Vineyard Haven Travel Guide

Located within the small town of Tisbury, Vineyard Haven MA is a working village that boasts an inclusive community and diverse cultural values. With the ocean in such close proximity, Vineyard Haven rises each morning to the smell of the sea and sound of the seabirds, as well as the sun rising over the waters.

Things to Do in Vineyard Haven

Sitting atop the rocks of the Vineyard Haven Harbor, the Westchop lighthouse guides both sea captains and visitors to the small village of Vineyard Haven. Vineyard Haven visitors can spend the day outside at either Tisbury Town Beach, which offers views of incoming boats and a children’s playground, or Owen Park, which offers a great swimming spot and a low dock that can be used as a diving point. The Manuel F. Correllus State Forest in nearby Martha’s Vineyard is a quiet spot for biking, running, relaxing walks, rollerblading, and bird watching, as the many trails take visitors through the dense greenery and introduces them to friendly wildlife like squirrels and chipmunks. The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse offers year-round theatrical performances by local actors and volunteers, while Martha’s Vineyard Tours and Excursions offers tours of Martha’s Vineyard island, lasting anywhere from 1-4 hours. Book lovers will be in heaven upon entering the Vineyard Haven Public Library as it houses a collection of books and the occasional art exhibit.

Best Places to Stay in Vineyard Haven

Vineyard Haven is a small town with strong beliefs in hospitality, so rental houses have popped up around the area. Many of the rentals are full houses offering dining areas, living rooms, en suites, and master bedrooms big enough to hold two king size beds and a group of your closest family and friends.

Best Time to Visit Vineyard Haven

The best time to visit is early September, as most of the summer tourists have gone home and the water is still warm enough to swim.

Food in Vineyard Haven

The food in Vineyard Haven is almost as diverse as the population, offering everything from quaint, all-American bakeries to Mediterranean restaurants. Blackdog Tavern offers a variety of seafood dishes and favorites like crab cakes, deep fried oysters, and quahog chowder. The Blackdog bakery and Little House Cafe serve homemade baked goods, and Little House Cafe is also known to serve juicy lamb burgers and seafood tacos that have been given a Mediterranean twist.

Best Events in Vineyard Haven

The annual Spectrum Film Festival -- a four day long celebration -- celebrates LGBT culture and rights. The event features guest speakers, discussions, films, and hosts a special event targeting LGBT youth and their supporters. The Tisbury Annual Street Fair and the Murdick’s 5 Mile Run the Chop Challenge are two other noteworthy events that take place each year.

Things to Do for Families in Vineyard Haven

The Vineyard Haven Cultural District is the perfect place for eager families who love to shop, as the district is home to a variety of one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques that are all conveniently lined up along Main Street.