, to help boat captains avoid dangerous coastlines and help ensure safe entry to harbor.

The island's captains and crews were some of the most sought-after mariners in the industry and there was an abundance of whales off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. At a time when whaling and fishing were significant contributors to the island's economy, our five lighthouses provided critical support and safety to some of the busiest waterways in New England.

The Cape Poge Light: Worth the Trip to Get There

The Cape Poge Light is one of the oldest lighthouses and also the hardest to reach. The Cape Poge Light is located on the northern tip of Cape Poge, a barrier beach on Chappaquiddick , a small peninsula and occasional island off of Edgartown. The Cape Poge Light sits on land straddled between Cape Poge Bay and Nantucket Sound. Those wanting to visit the Cape Poge Light will likely need to begin their excursion with a ride aboard the Chappaquiddick Ferry .

Cape Poge constitutes the farthest eastern shore of Martha's Vineyard, with Cape Cod to the north and Nantucket to the south and east, making it a particularly vulnerable spot that once saw an impressive amount of maritime traffic.

The Cape Poge Light was first erected in 1801, when it helped guide ships through the nearby shoals and shallows and safely into Edgartown Harbor . Erosion of the coastline and harsh storms caused the structure to be rebuilt three times, once in 1838, again in 1844 and again in 1893. The area is so fragile and susceptible in fact that the Cape Poge Light has been moved seven times because of erosion, the most recent in 1986 when it was moved 500 feet inland, a project that involved the use of a helicopter.

Did you know?

Due to harsh storms and erosion, the Cape Poge Light has been rebuilt three times and moved seven times in its history.

Today the Cape Poge light is a stately white wooden shingled tower with a black lantern and a bright red door on the outside, and an impressive, curving staircase on the inside. The lighthouse is still operational and its Fresnel lens flashes a bright white light some 60 feet above the sand dunes and can be seen as far as nine miles out to sea, and it's now solar powered! The Cape Poge Light is managed by the Trustees of Reservations , while the U.S. Coast Guard maintains the lantern, which has been automated since 1943.

Visiting the Cape Poge Light

One of the best ways to explore and appreciate the Cape Poge Light is by joining the Trustees of Reservations for an over the sand lighthouse tour during the summer months. In fact the only way to access the lighthouse is to drive a 4x4 vehicle with the proper oversand pass, and sometimes even that isn't an option given beach closures due to ongoing weather and wildlife conditions. Brave adventurers can also attempt the walk along the sand from Dike Bridge to the Cape Poge Light, an approximate 3.4 mile walk.

No matter how you get there it's worth the extra logistics to make the trek. Once there imagine yourself as the original lightkeeper, dutifully keeping the whale oil lamp in the tower lit while living in one of the most remote parts of Martha's Vineyard. In fact the first lightkeeper was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1801 and continued to raise eight children in the nearby lightkeeper's house, with practically nothing else around for miles. Several other lightkeepers continued in the post through 1943 when the light became automated.

Edgartown Harbor Light: A Shifting Landscape, A Repurposed Structure

Located across Edgartown Harbor from the Cape Poge Light you'll find the Edgartown Harbor Light occupying a more protected patch of sand on an inlet off of Edgartown village, and residing on a beach aptly named Lighthouse Beach.

History of the Light

The original Edgartown Harbor Light was built in 1828 and featured a white light shining from a lantern room atop a two-story keeper's house. The structure was built on a man made artificial island a quarter mile out to sea and was originally accessible only by boat. Two years later a wooden causeway was built to connect the lighthouse to the shore. The bridge out to the lighthouse was repaired and rebuilt several times over the years and became a popular place for swimming and leisure.

In 1938 the U.S. Lighthouse Service announced plans to replace the existing light and keeper's house with an automatic light atop a steel skeleton tower and locals were outraged. Islanders and summer visitors alike believed that the tower and bridge held great scenic and historic value and the harbor would not be the same without them. Later that same year an alternative plan was put in place. A lighthouse from Ipswich, Massachusetts, scheduled to be decommissioned, would be moved to Edgartown. The incoming lighthouse was a stately and charming white tower which helped to appease those against the steel tower replacement.

Before the outgoing lighthouse could be removed it suffered one last storm which caused damage to the bridge and the lighthouse's foundation, causing a delay in renovation plans. Shortly thereafter the foundation was repaired in preparation for the new lighthouse's arrival.

In December 1938 the original lighthouse was demolished and in April 1939 the disassembled lighthouse arrived by barge from Ipswich. Over the next month the tower was reassembled and a red lamp installed in its lantern to light the way into Edgartown Harbor. The new shape of the Edgartown Harbor Light stood proud and picturesque.

In the 1950s a stone breakwater, built parallel to and just north of the bridge, began to trap sand, forming what would become Lighthouse Beach. The new stone breakwater built parallel to the bridge had led to a barrier beach beginning to develop around the base of the lighthouse. No longer does the Edgartown Harbor Light stand alone on an isolated island, accessible only by bridge.

Over the years, hurricanes and winter storms have pounded the shores of Martha's Vineyard, causing sands to shift and shorelines to be reshaped. Since the 1950s a barrier beach has gradually grown up around the lighthouse.

Refurbishing the Lighthouse

Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several rounds of updates and restoration work. In 1988, it was refurbished and received a fresh coat of paint. The historic fourth-order Fresnel lens in its tower was replaced by a solar-powered modern optic lens in 1990. Further updates were made in 2007, when a spiral staircase was added, allowing the lighthouse to be opened to the public for the first time.

Conserving the Lighthouse

The Martha's Vineyard Museum has acted as stewards of the Lighthouse since 1993. According to the Martha's Vineyard Museum, shortly after the Coast Guard declared the lighthouse no longer "mission-critical" in 2012 ownership of the lighthouse transferred to the town of Edgartown, with the Museum continuing to act as stewards.

In 2001 The Museum created the Children's Memorial to memorialize children lost too soon. The Museum hosts annual ceremonies of remembrance in honor of the children included.

Families can have their child's name carved into a granite cobblestone and placed permanently into the foundation of the lighthouse. People from all over the world have embraced the Memorial and aided in its development.

Visiting the Edgartown Harbor Light

In addition to being an iconic landmark the Edgartown Harbor Light is open to the public in the summer months and is available as an event venue, making it a popular wedding location. Popular town events incorporate the structure, including Edgartown's Pink & Green Weekend where the lighthouse is decorated in pink and green and Christmas in Edgartown , which brings the annual lighting of the lighthouse. Edgartown Fourth of July festivities also include a brilliant fireworks display in front of the lighthouse, which brings droves of visitors and residents alike.

The Edgartown Harbor Light is one of the most convenient lighthouses to visit on foot and is an easy walk from downtown Edgartown. You can most easily access the Edgartown Harbor Light from North Water Street across from the historic Harbor View Hotel. Parking is available, but limited, on North Water Street. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) buses drop off on Church Street in Edgartown and it is a 10 minute walk to the lighthouse from this location. The lighthouse is open seasonally for public tours administered by the Martha's Vineyard Museum .

Gay Head Light: A Beacon of Light but also History and Community

The Gay Head Light is the oldest lighthouse on Martha's Vineyard and its story is a fascinating and precarious one. The lighthouse stands high atop the majestic red clay cliffs of Aquinnah, a National Historic landmark and one of the most scenic views on the East Coast.

Protecting Against Shipwrecks

In the late eighteenth century authorities determined that something needed to be done to assist in navigating a steep underwater ledge with strong tidal currents that was running from the cliffs westward out into Vineyard Sound towards Cuttyhunk. At the same time it was the height of the whaling boom and the waterway was one of the busiest in all the country.

To those familiar with the waters surrounding the Gay Head Light there is a ledge known as Devil's Bridge, and for good reason; it's a precarious rocky shoal that has claimed ships and lives, while also being a consistently reliable fishing spot for many of the same reasons that make it so dangerous. Even once the lighthouse was erected the area continued to see devastating shipwrecks including one of New England's most significant marine tragedies, the sinking of the City of Columbus in 1884.

In 1799 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts deeded two acres to the federal government for the site of the Gay Head Lighthouse. It's said that the construction of the original Gay Head Light took the work of some of our country's founding fathers. According to Martha's Vineyard Magazine “President John Quincy Adams signed the document that officially took two acres of land above the cliffs for the purpose of a lighthouse on July 1, 1799, and the light went into service in November that same year. Alexander Hamilton cut the check that paid for the wooden structure. Paul Revere supplied the metal used in the roof.”

The original Gay Head Light was built on its site in Aquinnah at the extreme western end of Martha's Vineyard as a wooden structure in 1799. In 1844, due to the constant eroding of the cliffs, the tower had to be moved back approximately 75 feet from the edge of the bluff. Drawing increasing importance as a beacon for mariners it was decided that the structure's light needed to be replaced with a lens light.

And not just any lens light but the award-winning Fresnel lens. After having been exhibited at the World's Fair in Paris the 1,008-prism Fresnel lens was installed in the Gay Head Light in 1856. Before the Fresnel lens the lighthouse's best lighting system could be seen for twelve miles, but the new lens allows light to be seen from an impressive twenty-one miles away, illuminating a bright flash every ten seconds.

With the addition of the Fresnel lens the lighthouse needed a structure to better support it and so a red brick tower was erected in place of the original wooden one. The bricks used to construct the new Gay Head Light were said to have been composed of clay harvested from the nearby cliffs or the nearby Chilmark Brick Works. The Fresnel lens was a First Order lens, the largest type built at the time of its installation, measuring seven feet in height and four feet wide.

The new and improved Gay Head Light of the 1800s was a sight to behold and tourists began flocking to the landmark to set eyes on its new lens and the gorgeous coastal cliffs below. The original interest in the lighthouse even spurred the development of nearby shops and restaurants that created additional appeal for visitors. At one time there was said to be a ferry that brought tourists from Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven to visit!

Conserving the Light

After spending nearly a century in the Gay Head Light, the Fresnel lens was replaced with an automated electric beacon and transported to the Martha's Vineyard Museum's Edgartown campus in 1952. Today it has been beautifully restored and is on full display at their Vineyard Haven campus and is a must-see attraction.

According to the town of Aquinnah, by 1956 the Gay Head Light was fully automated and the nearby lightkeeper's cottage was torn down. From 1956 to 1985, the automated Gay Head Light was sparingly maintained by the United States Coast Guard. Due to United States Coast Guard Congressional funding shortages through the 1970s and early 1980s, the Gay Head Light along with two other Martha's Vineyard lighthouses (East Chop Light and Edgartown Harbor Light) were listed for destruction. The three threatened lights on Martha's Vineyard were ultimately saved through the objecting federal petition and Congressional testimony.

Thanks to fundraising efforts, proceeds were applied to a major restoration of the Gay Head Light, and plans were made to open the light and grounds to the public. The Gay Head Light was reopened to the public in 1986 for the first time since its closure in 1956. In 1986 lighthouse tours and public lighthouse sunset gatherings once again became available to the community and visiting tourists.

Moving the Historic Aquinnah Lighthouse

While lighthouse admirers continued to visit the Gay Head Light year after year the wrath of Mother Nature continued to wreak havoc on our coastal shorelines and erosion has seriously threatened the Gay Head Light. In 2010 lighthouse keeper Richard Skidmore discovered 40 feet of split rail fence missing, a result of the fence posts falling victim to the erosion of soil and clay.

An investigation was quickly mounted to see whether the lighthouse could be protected in-place or if it had to be moved to safety. It was determined the light could be moved back at a cost between 1-3 million dollars, but it had to happen quickly.

Aggressive fundraising began and by the time of the move 3.4 million dollars had been raised for the project. All six Island Towns had contributed substantial funds, plus grant money and individual donations made it a true community effort. While the campaign to save the lighthouse took a couple years, the move itself was quick. By May 30th, 2015 the 400 ton brick Gay Head Light had been successfully moved 134 feet from where it had originally been built in just three days. On August 11th, 2015, Gay Head Light was re-lit at its new location, where it should stay safe from the impact of coastal erosion for at least the next one hundred years.

Visiting the Gay Head Light

Public tours of the Gay Head Light are available seasonally and are managed by the town of Aquinnah . Public parking is available beside the lighthouse and the Vineyard Transit Authority bus system is also accessible to this historic location.

East Chop Light: The Passion Project of a Local Captain

East Chop Light has a very interesting history. This iconic light sits atop a large bluff in Oak Bluffs on a peninsula known as East Chop. The location was first established as a privately owned signal, purchased and operated by Captain Silas Dagget in approximately 1869. The last of the lighthouses on the island to be erected, Captain Dagget built the lighthouse, and funded the project and its operation by collecting fees from those who benefited from its service.

The original lighthouse burned down just two years after its construction. In 1872 the second lighthouse was built on “Telegraph Hill.” Three years later it was purchased by the United States Congress, and became federally managed. The current day white cast iron conical lighthouse structure was built here in 1875.

In the 1970's-1980's many lighthouses across the country became far too expensive to maintain. Due to technological advancements in maritime navigation, by the 1980s, East Chop Light as well as two other island lighthouses (Edgartown, and Gay Head Lighthouses) were slated for demolition by the U.S. Government.

With a tremendous effort by state and federal legislators ownership of East Chop Light was transferred back to the private sector in 1985. This was the first instance in which an active lighthouse was transferred to a private entity in U.S. history. In 1987 East Chop Light was placed on the National Register of Historic Places .

Visiting the East Chop Light

Today this lighthouse is managed by the Martha's Vineyard Museum and has historically been open on Sundays for visitors. In 2021 the site was closed to the public due to lead contamination in the surrounding park; they are hoping to welcome visitors back to the property soon. There is limited street parking on scenic East Chop Avenue, where you can get a fantastic view of this lighthouse from outside the fence. There are also great views of this lighthouse from the water and it's a wonderful place to visit on a bicycle.

The West Chop Light: The Only Lighthouse Not Open to the Public

West Chop Light is prominently visible from the Steamship Authority ferry boats that come and go from Woods Hole. First established in 1817, the current white painted stone tower was built in 1896. Due to erosion, the current tower is over 1000ft south and west of the original 1817 light.

West Chop is one of two large peninsulas that protect Vineyard Haven Harbor. At the time the lighthouse was established, Vineyard Haven was known as “Holmes Hole,” one of the first modern settlements on the Island. The light was established to help guide vessels into the already working port in Holmes Hole.

The lighthouse was automated in the mid 70's, but the original buildings, including the keeper's house, still stand on the property. The well maintained buildings are also painted white with red roofs sitting roughly forty feet atop a large bluff. Today, this lighthouse is not open to the public, however it can be viewed from the road as well as from boats passing West Chop.

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Tips for Visiting All 5 Martha’s Vineyard Lighthouses

Martha’s Vineyard lighthouses are one of the things that keep travelers coming back. This idyllic island is one of the top draws of Massachusetts in the summer months, thanks to its beautiful beaches and peaceful environment.

Coastal New England ran much of the whaling industry in the 19th century, especially in New Bedford and Nantucket. Many of Martha’s Vineyard’s lighthouses were constructed to help whalers and fishermen find their way back to shore. Lighthouse keepers would move in to keep these men safe on the treacherous seas.

Today, of course, the whaling industry is long gone. But many of these beautiful lighthouses remain on Cape Cod, the Vineyard, and Nantucket — and they’re wonderful places to visit on your vacation.

Let’s take a look at the lighthouses of Martha’s Vineyard!

Table of Contents

West Chop Lighthouse

West Chop Lighthouse has been shining its light over Vineyard Sound since 1817. Over time, the lighthouse was subject to the surrounding erosion and was ultimately moved to its currently location on the northern edge of West Chop.

The first lighthouse keeper, Captain James Shaw West, and his wife, Charlotte, went on to have eleven children while living in this tiny house!

West Chop Light was the final Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse to be automated in 1976, and the original Fresnel lens is still in use here.

How to Visit West Chop Lighthouse: Unfortunately, the only way to see this historic lighthouse is from the road. The keeper’s house is uninhabited these days, but occasionally you can find the U.S. Coast Guard hanging out. It’s about a 35-minute walk from downtown Vineyard Haven, which makes a nice stroll if the weather is nice.

More fun things to do in Vineyard Haven: Vineyard Haven has a lovely downtown and in many ways feels more like a town for locals. Don’t miss the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, with its wonderful collections depicting history here from the earliest days of Wampanoag inhabitants.

East Chop Lighthouse

Also called the East Chop Light or Telegraph Hill Light, East Chop Lighthouse is one of the first lighthouses you’ll see when coming in on the ferry from Woods Hole. This lighthouse was originally built in 1878.

While originally painted white, it was subsequently painted a brown-red color and nicknamed the “Chocolate Lighthouse.” Later it was repainted white for weather concerns. Also, there’s a unique design element on the cast-iron tower — the top rails have tiny lighthouses around the edges!

How to Visit East Chop Lighthouse: East Chop Light is about a 25-30 minute walk from the center of Oak Bluffs. Keep in mind that it’s only open during the summer season. The lighthouse was closed in 2022 for renovation work, and we hope we’ll be able to visit again soon.

More fun things to do in Oak Bluffs: You can’t visit the town of Oak Bluffs without visiting the vibrant candy-colored gingerbread cottages surrounding the former Methodist campground! You can also enjoy the Flying Horses Carousel, a dip in the Atlantic Ocean at Inkwell Beach, and many fun shops and restaurants.

Edgartown Lighthouse

Edgartown Lighthouse, also known as the Edgartown Harbor Light, is one of the most special Martha’s Vineyard lighthouses to visit. The lighthouse was originally built in 1828 on a small man-made island about a quarter of a mile off-shore; in 1939, a new beach formed connecting the lighthouse to the mainland.

In more recent times, Hurricane Sandy flooded the entire beach surrounding the lighthouse, causing damage. Which reflects the precarious environment of all of the lighthouses today.

How to visit Edgartown Lighthouse: Most visitors walk over to the lighthouse, which is about a 10-minute walk from Edgartown. Admission is $5 and you can climb to the top.

More fun things to do in Edgartown: Edgartown is full of the most gorgeous, stately homes, which makes it a nice place to explore on foot. Eat at one of the cafes, do some shopping in the boutiques, or just sit by the water and watch the Chappy Ferry go back and forth!

Cape Poge Lighthouse

Cape Poge Lighthouse, originally built in 1802, is located in the Cape Poge Wildlife Reserve on Chappaquiddick Island. This lighthouse has been moved and rebuilt several times over the years to avoid being swept out to sea, with the current lighthouse looking over Nantucket Sound since 1922. Sometimes it’s called Cape Pogue Lighthouse.

Some fun facts about this lighthouse: in 1985 it became the first lighthouse to be moved by helicopter! And the original lighthouse keeper, Matthew Mayhew, was appointed by Thomas Jefferson and earned an annual salary of $200.

Today the Cape Poge Wildlife Reserve is home to some of the best wildlife in Martha’s Vineyard, including piping plovers and oystercatchers. If you’re a birder, you’ll want to visit here.

How to visit Cape Poge Lighthouse: This is the only lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard not accessible by road. Visitors to Cape Poge Wildlife Reserve can book lighthouse tours through the Trustees of Reservations from May 30-October 15.

If you book a tour with the Trustees, they’ll drive you across the beach in an oversand vehicle. If not, it’s a 3.5-mile journey — make sure you’re up for it!

More fun things to do on Chappaquiddick: Chappaquiddick is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. East Beach, right by the Dike Bridge, is a beautiful beach and a great place to soak up the sun for the day.

Don’t miss a stroll through the Mytoi Japanese-style gardens, and Wasque Point is home to one of the nicest beaches on Martha’s Vineyard. Just make sure you bring a packed lunch — there are no restaurants here!

Gay Head Lighthouse

The Gay Head Lighthouse will catch your eye immediately — it’s a rare red brick lighthouse, the only one on the Vineyard that isn’t painted white! This was the first lighthouse built on Martha’s Vineyard in 1796.

And it wasn’t always in this location. The lighthouse, also called the Gay Head Light or Aquinnah Lighthouse, was originally built close to the Aquinnah Cliffs. It was moved 134 further inland in 2015 over erosion concerns, and the lighthouse still keeps the light from this position today.

This is one lighthouse that you can visit, albeit in season. The Fresnel lens was installed in 1856, and you can see it in the Martha’s Vineyard Museum today.

How to visit the Gay Head Lighthouse: The Gay Head Lighthouse is open from late May through early October, usually 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Admission is $6 and kids under 13 are free. If you don’t want to go inside, the surrounding park is open to all for free.

More fun things to do in the town of Aquinnah: Here it’s all about the majestic Aquinnah Cliffs, which light up in shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown. The Aquinnah Cliffs, located in the westernmost point of the island, are spectacular to view at golden hour or sunset.

Also nearby is the Aquinnah Cultural Center, with exhibits about the Aquinnah Wampanoag and the Indigenous history of Martha’s Vineyard. Just beyond the center you’ll find the walking path to Moshup Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches with even more gorgeous cliffs.

Which Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse is your favorite?

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A Guide to Visiting the Lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard

Uncover a little bit of maritime history and visit one of the lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. There are five lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard, each offering their own unique look and story to tell. So, grab your camera and start exploring!

The West Chop Lighthouse

Built in 1817, the West Chop Lighthouse has since moved back from the edge of the 60-foot bluff to avoid slipping away to sea due to erosion and harsh weather. Located at the entrance of Vineyard Haven Harbor, the West Chop became the last lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard to be automated, although you can still see the original lens in operation. The former lightkeeper’s cottage is now vacant but often used by the U.S. Coast Guard. The best way to see the lighthouse is aboard a ferry to and from Woods Hole.

The East Chop Lighthouse

On the other side of the harbor at Vineyard Haven is East Chop in Oak Bluffs, where the East Chop Lighthouse lives. Here is the site of the first telegraph signals (thus the name Telegraph Hill), put up in 1828. The signals received from Nantucket were broadcast here for Woods Hole, South Plymouth, Duxbury, Marshfield, and Dorchester. While it stands today covered in white paint, it once was named the Chocolate Lighthouse for its brown-red color. The lighthouse is typically open seasonally on Sunday evenings around sunset and is run by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the lighthouse is closed for the 2020 season.

The Gay Head Lighthouse

The unique red-brick structure of the Gay Head Lighthouse stands out amongst the other lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. Located in the town of Aquinnah, the Gay Head Lighthouse sits dangerously close to the rugged seashore cliffs that make up this beautiful part of the island, where it was actually moved in 2015 to avoid being sent out to sea. The beautiful Fresnel lens was installed in 1856 and is now housed in the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. The lighthouse park is open to the public, but the interior is only open for tours seasonally.

Edgartown Lighthouse

Built in 1828, the Edgartown Lighthouse was raised on a small man-made island in the Edgartown Harbor. Originally, to access the lighthouse, one had to travel by boat, but now the lighthouse is surrounded by a beach formed in 1939 with a footbridge that brings you to its front doorstep. Major renovations in 2007 allowed for stairs to be added to the interior of the lighthouse, allowing it to be open to visitors.

The Cape Poge Lighthouse

Standing guard at the northeast end of Chappaquiddick Island, the Cape Poge Lighthouse is the island’s most remote light. Having been lost at sea several times, the lighthouse has been built and re-built over the years, with the current lighthouse (built in 1922) moved four different times since to avoid being swept out to sea. It also earned the distinction as the first lighthouse to be moved by helicopter in 1985.

Each of the lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard are accessible by road except the Cape Poge Lighthouse, and the West Chop Lighthouse is the only one not open to the public.

Stay at Menemsha Inn

Uncover a bit of history with a visit to these lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard and stay at Menemsha Inn. Always keeping the light on for you, our year-round charming inn is located in the 300-year old fishing village of Menemsha and offers the perfect Martha’s Vineyard retreat. Our accommodations feature ocean and garden views, with 15 delightful guest rooms, 12 cottages, and three vacation homes to choose from. Plus, our 30-acre property offers a beautiful setting with easy access to beaches, dining, and island activities. We look forward to having you!

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Martha's Vineyard Lighthouses

  Places To Go & Things To Do  

We have five historic lighthouses scattered throughout the Island. Some even give tours. All, of course, have great views.

Let’s start in the West Chop section of Vineyard Haven:

West Chop Light

Established in 1817, tower built 1891, is 45’ tall. Not open to the public and is presently owned by the U. S. Coast Guard. Easy to find by driving through Main Street in Vineyard Haven. The light is about 2 miles out of town on the right. I’ll bet you don’t miss it.

East Chop Light

East Chop Lighthouse stands on a bluff overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor. Erected in 1878 the tower is 40’ tall. This light is opened to the public for sunset tours. It is maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. They can be reached at 508-627-4441. Located on a beautiful vista on East Chop Drive. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view.

Edgartown Light

Located on Edgartown Harbor. Opened in 1828, the tower is 45’ tall. This light is open to the public for tours. Great fishing too. It is maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. They can be reached at 508-627-4441. Located at the end of North Water St on the right.

Onto the barge to Chappaquiddick:

Cape Poge Lighthouse

Opened in 1801, the tower is 63’ tall.This lighthouse has been moved and rebuilt several times, as have most of the other lighthouses on the Island, due to erosion from storms. Located on the tip of Chappaquiddick on the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. It is owned by the Trustees of Reservations. They can be reached at 508-627-3599. While you’re there, enjoy the beautiful beach and walking trails. It is also a birdwatchers dream.

Last but not least, onto Aquinnah:

Gay Head Light

First constructed in 1799 and is 51’ tall. As with other lighthouses on the Island, this one too, has been rebuilt and moved. The last time the light was moved was in 2015. In 2010, 40 feet of fencing on the edge of the cliff toppled into the water. It was decided then to move it. A Save the Gay Head Light Committee was appointed to decide how to move it and raise funds for the move. Opened to the public, the light is maintained by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, they can be reached at 508-627-4441.

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SIGHTSEEING TOURS

One Hour Tour

 Learn  about the down-island towns of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and  Edgartown. See Vineyard Haven's impressive harbor known for the  Steamship Authority Ferries. Experience the unique, brightly colored  gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, and learn the history of the   campground cottages. You'll see the oldest known working carousel in the  country, and gorgeous beaches. Your van will head to  historical  Edgartown where pristine whaling captain's homes align themselves with  Edgartown harbor. This picture perfect community is filled with rose  covered white picket fences and a show stopping lighthouse that has a  panoramic view of Chappaquiddick island. We'll also show you where  scenes from the movie "Jaws" was filmed.​ Private or Group Tours available.

Two Hour Tour

 This  tour includes everything in the one hour tour and much more. From  Edgartown, you'll venture into the up-island towns of Martha's  Vineyard beginning with West Tisbury. Here you'll see the famous Field  Gallery. Country roads will wind through the town of Chilmark, made  famous during President Obama's vacations. The quaint fishing village of  Menemsha is next on your journey. It's best known for spectacular  sunsets and lobster dinners on the beach. Private or Group Tours available. 

Three Hour FULL ISLAND TOURS

GROUP TOUR AVAILABLE at $55 per person.

 Private Tours also available. Call or e-mail to reserve. Includes  all SIX ISLAND TOWNS  and  will stop to view the breathtaking clay cliffs in Aquinnah, and the  wonderful fishing village in Menemsha.  These are great spots for taking  pictures and visiting gift shops

Custom Tours

 We will gladly offer suggestions to make your tour as unique and  pleasurable as possible. Ideas include visiting Island Glassworks to see  artists create hand-blown glass objects. For animal lovers, you may  want to take a trip to the Island Alpaca Farm. Perhaps shopping in  Edgartown, and a lobster lunch in Menemsha appeals to you.  

 We do take special requests for Jaws tours. Join a guide who was in the movie and see some of the areas where scenes from the movie were filmed.

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Edgartown Lighthouse

• East Chop Lighthouse
• Children’s Memorial
• View Exhibits
• View Events
• Evening of Discovery
• Join & Give
• Mission & History
• Staff & Board
• Fellowships

EDGARTOWN HARBOR LIGHT

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is privileged to be the steward of two of the Island’s lighthouses, including the Edgartown Harbor Light. Beyond its important functional role as an aid to navigation, this structure also offers visitors spectacular views of Edgartown Harbor, Chappaquiddick, and Cape Cod.

To learn more about the lighthouse, check out our virtual exhibit: Treasured Beacon: The Edgartown Lighthouse .

Summer Open Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm All Hours are Weather permitting

Adults: $5 children 12 & under: free.

MV Museum members are always free.

Parking is available, but limited, on North Water Street. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) buses drop off on Church Street in Edgartown. It is a 15-minute walk to the lighthouse from this location .

During visiting hours, the doors will be kept open and a lighthouse keeper will be available to provide information about the lighthouse and answer any questions during your visit. 

LIGHTHOUSE RENTALS

What could be more unforgettable than getting married or having a private party in the shadow of one of the island’s historic lighthouses.

To learn more about renting the Edgartown Harbor Light, please email [email protected] .

To reserve the lighthouse, please complete the Lighthouse Reservation Form . Your reservation is not confirmed until processed and confirmed by the Museum.

Events cannot be scheduled during times the lighthouse is open to the public.

The fee for use is $500 per hour for groups of 10 or fewer and $750 per hour for larger groups. 

SUPPORT THE LIGHTHOUSE

As the steward of the Edgartown and East Chop lighthouses, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is raising funds to maintain these functioning historic beacons. Admission and rental fees are used to help offset the costs of maintaining these structures. If you are interested in donating to the Museum’s efforts to preserve the lighthouses, please visit the Join & Give page for more information.

Cape Poge Lighthouse

Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts Built in 1802

On Chappaquiddick Island on the northeast point of the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, also referred to as Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, it is open for public tours to the lighthouse tower in the summer months, and the refuge itself.

Latitude: 41° 25' 10" N Longitude: 70° 27' 08" W

Historic Stories:

To help direct traffic with Edgartown's whaling business flourishing in the early 19th century, Congress provided funds to build a lighthouse at Cape Poge in 1802

Matthew Mayhew, the first keeper of the Cape Poge Lighthouse, and his wife Magdalen, were the parents of eight children, several of whom were born while the family lived at the two room lighthouse with one door. Cramped for living space for many years, the Mayhews children sometimes used the windows to enter and exit the structure. They finally had a third room added to the keeper’s house in 1816.

In December of 1834, Keeper Mayhew suddenly passed away. His successor, Lott Norton, could not reach the station for two weeks due to ice. During this period the schooner Hudson was wrecked at Cape Poge. Several passengers froze to death, including one who died after reaching the lighthouse. It isn't known if the light at Cape Poge was operating at the time of the wreck.

In August 1856, while Daniel Smith was Keeper, a young teenage girl was in a small boat, which was starting to fill with water, was being carried out with the tide. His young son heard the girl's cries for help and quickly grabbed some friends in another boat. They successfully rescued the young girl in time. Her grateful father contacted the Vineyard Gazette and published a note of thanks to the boy and his friends.

During a winter storm in January of 1866, a schooner ran aground on a sandy shoal near the lighthouse. Most of those on board perished from exposure as they clung to the icy rigging. As the storm wore on for days, the destroyed vessel was not recognized for nearly four days after the incident. One man survived, but in surviving with much frostbite, he had to have parts of his hands and feet amputated. He later ran a successful newsstand in nearby Oak Bluffs.

The reconstructed 1893 tower was moved first in 1907, then 95 feet inland in 1922, and then in 1960 it was moved back another 150 feet. The tower had to be moved back again about 500 feet from the eroding shoreline in 1987, by helicopter.

The lantern was restored to its near original condition in 1997 and continues to serve as an active navigational aid.

Places to Visit Nearby:

Edgartown is an upscale town with elegant buildings with architectual flare from the 19th and 20th centuries. To access the lighthouse on the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge on Chappaquiddick Island, vistors can take their vehicles on the ferry known as the "Chappy Ferry" across a tiny water inlet from Edgartown and its brick lined streets to the island. The ride takes about 5 minutes.

Chappy Ferry

Directions:

Another option allows visitors to take their own four-wheel drive vehicle to Chappaquiddick Island and drive to Mytoi Gardens, from where the tours start, purchase a permit, and then drive to the lighthouse.

• From Edgartown-Chappaquiddick ferry, which will take a few vehicles at a time, take Chappaquiddick Road for about two and half miles.
• At sharp right curve, continue straight on Dike Road (dirt road) for about a half-mile to Dike Bridge.
• Continue over Dike Bridge to Cape Poge gatehouse and entrance.

Contact Info: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge Phone: (508) 627-7689 E-mail: [email protected]

Ferries to Martha's Vineyard

Most of the ferries mentioned don’t pass by the lighthouse, but provide services to get to the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The Chappaquiddick Ferry operates between Edgartown’s Memorial Wharf and Chappaquiddick Island and provides quick service for visitors to explore Cape Poge lighthouse. The Trustees of Reservations provide land-based tours of Cape Poge lighthouse and the local wildlife refuge area. They also promote kayak tours, which are available to get views from the water.

Seastreak Ferry from New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard 49 State Pier New Bedford, MA 02740 (800) 262-8743

Hy-Line Cruises Hyannis-Oak Bluffs ferry; also Nantucket-Oak Bluffs ferry. 220 Ocean Street Dock Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601 Information: (508) 778-2600 Oak Bluffs (508) 693-0112 Hyannis-Nantucket ferry (508) 778-2602

Island Queen Ferry from Falmouth, Mass. 297 Dillingham Avenue, Falmouth, MA 02540. Phone (508) 548-4800.

Trustees of Reservations: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge / Wasque Reservation Tours of Cape Poge Lighthouse and wildlife refuge area. Dike Road, Chappaquiddick Island, Martha's Vineyard, MA 508-627-3599

Chappaquiddick Ferry Operates between Edgartown Memorial Wharf and Chappaquiddick Island daily, year-round. (508) 627-9427

Steamship Authority Ferries to both islands Vehicle Reservations Call: (508) 477-8600 Office Hours or (508) 693-9130 Fast Ferry Reservations: (508) 495-FAST (3278) Woods Hole: (508) 548-3788 Vineyard Haven: (508) 693-0367 Oak Bluffs: (508) 693-0125 Hyannis: (508) 771-4000 Nantucket: (508) 228-0262

Rhode Island to Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry Ferry from Quonset Point, Rhode Island to Oak Bluffs Marina on a high-speed catamaran. North Kingstown, RI 02852 Phone: 401-295-4040 Fax: 401-295-4930 Email: [email protected]

Island Tours

MVTour.com Bus and trolley tours of the island. (508) 693-1555 508-627-TOUR (8687) Charters 508-693-4681

Books to Explore

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Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites

Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Lighthouses

Before the Cape Cod Canal opened in 1914, Martha’s Vineyard and its surrounding waterways made up one of the busiest sea commerce areas in the world. Ships of all sizes battled ever-changing tides and underwater obstacles to carry goods to and from New England. Because of its unique geography, the Island became home to some of the U.S.’s first lighthouses, with construction authorized by the likes of John Quincy Adams, Alexander Hamilton and company. Five Martha’s Vineyard lighthouses still stand today, doubling as automated navigation signals and popular spots for visitors.

Edgartown Lighthouse

Just a 5-10 minute stroll down North Water Street from The Square and the center of Edgartown, Edgartown Lighthouse marks the entrance point to the harbor here in between Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick. It was originally built on a manmade island, though sand has long since filled in, creating a popular beach peninsula that protrudes from the Island. The staircase inside is open to visitors at certain times thanks to renovations in 2007. Edgartown Lighthouse is also available for private rentals and is a popular Martha’s Vineyard wedding venue .

Gay Head Lighthouse

This red brick structure atop rusty clay bluffs is the Island’s poster child. Aquinnah is one of the most naturally scenic spots in the nation, though its waters are among the most treacherous. An underwater ledge here, aptly named Devil’s Bridge, caused a significant number of historic shipwrecks. Those gorgeous cliffs are also constantly receding, too — Gay Head Lighthouse made national news in the spring of 2015 when it had to be moved 135 feet back from its previous position. Aquinnah’s powerful fresnel lens, a technological marvel in 1856, is currently on display at the MV Historical Society in Edgartown.

West Chop Lighthouse

West Chop is the first Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse you see from the Woods Hole ferry to either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. Built in 1817, it marks the western edge of the entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor. Though the surrounding land is privately owned, West Chop still makes for a good photo opportunity either from the boat or from land nearby.

East Chop Lighthouse

If you come down to the front desk and ask us where to catch a sunset (please do!), we’ll tell you that you don’t necessarily have to go all the way to Menemsha for a spectacular view. East Chop Lighthouse , which marks the eastern tip of Vineyard Haven Harbor, is a great spot. It’s open seasonally on Sunday evenings around sunset, but even if you can’t go in the lighthouse, you’ll find a great view nearby. If your timing is just right, you can stop here and watch the sunset on your way to the Vineyard Haven ferry at the tail end of your visit.

This Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse is tough to get to, but if you’re up for an adventure, it’s worth it. Cape Poge (rhymes with “rogue”) sticks out of the sand on the northern tip of Chappaquiddick and has been washed away by the sea at least three times since its initial construction in 1801. The Trustees of Reservations run tours here, including transportation across more than three miles of bog that separate it from the rest of civilization.

Guests at our Edgartown hotel can always come to the front desk for more information about Martha’s Vineyard lighthouses. For further reading, we recommend this article on mvy.com  and “ Illuminating Lighthouses ” from Martha’s Vineyard Magazine.

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Lighthouses

Martha’s Vineyard Attraction

Discover the island’s maritime history with a visit to a Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse. There are five lighthouses on the island, each offering their own unique look and story to tell.

The West Chop Lighthouse

Built in 1817, the West Chop Lighthouse is located at the entrance of Vineyard Haven Harbor. It was the last lighthouse on Martha’s Vineyard to be automated. The former lightkeeper’s cottage is now vacant and is used by the U.S. Coast Guard. The best way to view the lighthouse is riding the ferry to and from Woods Hole.

The East Chop Lighthouse

On the other side of the harbor in Vineyard Haven is the East Chop Lighthouse in Oak Bluffs, near Martha’s Vineyard Surfside Hotel . This is the site of the first telegraph signals used in 1828, thus the name Telegraph Hill.

The Gay Head Lighthouse

The Gay Head Lighthouse is located in the town of Aquinnah and rests dangerously close to the rugged seashore cliffs, where it was actually moved in 2015 to avoid being sent out to sea. The lighthouse park is open to the public year-round, but the interior is only open for tours on a seasonal basis.

Edgartown Lighthouse

The Edgartown Lighthouse was built in 1828, raised on a small man-made island in the Edgartown Harbor. Renovations over the years have made it possible to easily access via a sandy beach and stairs added to the interior to allow for viewing inside.

The Cape Poge Lighthouse

Found at the northeast end of Chappaquiddick Island, the Cape Poge Lighthouse is the island’s most remote light. Having been almost completely lost at sea several times, the lighthouse has been moved often, having gained recognition as the first lighthouse to be moved by helicopter in 1985.

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Cape Cod & the Islands Lighthouse Photography Tour

Information and photos of cape cod's historic lighthouses, billingsgate island light.

Bird Island

Bishop and Clerks Lighthouse

Brant Point Lighthouse

Butler Flats Light

Buzzards Bay Entrance Lighthouse

Cape Poge Lighthouse

Chatham Lighthouse

Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse

Cuttyhunk lighthouse.

Dumpling Rock Lighthouse

East Chop Lighthouse

Edgartown Lighthouse

Gay Head Lighthouse

Great Point Lighthouse

Highland Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Inn

Long Point Lighthouse

Monomoy Point Light

Nauset Lighthouse

Neds point lighthouse.

Nobska Lighthouse

Palmer Island Light Station

Point Gammon Lighthouse

Race Point Lighthouse

Sandy Neck Lighthouse

Sankaty Head Lighthouse

Stage Harbor Lighthouse

Tarpaulin cove lighthouse.

West Chop Lighthouse

Wings Neck Lighthouse

Wood End Lighthouse

Information compiled by Michaela Quigley

Lighthouses, billingsgate.

Built in: 1819 | Location: Marion

Built in: 1858 | Location: West Yarmouth

Built in: 1746 | Location: Nantucket

Built in: 1898 | Location: New Bedford

Built in: 1961 | Location: Buzzards Bay

Built in: 1801 | Location: Chappaquiddick, Martha’s Vineyard

Chatham Light

Built in: 1808 | Location: Chatham

Cleveland Ledge

Built in: 1943 | Location: Buzzards Bay

Built in: 1823 | Location: Gosnold

Dumpling Rock

Built in: 1828 | Location: South Dartmouth

Built in: 1878 | Location: Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard

Edgartown Light

Built in: 1828 | Location: Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard

Built in: 1799 | Location: Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard

Built in: 1784 | Location: Nantucket

Highland Light

Built in: 1855 | Location: Truro

Built in: 1961 | Location: Dennis

Long Point Light

Built in: 1826 | Location: Provincetown

Built in: 1823 | Location: Chatham

Nauset Light

Built in: 1838 | Location: Eastham

Built in: 1838 | Location: Mattapoisett

Nobska Light

Built in: 1829 | Location: Woods Hole, Falmouth

Built in: 1849 | Location: New Bedford

Built in: 1816 | Location: West Yarmouth

Built in: 1816 | Location: Provincetown

Built in: 1826 | Location: Barnstable

Built in: 1850 | Location: Siasconset, Nantucket

Built in: 1880 | Location: Chatham

Tarpaulin Cove

Built in: 1817 | Location: Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard

Built in: 1849 | Location: Bourne

Built in: 1872 | Location: Provincetown

©2024 Cape Cod Life Publications. All Rights Reserved.

Martha's Vineyard Full Island Tour

Available as Shared or Private Tours

What you will learn and see:

Oak Bluffs, A Victorian seaside resort that was built around the Methodist campgrounds. The campground is now known for its beautiful open air tabernacle and the 300 plus Victorian gingerbread cottages from the mid 1800’s, that replaced the tents once used for summer revival meetings. The Flying Horse Carousel one of the oldest platforms carousels still in use resides here.

Edgartown has a picture book setting with its harbor and waterfront, along with its stately white Greek Revival houses built by whaling captains and carefully maintained. The Old Whaling Church with its six massive columns, the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse, and the historic Harborview Hotel make Edgartown a museum piece community.

The busy harbor town of Vineyard Haven – entry port to Martha’s Vineyard since the mid 1600’s and our year-round port. You will drive through the scenic up-Island country-side passing through the historic farming towns of West Tisbury and Chilmark.

You’ll  stop for 15 minutes at the breathtaking multicolored clay cliffs of Aquinnah (Gay Head), with its impressive lighthouse where you will have an opportunity to get out, take pictures and stretch your legs.

Because the island is so diverse, on your drive you’ll catch glimpses of centuries old stone walls, views to the Atlantic shoreline, grazing livestock, rolling hills and historic homesteads. and will go over the bridge used in the filming of the movie Jaws.

This tour can be expanded to 4 or more hours as a private tour, including longer and/or more frequent stops,  customized  

All tours are available for  large, chartered groups  as well.

Our tour guides are all long time island characters who love sharing their love of the island with you, so sit back and enjoy all our island has to offer when you, come and tour with us.

Never hesitate to call (508) 939 1359 with any questions or for suggestions in building your own tour.

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Community Corner

Lighthouse tours to resume on martha's vineyard, pre-registration is required for guided tours that resume on july 15..

Scott Souza , Patch Staff

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA —The Trustees of Martha's Vineyard are planning to open their lighthouse and refuge to guided, in-person exploration and tours as of July 15 as part of the island's phase 3 reopening.

Both lighthouse tour and kayak rental registrations will be required this year as part of the coronavirus health crisis. Registration can be done here .

Permits are also required to drive oversand vehicles on the beach and can only be purchased online this summer. Permit purchasing can be done here .

Find out what's happening in Martha's Vineyard with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Permits can be picked up at the Mytoi gatehouse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the Vineyard Haven Office on State Road Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Park-and-walk tickets to Wasque and Cape Poge beaches must also be purchased in advance this year here. One pass gets you on to Wasque, Cape Poge and Mytoi garden.

The Trustees also announced additional beach and road openings after recent plover nesting . Once the plovers have fledged more areas of Norton Point and Wasque will be opened.

More Patch Coverage : Plover Chicks Hatching On Chappaquiddick

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More from Martha's Vineyard

welcome to martha's vineyard

Discover the island's timeless charm, coastal beauty, and unforgettable adventures.

Martha's Vineyard is a picturesque island paradise, just 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts but a world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is your trusted resource to plan a dream vacation, find the best hotel or home rental, recommend restaurants and businesses, and so much more!

Spring , summer , fall , or winter -- every season is the perfect time to Visit Martha's Vineyard.

How To Get Here

From Boston

Plan Your Stay

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Vineyard Haven

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Living on MV

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Visit Martha's Vineyard Blog

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Hiking Martha’s Vineyard: Discover the Island’s Best-Kept Natural Secrets

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Martha’s Vineyard: An Art Lover’s Paradise

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Western Mass.

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South of Boston

Cape cod & the islands have the most legendary lighthouses of them all.

Nobska Point Light at Woods Hole Harbor

Church Street Woods Hole, MA, 02543 Phone:

Location: Church Street

Gay Head Light (Aquinnah Light)

Location: Aquinnah (Gay Head) Cliffs, Martha's Vineyard

Brant Point Light

Location: Nantucket Island

Point Gammon Light

Great Island Road West Yarmouth, MA, 02673 Phone:

Wood End Light

Entrance to Provincetown Harbor Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone:

Location: West End of Provincetown

Cape Poge Light (Cape Pogue Light)

Location: Chappaquiddick Island

Wing's Neck Light

Location: East side of Buzzards Bay

Monomoy Point Light

Location: South end of South Monomoy Island

Long Point Light

Provincetown Harbor Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone:

Location: Cape Cod Bay / Provincetown Harbor

Race Point Light, northern tip of Cape Cod

Race Point Road Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone: 855-722-3959

Location: Northern tip of Cape Cod

West Chop Light

Location: Entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor, Martha's Vineyard

East Chop Light

Location: East side of Vineyard Haven entrance, Martha's Vineyard

Cleveland Ledge Light

Cleveland Ledge Channel Buzzard's Bay, MA, 02532 Phone:

Location: Cleveland Ledge Channel, Buzzards Bay

Highland Light on Cape Cod National Seashore

Highland Road North Truro, MA, 02652 Phone: 508-771-2144

Location: Cape Cod National Seashore, east side of Cape Cod

Hyannis Harbor Light (South Hyannis Light)

Hyannis Harbor Hyannis, MA, 02601 Phone:

Location: Hyannis Harbor

Great Point Light (Nantucket Light)

Location: Northeast point of Nantucket Island

Tarpaulin Cove Light

Location: Naushon Island (Elizabeth Islands)

Sandy Neck Light

Location: Entrance to Barnstable Harbor, Cape Cod

Three Sisters of Nauset

Cape Cod National Seashore Eastham, MA, 02642 Phone: 508-771-2144

Location: Off Nauset Road

Chatham Light at Chatham Harbor

Shore Road Chatham, MA, 02633 Phone: 508-430-0628

Location: Chatham Harbor, southeast corner of Cape

Nauset Light

Ocean View Drive Eastham, MA, 02642 Phone: 508-240-2612

Location: Ocean View Drive

Stage Harbor Light

Location: Stage Harbor, Harding's Beach, Nantucket Sound

Sankaty Head Light

Location: East coast of Nantucket

West Dennis Light at the Lighthouse Inn

1 Lighthouse Inn Road West Dennis, MA Phone:

On Lighthouse Inn Road

Ready to Book? 410.442.6872

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Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, & Nantucket Island

Marvelous sunsets, pristine beaches, historic windmills and America's "most scenic little island," together with Nantucket make up this charming vacation.

• Detailed Overview
• Tour Itinerary
• Accommodation Information
• Pick-up Points
• Departure Dates

Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, & Nantucket Island

Trip duration: 5 days, trip inclusions:.

Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

Tour Director

Overnight accommodations

Deluxe motorcoach transportation

Baggage handling and related gratuities

Trip Highlights:

Ferry service to martha's vineyard.

Take a scenic ride on the ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's vineyard. This convenient and comfortable ferry service, operated by the Steamship Authority of Cape Cod, takes approximately 45 minutes.

Martha's Vineyard Sightseeing Tour

Experience a guided sightseeing tour of Martha's Vineyard, where the island's rural charm, unhurried lifestyle, and rich seafaring heritage come to life. Tour through quaint towns adorned with sea captains' houses, built during the height of the whaling era. Visit Oak Bluffs, famous for its century-old gingerbread cottages, and enjoy a view of Chappaquiddick. In Edgartown, wander through narrow, winding streets filled with charming boutiques and delightful restaurants.

Round trip Ferry Service from Hyannis to Nantucket

Experience the Nantucket High-Speed Ferry by Hy-Line!

Step aboard and relax in the cabin's comfortable airline seating, plush couches, or at tables for six, all amidst wall-to-wall carpeting. Outside seating is available for those who want to soak up the sun or the ocean breeze.

Satisfy your cravings at the full-service snack bar, offering a variety of beverages including a full bar, along with light snacks and sandwiches.

Nantucket Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a fully narrated historic riding tour of Nantucket, America's most scenic little island. In just over an hour, become acquainted with the "Little Grey Lady," famous as the world's foremost whaling port in the 18th century. Explore nearly two-thirds of the island, including iconic landmarks such as The Old Mill, the charming "Sconset" Village adorned with rose-covered cottages, Low Beach, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, cranberry bogs, and the Nantucket moors.

Dune Riding Tour

Enjoy a one-hour narrated tour through the historic sand dunes of Provincetown's Cape Cod National Seashore Park. This fun and safe adventure takes place in an enclosed, air-conditioned Suburban, providing a comfortable ride over the sand "mountains" for 6-8 passengers.

Roll through the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District Sand Dunes, where you'll catch glimpses of Pilgrim Lake nestled among the dunes and the famous artists' dune shacks. Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide will share the fascinating history and ecology of these stunning dunes that have inspired countless artists and writers.

Cape Cod National Seashore Highland Lighthouse

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed a bill establishing the 27,700-acre Cape Cod National Historic Seashore to preserve the entire eastern shoreline in its natural state for future generations. The beaches here are remarkable, with wide, sandy expanses backed by dunes and stunning views, though the waters can be chilly.

In addition, the Cape Cod National Seashore is home to the iconic Highland Lighthouse, a historic beacon that has guided sailors along this rugged coastline since its establishment.

JFK Memorial

The John F. Kennedy Memorial, located on Ocean Street near Veteran's Park Beach, is a beautiful stone monument that overlooks Lewis Bay, a favorite sailing and fishing spot for the Kennedy family. This serene and picturesque site offers a moment of reflection and appreciation for the legacy of JFK.

It's an outdoor activity that only takes a few moments, making it a perfect stop to pay tribute to one of America's most beloved presidents while enjoying the scenic views of the bay.

Meal Information:

Dinner on Day 1 is included at the hotel.

Dinner will be served buffet style and features chicken picatta, roasted top sirloin with a demi glaze sauce, pasta primavera with Parmesan cheese on the side, garden salad, rolls & butter, with vegetables and potatos on the side. Dessert, coffee, and tea are also included. Gluten free info: The top Sirloin is made with a GF demi glaze Sauce. GF rolls and a GF dessert are also available.

Menus are subject to change.

Need to Know:

For the best experience on this tour, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as there will be some parts of the trip that involve extensive walking.

Accessibility:

Eyre Tours has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Travel to Hyannis, MA Lunch on own en route Four overnights at the Holiday Inn Cape Cod, Hyannis, MA Dinner at hotel

Breakfast included at hotel Round trip ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard Guided sightseeing tour of Martha's Vineyard Lunch on own Return to hotel Dinner on own

Breakfast included at hotel Round trip ferry service to Nantucket Guided tour of Nantucket Lunch and free time on own in Nantucket Return to hotel Dinner on own

Breakfast included at hotel Travel to Provincetown Guided riding tour of the historic sand dunes on the protected lands of the Provincetown Cape Cod National Seashore Park Lunch on own in Provincetown Photo opp of the Highland Lighthouse Stop at JFK Memorial in Hyannis Return to hotel Dinner on own

Breakfast included at hotel Check out Travel home Lunch stop (on own)

Holiday Inn Cape Cod Hyannis

The Holiday Inn Cape Cod Hyannis is located approximately 2 miles from Main Street, Hyannis.

The hotel features a restaurant & lounge, indoor & (seasonal) outdoor pools, whirlpool, and Fitness Room.

Guestrooms include coffee maker, iron/board, hair dryer, mini-refrigerator, and in-room safe.

Hotel is Non-Smoking. Please note, there are no cots available at this hotel.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

It is not possible to display the map. This may be due to Google Maps not being supported in your browser.

Pick-up Point Times

There are currently no departures available on this tour.

The website timed out while searching for the departure dates. Please try again.

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8 Reasons Why Summer Is The Best Time To Visit Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a Massachusetts island that has grown in popularity recently. It is a somewhat underrated destination although it has been a refuge for African Americans in the past . The island is a place of leisure that has plenty of things for people to do. It has many popular attractions and its lush nature is undeniably iconic. Martha’s Vineyard is a diverse, picturesque place with a distinct ambiance but some travelers may be caught up on exactly when to visit.

Martha’s Vineyard has many intriguing offerings and opportunities for travelers so it is no surprise that people find enjoyment there during the whole year. Its reputation and history have made it a staple for many different seasons, but especially during the summer. Martha’s Vineyard summers are the best time to visit when the island flourishes and is the most recognizable for many travelers.

Average Temperature This Time of Year

65-80 Degrees F

The best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard depends on what travelers would like to do there. Overall, the best time to visit the island is during the summer. This is when the weather is the warmest and considered the most idyllic. Summer is one of the most popular times for vacations, and even though the temperatures are relatively high, the weather continues to be enjoyable. The summers are usually warm, windy, and humid but are partly cloudy nearly year-round.

Travel Tip : The average surface water temperature in Martha’s Vineyard increases during July so aquatic activities are ideal during the summer.

Celebrity Sightings

While many people visit this destination for the beach, festivals, and art culture, it is also a popular place for celebrities. Celebrities like the Obamas and Spike Lee are said to frequent the area. Since the summer is the most popular time to visit Martha’s Vineyard, there is a chance that travelers will see a celebrity or two. There is much happening during the summer but since Martha’s Vineyard is a relatively high-profile place, visitors can get excited about who they will see there.

Travel Tip : Celebrity sightings are not irregular in Martha’s Vineyard since some celebrities have homes there. Visitors should respect the space of any celebrities that they may see.

Enjoy Nature

The nature in Martha’s Vineyard is something to marvel at, especially during summer. Visitors can partake in many different activities that will make them feel closer to the Earth. Martha’s Vineyard encourages agritourism, which is taking part in educational opportunities about agricultural production. People who are interested in Agritourism have plenty to do during a summer visit. People can do farm chores, enjoy hands-on culinary activities, and more. Martha’s Vineyard is home to around 50 different farms in less than 100 square miles so the opportunities are endless.

Travel Tip : Martha’s Vineyard’s Agricultural Fair is in August and showcases the island’s Agritourism experiences so it is a great opportunity for those interested in holistic living.

Learn About The Islands’ Intriguing History

Martha’s Vineyard has a unique cultural significance and intriguing history. The island has many museums and art galleries that nod to the complex past of the destination. Although the island was originally inhabited by the Native American Wampanoag people, it was also occupied by Europeans. It eventually became a summer haven for the Black community and still has Wampanoag tribe members. For over a century, it was common knowledge that the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard was during the summer. To this day, summer is still the best season to discover the distinct history of the area.

Travel Tip : Martha’s Vineyard Museum and Cottage Museum are the most popular options for visitors.

Community Events

Martha’s Vineyard is a popular travel destination and therefore has plenty for people to do. Visitors can choose from an assortment of fairs and markets during their vacation. In June, there is the West Tisbury Farmers Market and in July people can stop by the Edgartown Harbor for fireworks. Throughout June and August, it is usual for community readings of dramatic works to be read on Monday nights. Although Martha’s Vineyard is appealing to tourists, there is also a pretty solid local community that visitors can explore. Its welcoming community and seasonal ambiance make the summer ideal for a first-time visit.

Travel Tip : For visitors interested in community art events and showcases, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse website is a good resource.

Check Out Popular Restaurants

Travelers who visit Martha’s Vineyard during summer should try out the culinary offerings of the island. Many different eateries are popular in the area with both locals and tourists. Some of the most popular restaurants are Black Dog Bakery Cafe and Edgartown Harbor. Also, consider a stop at Back Door Donuts since it is a popular place to get a treat. People who would like to grab a quick drink can visit Offshore Ale Company and Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery.

Travel Tip : Many of the best restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard are within walking distance of each other so visitors have a great chance to explore as many as they’d like.

African American Film Festival

Martha’s Vineyard has a unique connection to Black culture and art. It has been a place of leisure for African Americans for years and is likely to be that for years to come. This festival is an opportunity for people to discover Black artists or film connoisseurs to find new favorites. People will likely enjoy the African American Film Festival, which occurs in August. This event is organized by Martha’s Vineyard Film Society and presents international filmmakers.

Travel Tip : All access passes for the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival 2024 cost $250 per person while general admission costs $15.

Since Martha’s Vineyard has a pretty active harbor, there are many tourism opportunities on the water available to visitors. Escape the crowds and opt for an island sailing tour instead. The most popular tours give visitors views of the lighthouses, tour the harbor, and provide insight into local wildlife and aquaculture. There are both day and sunset cruises available but standard tours typically take around two hours. These sightseeing tours provide unique tourism experiences to visitors and have proven to be a favorite.

Travel Tip : The best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard and take a boat tour is during sunset for the exquisite views.

Overall, there are many reasons to visit Martha’s Vineyard. The summer’s pleasant weather, ample things to do, and seasonal events are just a few selling points on why this vacation is worthwhile. Travelers who plan to visit the island during this time will not regret it. Martha’s Vineyard may even become a new favorite travel destination.

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533 Woods Hole Road,  Woods Hole, MA 02543

Mark Bogosian

Jeannie Fay

Waterside Real Estate LLC.

508-388-2003

Last updated:

August 28, 2024, 11:07 AM

About This Home

Walk to Woods Hole Village - New Construction Luxury Townhome with Stunning Views of Vineyard Sound & Martha's Vineyard. Welcome home to Lighthouse Station at Woods Hole, a 55+ community perched on 5.3 acres overlooking Little Harbor & Vineyard Sound. Enjoy this spacious, 2400+ SF 3 bedroom/3 bathroom 2-story townhome with an open concept great room & professionally designed kitchen. Watch the ferry as you sip your morning coffee on your deck or patio, or enjoy a quick walk to Woods Hole Village for lunch or dinner. Soaring 9' ceilings, gorgeous wood floors, custom cabinetry, Subzero/Wolfe/Cove appliances and professional landscaping are among the thoughtful finishes throughout this stunning townhome. Close to everything Woods Hole & Falmouth has to offer - don't miss your opportunity to live in this amazing seaside community. Price listed is for unit without furnishings.

Built in 2023

Price Summary

$794 per Sq. Ft.

Last Updated:

11 hour(s) ago

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Total Bedrooms:

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Full Bathrooms:

Living Area:

2,745 Sq. Ft.

Architectural Style:

Condominium

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8 Reasons Why Summer Is The Best Time To Visit Martha’s Vineyard

Travelers are rediscovering the brilliance and beauty of this island paradise. Here is the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard.

Sarah Rand • Aug 21, 2024

Martha’s Vineyard is a Massachusetts island that has grown in popularity recently. It is a somewhat underrated destination although it has been a refuge for African Americans in the past . The island is a place of leisure that has plenty of things for people to do. It has many popular attractions and its lush nature is undeniably iconic. Martha’s Vineyard is a diverse, picturesque place with a distinct ambiance but some travelers may be caught up on exactly when to visit. 

Martha’s Vineyard has many intriguing offerings and opportunities for travelers so it is no surprise that people find enjoyment there during the whole year. Its reputation and history have made it a staple for many different seasons, but especially during the summer. Martha’s Vineyard summers are the best time to visit when the island flourishes and is the most recognizable for many travelers.

Average Temperature This Time of Year

• 65-80 Degrees F

The best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard depends on what travelers would like to do there. Overall, the best time to visit the island is during the summer. This is when the weather is the warmest and considered the most idyllic. Summer is one of the most popular times for vacations, and even though the temperatures are relatively high, the weather continues to be enjoyable. The summers are usually warm, windy, and humid but are partly cloudy nearly year-round. 

Travel Tip : The average surface water temperature in Martha’s Vineyard increases during July so aquatic activities are ideal during the summer. 

Celebrity Sightings

While many people visit this destination for the beach, festivals, and art culture, it is also a popular place for celebrities. Celebrities like the Obamas and Spike Lee are said to frequent the area. Since the summer is the most popular time to visit Martha’s Vineyard, there is a chance that travelers will see a celebrity or two. There is much happening during the summer but since Martha’s Vineyard is a relatively high-profile place, visitors can get excited about who they will see there. 

Travel Tip : Celebrity sightings are not irregular in Martha’s Vineyard since some celebrities have homes there. Visitors should respect the space of any celebrities that they may see. 

Enjoy Nature 

The nature in Martha’s Vineyard is something to marvel at, especially during summer. Visitors can partake in many different activities that will make them feel closer to the Earth. Martha’s Vineyard encourages agritourism, which is taking part in educational opportunities about agricultural production. People who are interested in Agritourism have plenty to do during a summer visit. People can do farm chores, enjoy hands-on culinary activities, and more. Martha’s Vineyard is home to around 50 different farms in less than 100 square miles so the opportunities are endless. 

Travel Tip : Martha’s Vineyard’s Agricultural Fair is in August and showcases the island’s Agritourism experiences so it is a great opportunity for those interested in holistic living. 

Learn About The Islands’ Intriguing History 

Martha’s Vineyard has a unique cultural significance and intriguing history. The island has many museums and art galleries that nod to the complex past of the destination. Although the island was originally inhabited by the Native American Wampanoag people, it was also occupied by Europeans. It eventually became a summer haven for the Black community and still has Wampanoag tribe members. For over a century, it was common knowledge that the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard was during the summer. To this day, summer is still the best season to discover the distinct history of the area. 

Travel Tip : Martha’s Vineyard Museum and Cottage Museum are the most popular options for visitors. 

Community Events

Martha’s Vineyard is a popular travel destination and therefore has plenty for people to do. Visitors can choose from an assortment of fairs and markets during their vacation. In June, there is the West Tisbury Farmers Market and in July people can stop by the Edgartown Harbor for fireworks. Throughout June and August, it is usual for community readings of dramatic works to be read on Monday nights. Although Martha’s Vineyard is appealing to tourists, there is also a pretty solid local community that visitors can explore. Its welcoming community and seasonal ambiance make the summer ideal for a first-time visit.

Travel Tip : For visitors interested in community art events and showcases, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse website is a good resource.

Check Out Popular Restaurants 

Travelers who visit Martha’s Vineyard during summer should try out the culinary offerings of the island. Many different eateries are popular in the area with both locals and tourists. Some of the most popular restaurants are Black Dog Bakery Cafe and Edgartown Harbor. Also, consider a stop at Back Door Donuts since it is a popular place to get a treat. People who would like to grab a quick drink can visit Offshore Ale Company and Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery. 

Travel Tip : Many of the best restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard are within walking distance of each other so visitors have a great chance to explore as many as they’d like. 

African American Film Festival 

Martha’s Vineyard has a unique connection to Black culture and art. It has been a place of leisure for African Americans for years and is likely to be that for years to come. This festival is an opportunity for people to discover Black artists or film connoisseurs to find new favorites. People will likely enjoy the African American Film Festival, which occurs in August. This event is organized by Martha’s Vineyard Film Society and presents international filmmakers. 

Travel Tip : All access passes for the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival 2024 cost $250 per person while general admission costs $15. 

Since Martha’s Vineyard has a pretty active harbor, there are many tourism opportunities on the water available to visitors. Escape the crowds and opt for an island sailing tour instead. The most popular tours give visitors views of the lighthouses, tour the harbor, and provide insight into local wildlife and aquaculture. There are both day and sunset cruises available but standard tours typically take around two hours. These sightseeing tours provide unique tourism experiences to visitors and have proven to be a favorite.

Travel Tip : The best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard and take a boat tour is during sunset for the exquisite views. 

Overall, there are many reasons to visit Martha’s Vineyard. The summer’s pleasant weather, ample things to do, and seasonal events are just a few selling points on why this vacation is worthwhile. Travelers who plan to visit the island during this time will not regret it. Martha’s Vineyard may even become a new favorite travel destination. 

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A Road Trip into the Deaf History of Martha's Vineyard

A few days before I went to Martha's Vineyard, my hearing aids broke. As a deaf person who primarily uses American Sign Language (ASL), my hearing aids provide information about whether sound is present, though not always what it means. But lately I've come to rely on them most for the visual reminder of deafness that they give to hearing people. Without them, hearing people often assume I'm "ignoring" them, and most blow past patience or curiosity straight to anger. I've been shouted at in stores for not responding to a clerk's call, shoved on a sidewalk for not responding fast enough to someone's excuse me, assaulted on a subway platform after missing a man's attempted flirtation.

So it was with both unease and excitement I set off on my trip without the aids.

On the one hand, traveling deaf and alone to a place I've never been has some inherent risks. On the other hand, it was early May, and the trip was a welcome respite from a semester's worth of teaching, book edits, and two small boys at home. Part of me has always liked solo travel , how it allows me to engage with a new place in my natural state of silence. And in this case, it felt particularly apt-I was about to put Martha's Vineyard's storied past as a haven for the deaf to the test.

Before I left, I read just about everything available on the island's deaf history, from the most famous-Nora Groce's 1985 book Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language - to dissertations and academic publications by deaf and signing historians. I pored over maps, travel websites, train and ferry schedules, plotting out the journey from Philadelphia to the Vineyard. Before I had children, I reveled in the "getting there" part of travel, taking a long train to Montreal , or driving an unplanned route up through Newfoundland . But now I had just three days before the responsibilities of work and childcare would pull me back home. I rented a car, filled a backpack with clothes and a tote bag with notebooks, dropped the boys at school, and headed north.

A history cherished by a few but unknown to many

The history of sign language on Martha's Vineyard was traditionally understood to be as follows: In the late 1600s, a deaf man named Jonathan Lambert and his family were part of a group of Massachusetts Bay colonists who left the mainland for Martha's Vineyard. Historians have theorized that this relative isolation proliferated a hereditary deafness over the next two centuries, a scenario that peaked in the 1850s when an estimated 1 in 155 on the island, and 1 in 25 in the village of Chilmark, were deaf, compared to only 1 in about 5,700 on the mainland.

As a result, a unique language known as Chilmark Sign or Martha's Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL) developed and was used by deaf and hearing islanders alike. MVSL allowed for the full integration of deaf people into the island's work, social, and religious spaces without prejudice. Deaf islanders were fishermen, farmers, and business owners; Jared Mayhew, a deaf landowner, founded the island's first bank . The Martha's Vineyard deaf community thrived this way until more expedient transport and the establishment of a deaf residential school in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817 drew new settlers to the island and deaf islanders to the mainland, subsuming MVSL and diluting "distinctive" genes. This image of the Vineyard as a signing utopia for deaf people was later ensconced in the hearing anthropologist Nora Groce's book.

However, the truth is more complicated-as it always is. Groce's work occurred more than a century after the deaf community was gone and MVSL was swallowed up by the ASL we sign today. Groce's theories about the genetic and linguistic roots of hereditary deafness and about MVSL being from Kent, England, have been all but ruled out by deaf historians in the United Kingdom . In recording family trees on the Vineyard, Groce hadn't differentiated between genetic deafness versus acquired deafness; this, along with anonymizing name changes in the book make it difficult to retrace the links between families today. More recent analyses of island genealogy, marriage, and migration patterns suggest that the island's deaf community started later and was connected to the Hartford deaf world and to ASL earlier than previously thought.

A unique language known as Chilmark Sign or Martha's Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL) developed and was used by deaf and hearing islanders alike.

What remains is this: For several generations, a proportionally large population of deaf people lived on Martha's Vineyard, using a signed language with distinctive vocabulary and grammatical features, including a two-handed alphabet. It was likely created organically by deaf islanders , rather than imported.

That everyone on Martha's Vineyard spoke sign language is unlikely. Perhaps most of Chilmark did, but given the average family size at the time, most folks in Chilmark would have had a deaf person in their household. The phenomenon of village-wide sign vocabulary in areas with multiple large, deaf families has been observed elsewhere, including in Lantz Mill, Virginia, in the same period, and around the world into the present day.

Still, the watery boundaries of the Vineyard would mean that even if they weren't fluent signers, hearing islanders' frequent interactions with deaf people would leave little room for ableism. Unlike the way deafness often marks us as "lesser" in today's society, hearing islanders interviewed by Groce respected their deaf neighbors and thought of their deafness as secondary to their personalities and skills. In a 19th-century fishing economy, knowing at least a few signs would have been advantageous for communicating between boats and the shore, when the only alternative was shouting into the howling wind.

Although Martha's Vineyard-as-deaf-paradise is at least part fantasy, it's hard to let go of a good myth. In the USA now, only about 8 percent of parents with deaf children ever learn enough ASL to have a conversation with their child-we're a bit starved for utopia, and Martha's Vineyard is about as close to an ancestral homeland as we can get.

With the legend in my heart and the wind of my ancestors-in-spirit at my back, I stood on the deck of a Steamship Authority's ferry traveling between Falmouth, Massachusetts, and the island's ferry port Vineyard Haven on a gray afternoon. Within minutes of departure, the Island Home was enveloped in a fog so dense I could no longer see anything in front of me. It was cold, and I wondered what could possibly have possessed the Massachusetts Bay settlers, or the Wampanoag before them, to row into this thick unknown.

Following the island's deaf-history tour

We landed in Vineyard Haven about 40 minutes later. I drove to Edgartown, where I'd be staying at the boutique Faraway (see How to take this trip, below), so I could ditch the car. I wandered the town with a pleasant mindlessness, eating fudge and window-shopping fancy island clothing and debating which ice cream shop looked best. I examined the town's wood-shingled buildings and bright white churches, read each of the many plaques and signs affixed to historical buildings of note, haunted Edgartown Books. I spent a long time loitering dockside, taking in the salt and sparkle of the harbor.

I ate dinner and turned in early. I'd centered my trip around the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce's driving tour map of key historical deaf community sites , and I planned to make all 10 stops the next day. From my hotel balcony, I watched the sun set and the fog roll back in. Beneath me, the firepits by the pool were ignited in neat rows, as signal fires must have been lit upon these shores many centuries ago. I went to sleep with a feeling of anticipation, as if I hadn't quite yet arrived.

The driving tour map is relatively new; while Vineyard deaf history has long been held dear by the deaf community, it was often overlooked by the general public until recently.

In the morning, I returned to my car, clutching my map and feeling flush with exploratory spirit. The map is relatively new; while Vineyard deaf history has long been held dear by the deaf community, it was often overlooked by the general public until recently. A resurgence of attention is in part thanks to the efforts of islander Lynn Thorp, who, after reading Groce's book, couldn't stop thinking about the benefits signed language might bring to the lives of her hard-of-hearing husband and friends. Wanting to make ASL resources more accessible on-island, she spent more than a decade facilitating the airing of mini-lessons on public access TV and burning DVDs for the island libraries. In 2020, her focus shifted to publicizing the island's history for visitors, partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to add deaf-centric materials to the Chamber's website, including the driving map.

Cell service was good, but Google often didn't differentiate between private and public roads, so U-turns were also plentiful. I started in Vineyard Haven and toured the Martha's Vineyard Museum ($18 for off-islanders, closed Mondays). In the 2023 season, the museum's temporary exhibition, They Were Heard , spotlighted the island's deaf life, but most of it has been packed away and returned to the archives.

"If a tour group wants to see some of the artifacts , I can arrange a special viewing here in the library," said museum historian Bow Van Riper, who spearheaded research for the exhibit. He suggested that groups contact the museum a few weeks in advance to make a request.

Visitors traveling alone or without notice can view two pieces of Vineyard deaf history in the permanent collection: the transcript of an interview with Mildred Huntington, a hearing woman who'd been babysat by a deaf islander (they can also listen to the audio), and a 1926 painting by noted American artist Thomas Hart Benton of his deaf neighbor, a Chilmark farmer named Josie West .

After the museum, I headed on to West Tisbury, to the cove where the Lambert family settled. A winsome mix of forested area and sand beach, Lambert's Cove was the tour stop that felt closest to a traditional New England beach vacation and one of the few places I ran into fellow travelers-some hiking, some early beachgoers splayed out on towels near the water. Ocean views and dogs playing fetch in the surf were both charming and familiar, making it difficult to imagine what it might have been like when the Lamberts first arrived. I moved on, cut in-island toward tour stops 4 through 10, in Chilmark.

Inland, I found myself overwhelmed by the breadth of farmland-expansive, lush, and often still delineated by centuries-old fieldstone walls. As I marveled, I considered the privilege of preservation. My own understanding of island life was shaped by the extreme poles that made up beaches of my childhood: the Jersey Shore and the rural Croatian coastline. In New Jersey, every inch of the bustling shore is spoken for and cultivated to turn a profit. In Croatia, I stayed with family in a rural fishing village's postwar quiet, sans shops or telecommunications, the extremely beautiful seascape neither preserved nor cultivated.

The Vineyard's vast farms, stables, and the willingness to leave some wooded spaces totally undeveloped likely speak to inherited wealth that endows the owner beyond a need to capitalize on summer tourism. And yet, I couldn't help but notice the island's deaf history is preserved only in fits and starts. At Abel's Hill Cemetery, where at least 28 members of the Chilmark deaf community are buried, there is no map for locating figures of historical significance. At Lambert's Cove, Squibnocket beach, and Menemsha harbor, there's no information detailing the birth of MVSL thought to have come in the wake of Lambert and other deaf fishermen.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the heart of the island's deaf history resides at the Chilmark library . Ebba Hierta, the library director, was kind enough to sit with me without notice and explain the library's history and connection to what she called "the deaf ancestors." The ties were both figurative and literal-one of the library's rooms had been the home of a prominent deaf couple, Benjamin and Katie West. Benjamin was a lifelong islander, and Katie was originally from Rhode island and married into the island culture. Katie, who died in the early 1950s, is believed to have been the last fluent signer of MVSL . The Wests' house was purchased by the town and became the Chilmark library. Several additions later, the original room now holds a small shrine of printouts and a DVD recording (notably without subtitles) about MVSL and the Chilmark deaf. The library's website also features additional resources , including a teaching guide and recorded presentation about deaf history, with ASL interpretation.

"We see a lot of visitors [at the library] in the summer, many of whom are deaf, but not all," Hierta said. Among islanders, library and museum programming has increased awareness about the historic deaf community, too. "I wish we could do more," she said, "but it's hard without a big research staff and budget." The library requests that visitors wishing to speak with the librarian schedule an appointment at least a week in advance, particularly in peak season. On my way out, Hierta brought me to the children's section, where high on the wall, a mural depicted children in an attic play space with a sign language book, one signing the letter "L"-a static portion of the sign for "library"-frozen in time.

Nearing the end of the tour out on Squibnocket Beach, I grew wistful. Likely used as a launch for deaf fishermen, I thought of how the shore, now empty, might have looked dotted with boats and nets and the flurry of sign language. The views were breathtaking, the bluffs making it easy to contemplate the end of things. Today deaf culture is under increasing threat, as doctors seek to eradicate deafness with gene therapy and stem cell therapies. As I looked at a crystalline horizon, I wondered if the deaf community here had felt that same existential threat as the years passed and their numbers dwindled, or if their hearing neighbors' knowledge of sign language helped allay their fears.

The future of deaf-history tourism on Martha's Vineyard

While glimpses of Vineyard deaf history are plentiful if you know where to look, real access to cultural information requires a fair amount of advanced preparation (and an internet connection).

I hope efforts to commemorate this rich history will continue, particularly in incidental ways like plaques or materials a tourist or passerby might encounter on their own, just as deaf and hearing Vineyarders were once in casual contact with one another in their daily lives.

More of that may be on the horizon. On Hierta's recommendation, I spoke to the leader of Clemson University's Martha's Vineyard Sign Language Project , which aims to serve residents, merchants, and tourists alike. Jody Cripps, assistant professor of American Sign Language in the Department of Languages, said the team had a broad scope of preservation, research, and development and is working with islanders to decide how best to commemorate, memorialize, and share information. "We did think about plaques," said Cripps, "but we want to ensure that we're not simply catering to busloads of tourists. We also want to be respectful of people for whom Chilmark is home."

Cripps noted that the team was at work on a cemetery map with the locations of historic deaf community members' graves, which he ultimately hoped could be a document people could pick up at the library. But the process of locating graves is difficult, and he wasn't sure when it would be ready.

While deafness is no longer central to Vineyard culture, its spiritual inheritance is still prominent.

In the meantime, while deafness is no longer central to Vineyard culture, its spiritual inheritance is still prominent. Often when I travel, I meet strangers who panic in the face of deafness, but for a few days on Martha's Vineyard, no one batted an eye. A variety of folks across the island-from the concierge, to a librarian, to Steamship Authority terminal workers-were amenable switching to writing when necessary. Servers at Espresso Love and Atlantic collected my order via pointing at the menu without any angst. A cashier at Rosewater Market gestured so fluidly I was the one taken aback by our exchange. The Faraway hotel's general manager knew the manual alphabet, spelling out some simple words when we crossed paths; a parking attendant signed "thank you" as I paid my way out.

Maybe these moments of ease were thanks to islanders' increased exposure to their history through community programming spearheaded by libraries and folks like Thorp. Maybe a tourist economy has conditioned people to be polite, both to deaf groups who've made pilgrimages to Chilmark and across various language barriers. Maybe it was all coincidence. Or maybe it was something in me, that I approached each interaction a little more confidently, buoyed by the knowledge that standing on the land of our deaf ancestors, part of me belonged there.

On Martha's Vineyard, nobody spoke sign, exactly, but no one found me strange, either. And whether or not the bulk of hearing islanders really knew MVSL centuries ago, I think it was the ability for the deaf to live without stigma that made the place most special; in this way, its legacy remains.

How to do this trip

Where to stay: My home base was Faraway , a boutique hotel in Edgartown that fastidiously strikes the balance between historic charm and luxury amenities, an aesthetic that I'd come to understand as a trademark of Vineyard tourism. My room, an outbuilding studio suite, offered a showstopping view of the bay and Chappaquiddick Island. Faraway has a restaurant and an expansive pool and patio with food service, but its location at the edge of Edgartown's main drag of shops and restaurants is arguably its greatest asset. In the opposite direction, it's about 15 minutes on foot to a sandy public beach and the Edgartown lighthouse.

The tour: The deaf history driving tour is self-guided and can be accessed online via the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce website or downloaded as a PDF brochure . The Chilmark Library has a resource page of more background and videos.

Getting around: If I were visiting Martha's Vineyard solely for a beach getaway, Faraway, Edgartown, and traveling by bicycle and public shuttle could easily be enough to sustain the trip. Having a car on island-either via rental or ferry -requires significant advanced planning for reservations during peak season. (In contrast, walk-on ferry passengers can buy a same-day ticket.) But accessing the full range of the island's deaf heritage would be difficult without a car.