Martha's Vineyard was discovered by Bartholomew Gosnold en route to Virginia circa 1602 and named the beautiful island after his daughter as well as the abundant vegetation that was growing there. Before the arrival of European settlers the island was home to a tribe of Native Americans known as Wampanoag. Edgartown, which at one time was known as "Great Harbor" was the first area of Martha's Vineyard that was settled by Europeans. The next two centuries found Islanders eking out a good living from working the ocean waters whaling, fishing and merchant sailing.

Today Martha's Vineyard comprises six unique towns and is dotted with historical homes that were traditional Captain's homes back in the day. The 1800s saw the island develop into a seaside summer destination and many prominent people living along the east coast of Massachusetts went to the island to relax and enjoy the beautiful, natural surroundings. Tourism steadily increased and now Martha's Vineyard is a well established tourist destination welcoming people from al over the world.

Martha's Vineyard rentals are highly coveted in the summer season. The six distinct towns of Aquinnah, West Tisbury, Chilmark & Menemsha, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven or Tisbury all encompass the islands natural attractions, incredible views and graceful charm of the area. All six towns offer Martha's Vineyard rentals which come in a variety of inns, B&B's, hotels, motels, cabins, historical addresses and affluent and luxurious summer homes. Martha's Vineyard rentals range greatly in variety and in price and its best to research options and make reservations well in advance of a summer vacation.

Marthas Vineyard Map

Martha's Vineyard ferry is the number one mode of transportation to the island. Though many holiday goers charter private boats or have their own yachts and boats with which to get back and forth, the majority of people take the Martha's Vineyard ferry across the water. It's possible to take your vehicle across on some of the larger ferries. There are actually several ferries that service the island with both fast and regular operation. The Martha's Vineyard ferry schedule has ferries leaving from Hyannis, Nantucket, New Bedford, Wood's Hole, Falmouth and also from Rhode Island. Transportation times range anywhere from 40 minutes to just over 2 hours. The earliest Martha's Vineyard ferry departs at 6am and the latest departs about 9:45pm. There are many different ferry companies and a variety of rates depending on where you depart from and what type of service you require.

Martha's Vineyard family camping is available on the island and is an affordable way for families to visit the island. Martha's Vineyard family camping sites are located roughly a mile from Vineyard Haven ferry terminal making a trip to the mainland and back very convenient. The Steamship Authority carries vehicles and trailers of all sizes across the waters and the shuttle service connects the ferry terminal with the campground for the ultimate in convenience. The campground includes wooded tent sites, RV hook-up sites and cabin rentals. Martha's Vineyard family camping is a great way to explore the island, be one with nature and enjoy an affordable and convenient vacation while in the heart of Massachusetts most famous island getaway.