How to Do Martha's Vineyard on a Budget

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Beautiful isolation comes at a price. But while it’s no secret that island life can be expensive, there are still ways to enjoy Martha’s Vineyard on a budget. Here’s how.

Instead of bringing your car on the ferry (which costs $137 round-trip during peak season) or relying on cabs and Ubers, which charge higher rates on the island because of demand, consider bringing your own bike on the ferry (only $8 round-trip), renting a bike, or using the island’s public bus system (VTA), which has routes across the island. The VTA even has a useful app for real-time location and arrival times for buses.

To save money on accommodations, check out Martha's Vineyard Family Campground, located just south of Vineyard Haven. Daily rates for two people are only $58, which includes electricity and water, if requested. The campground also offers cabin rentals, which house four to six people at rates starting at $145 per night. Reservations are highly recommended.

Food can be pricey on Martha’s Vineyard, especially at waterfront restaurants, but you don't have to splurge for the view. Grab some seafood to go, or pack your own dinner and head out to Menemsha Beach in Chilmark for the best sunset views on the island at no additional cost.

The main island has three lighthouses that are open to the public: Edgartown, East Chop, and Gay Head Lighthouse. Not only are the lighthouses themselves wildly photogenic, but the views from the top are some of the best on the island. Admission to each is only $5, and is free for museum members. Check Martha's Vineyard Museum for opening hours.

Only 527 feet away from Edgartown lies Chappaquiddick (Chappy) Island. Chappy was connected to the main island until 2007 when a storm breached the connecting beach at Norton Point. You can get to Chappy via ferry for $4 round-trip from Edgartown—I recommend bringing a bike for an extra $2.

The island is home to Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place for water activities, shellfishing, hiking, off-roading, and relaxing on the beachfront. Chappy also has its own lighthouse, Cape Poge Lighthouse, and a 14-acre Japanese garden, Myoti. Note that there is only one general store on Chappy, with no restaurants or other stores.

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