Marthas Vineyard Experiences

Martha’s Vineyard welcomes visitors throughout the year. Go in summer and enjoy the world class beaches, cultural events, fresh seafood, farm fresh produce and the laid-back lifestyle. Go in the spring or autumn and enjoy a host of outdoor activities on the water, in the woods or along the many ponds that ring the Island. In the winter, the Island has its own serene beauty that keeps visitors coming again and again.

Below is a small selection of the tours we can organise for you when you have booked your USA holiday with us and are visiting Marthas Vineyard.

Gay Head Lighthouse

The Gay Head Lighthouse was the first lighthouse constructed on Martha’s Vineyard. In 1796, because both islands were deeply involved in the whaling industry, maritime traffic had increased to the point that Peleg Coffin of Nantucket wrote his Congressman asking for a light to be erected at Gay Head.

Perched atop striking, multi-colored cliffs at the western end of Martha’s Vineyard, Gay Head Lighthouse occupies a picture-perfect location. The cliffs exhibit vivid hues of green, yellow, black, brown, red, and white and attract visitors from all over the world. The first European to name this natural feature was explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, who, when he sailed past in 1602, called them Dover Cliffs after the famous chalky landmark along the English Channel. This name, however, failed to stick, and by the 1660s, the area became commonly known as Gay Head, due to the headland’s gaily-colored cliffs.

Flying Horses Carousel

The Flying Horses Carousel is the nation’s oldest platform carousel. Since 1884, the Flying Horses Carousel has delighted visitors in the town of Oak Bluffs.

Constructed by Charles Dare of New York Carousel Manufacturing in 1876, it is one of only two Dare carousels that still exist. Originally operated as an attraction on Coney Island, it was moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884 and includes stationary carved wooden horses with manes and tails of real horsehair and inset glass eyes. Each horse is brightly painted and fixed to the rotating platform by a metal post.

The carousel was acquired by Vineyard Preservation Trust in 1986 to prevent it from being dismantled and sold piecemeal to collectors of antique carved horses. The Trust undertook an extensive restoration of the Flying Horses, returning the carousel to its original appearance, complete with the historic panel paintings.

Flying Horses Carousel Highlights

Available to rent for special events
Free tours of the carousel available

South Beach

South beach is a very popular choice among tourists, its beautiful, fun and easy to get to by public bus. There are lifeguards on duty in the season, but please keep in mind that since it is on the Atlantic side, the surf and undertow can be strong. Because of this, it is a good idea to check on local conditions before planning your day – esp. if everyone in your group isn’t a strong swimmer. Of course, the surf is what makes South Beach so much fun and a popular spot with “kids” of all ages. The sandy beach is wide, and if you don’t mind walking from the parking areas, there is lots of space to spread out.

South Beach Highlights

Public rest rooms located along the beach
Easily accessibly by public transport, bicycle and car

Cuttyhunk Island

Cuttyhunk Island is part of the Town of Gosnold, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Rests 12 miles south of New Bedford, MA and 8 miles west of Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard. It Is a place to do a whole lot of nothing. It has a small beach (which seems to have sand that moves about every year), a great harbor, good fishing, a few dozen houses, some great ice cream and some beautiful hiking trails. Does not have discos, bars, malls, a singles scene, a party life, video games, parking lots, traffic, or much action. What Cuttyhunk does have is a quiet, isolated, beautiful, ocean environment, perfect for getting in touch with yourself and your family, or just catching up with your reading!

Cuttyhunk Island Highlights

One hour ferry ride from the mainland
Quaint village and harbour

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