Edgartown Martha's Vineyard

When you imagine a stately, quaint village of New England, you will be hard-pressed to find one more representative than the seaport village of Edgartown. It is the oldest community on Martha's Vineyard, established in 1642 as “Great Harbor”. Steeped in history as the preferred hometown to 19th century whaling captains, Edgartown remains rich in maritime flavor with a world-class yachting scene, panoramic village harbor, and magnificent historical buildings with many dating prior to the American Revolution. 

A relaxing stroll after dinner will often lead you down North Water Street, past the pristinely-manicured Greek Revival, Cape Cod, and Federal style summer homes complete with white picket fences, hand-laid brick walkways and meandering rose vines. At the end of the road, you’ll arrive at the iconic beacon of many fine family portraits – the Edgartown Lighthouse.

Heading south towards the Atlantic Ocean, settle in with a good book on your beach chair while the kids appreciate some hearty surf-jumping on the soft sands of South Shore beaches in Katama. Three miles of spectacular, blue-tourquoise water make it the largest public beach on Martha’s Vineyard. Bike paths will lead you there, past windswept grasslands and farmland. Summer rental offerings in Edgartown include historic whaling captain homes, luxury harbor front homes, inland cottages, contemporary beach homes and luxury homes with pools.

Edgartown General Store

Where to Stay in Edgartown: 

  • The Village – if you like shopping, fine dining, night life and harbor walks full of historic architecture.
  • Katama – for close proximity to one of the East Coast’s finest sand beaches. View our Katama vacation rentals.
  • Sengekontacket Shores – an oasis for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife sanctuary.
  • Central – residential communities with easy access to the island via bike paths.
  • South Shore – privacy surrounded by conservation land and water retreats.
  • Chappaquiddick (Chappy) – only accessible by boat, 800 preserved acres of natural allure.

Browse all Edgartown vacation rentals

Edgartown Beaches:

  • South Beach
  • Lighthouse Beach
  • Fuller Street Beach
  • East Beach
  • Bend-in-the-Road Beach