Island Information

Edgartown

edgartown harbor

Incorporated in 1671. It was one of the first ports for the lucrative whaling industry in the 1800’s. During the whaling era, many of the ship’s captains built built stately Greek Revival or Federal-style mansions, for their families with widow walks overlooking the harbor. After the whaling industry waned by the beginning of the 20th century, tourism took over.

Edgartown is known for its beautiful beaches, Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse as well as Cape Pogue Light on Chappy, white clapboard mansions, fabulous restaurants and stores.

Beaches abound in Edgartown. Whether you’re a surfer, fisher or a swimmer, there is a beach for you. With a 4-wheeler, you can drive out onto Norton Point beach with your rods and reels. If your board is also on your car, you can ‘hang 10’ at South Beach.

No trip to Martha’s Vineyard is complete without a jump off of the Jaws bridge. Aptly named, the Jaws bridge, was one of the areas that was an integral location in the filming of the 1975 movie Jaws. This, however, is not for the faint of heart! So, if you sarcastically say to someone, ‘go jump off a bridge,’ they can! The bridge is actually on the town line dividing Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.

Not just a pretty beach face, Edgartown has several historic sights that deserve a visit. The Daniel Fisher House, Vincent House Museum and the Old Whaling Church just to name a few of the things to do in Edgartown.

The dining in Edgartown is top shelf. You can go all out at a fine dining restaurant or have fried clams to go and sit at Memorial Wharf feeding one for the seagulls and one for you! After a meal, stop at an ice cream shop and stroll the town.