Island Information

Vineyard Haven / Tisbury / West Chop

town harbor boats

Vineyard Haven/Tisbury is the year round port of entry into Martha’s Vineyard. The Steamship Authority is the only ferry that takes vehicles and passengers from Woods Hole. During the summer season, Steamship Authority ferries go into both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. Vineyard Haven has a very active harbor. There is a very colorful array of private sailboats, dinghy's, luxury yachts, and iconic schooners.

Vineyard Haven is actually the name of the section of Tisbury around the harbor and Main Street. These days, the two names are used interchangeably. Just about everything is walking distance to the ferry - Lodging, restaurants, shopping, beaches, transportation,  sailing charters, you name it.

West Chop is a residential part of Tisbury. The West Chop Club is a seasonal private country club. The West Chop Light is a lighthouse located at the entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor. Mink Meadows is a popular 9-hole golf course.

Owen Park located off of Main Street just outside of the business district. It includes the town beach and is the site of the town band concerts. Great place to watch the comings and goings of a busy harbor. Several sailboats and beautiful schooners are moored in this harbor. The ferry from Woods Hole docks there. Great place for a picnic and ferry watching.

Old Schoolhouse/MV Seafaring Center and Old Seamen’s Bethel located on Main Street just outside of the business district, just before Owen Park. Built in 1828 as a schoolhouse. It was formerly the Daughters of the American Revolution building and Museum. There is a ship’s mast in front of the building that has a history all it’s own. Check out the Legend of the Liberty Pole, http://www.mvmagazine.com/news/2005/09/01/legend-liberty-pole. Now it houses the Seamen’s Bethel and the Bethel Maritime Collection. The building, however, is not opened to the public.