Once an important whaling port, Edgartown is now a summer tourist town on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. It features beautifully preserved houses dating back to the 17th century when it was settled as “Great Harbor” before being renamed after Edgar Stuart, Duke of Cambridge, the second in line to the British throne.
Things to do in Edgartown
In the heart of Edgartown is the Vincent House Museum, which was constructed in 1672 and stands as the oldest unaltered residence on the island. It was constructed using a wattle and daub technique that was popular in medieval England and provided a home for eight generations of the Vincent family. Inside, you can learn about life in Martha’s Vineyard over the last four centuries.
Dominating the entrance to Katama Bay is the Edgartown Harbor Light, a cast-iron tower that was constructed in 1939. It gives its name to beautiful Lighthouse Beach, where you can swim and sunbathe in the summer months or enjoy a leisurely stroll in the winter. More exposed to the ocean swells is South Beach, which is a popular destination for flying kites.
A short drive east of Edgartown is the Mytoi Japanese Garden, which is nestled amidst a dense pine forest on Chappaquiddick Island. It features a picturesque pond, an arched footbridge and winding trails that lead between its plantings of both native and exotic species. Enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation in the rustic shelter and enjoy the magnificent views across the garden.
Getting around Edgartown
Regular ferries connect to Edgartown from Falmouth, from where it’s just over an hour’s drive to Providence and T.F. Green International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Seasonal flights are also available to Martha's Vineyard Airport, which is a 15-minute drive from Edgartown.