When going on vacation, it can be easy to get so focussed on our destination that we forget about the journey. For many, traveling is an inconvenience they would rather not have to endure, but it can be just as enjoyable as the vacation itself. Read on to find out the best way to get from Boston to Martha's Vineyard.
Why Martha's Vineyard?
Known for its participation in the whaling industry between 1815 and 1860, Martha's Vineyard is a relatively small island 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. It's perhaps even better known for being the filming location of the 1975 film Jaws, though you can rest assured that the risk of a real shark attack is extremely low.
The New England island is a popular destination for its beaches, villages, fresh seafood, water sports and lighthouses. In addition, over a third of its land is protected from development, which ensures the future of its natural beauty. Martha's Vineyard can feel like a break from the rest of the country as chains aren't allowed to set up shop here, so independent shops and restaurants thrive.
Getting From Boston To Martha's Vineyard
While there are a few different ways you can travel to Martha's Vineyard from Boston, there are no tunnels or bridges between Martha's Vineyard and the mainland so all journeys involve either a plane or a ferry.
By Plane
The fastest way to travel to Martha's Vineyard is by plane. Cape Air operates several flights a day year-round from Boston's Logan International Airport. Note that though the flight only takes around 40 minutes, you will need to arrive at the airport an hour or two before taking off to allow for check-in and security.
By Bus
For those who don't drive, there are several bus services running between Boston and Woods Hole, where travelers will need to board a ferry. Around four or five Peter Pan buses run from Boston's Logan International Airport per day, arriving in Woods Hole after a journey of just over two hours. Plymouth & Brockton also operates a similar service.
By Train
While there's no year-round train service between Boston and Martha's Vineyard, CapeFLYER provides a seasonal service that runs on weekends between Labour Day and Memorial Day weekend. Passengers can board the train at Boston South Station and alight in Hyannis, where they can get on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard.
By Car
Traveling from Boston to Martha's Vineyard by car opens up a lot more opportunities to enjoy the journey. By driving south through Massachusetts, you're free to decide the route you take, the time you leave and arrive as well as any stops you might want to make along the way. For this reason, we believe getting from Boston to Martha's Vineyard by car is the best choice. Read on for an example of a road trip you could take to make the most of every moment of your vacation.
The Road Trip
Our road trip suggestion does take a more scenic route with a total drive time of just over three hours, plus the 45-minute ferry ride. But this is broken up between stops in some amazing locations and will be well worth it. Our route also minimizes the time spent on boring highways.
Boston to Scituate
Driving out of Boston, you'll first drive alongside the long and sandy Wollaston Beach, giving you a taste of the rest of our coastal road trip. The road winds around towards Quincy, the birthplace of U.S. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. As Boston shrinks in your rearview mirrors, you'll notice Bare Cove Park on your right, and after around an hour of driving, arrive in Scituate.
Stop One: Scituate Light
A seemingly inconspicuous town, Scituate is a historic seaside community dating back to 1636. The town is home to Scituate Light, the 11th lighthouse to be built in the United States. The lighthouse is a great place for you to take a break and smell the fresh air as you learn a bit about its history.
Scituate Light was home to two girls who, in 1814 during the War of 1812, scared away the incoming British Navy by making sounds with their fife and drum that the British mistook for the sound of a full battalion. While the details of the story are disputed, the tale of the Army of Two is well-known.
Scituate To Plymouth
Deciding it's time to continue the journey, you set out on the 45-minute picturesque drive to Plymouth. The road takes you through Mass Aubudon's North River Wildlife Sanctuary where, as you pass over the river, you may be lucky enough to spot some seals. This part of the drive allows you to start to connect with nature a little more after escaping the city of Boston.
Stop Two: Mayflower II
Plymouth, the site of the first Pilgrim settlement in 1620, is our next stop. Mayflower II is a full-scale replica of the original Mayflower that brought the first Pilgrims to Plymouth after months at sea. While the fate of the original ship is unknown, you can imagine what it was like to be on board by exploring the main deck, orlop deck and half deck of the Mayflower II.
If you want to explore some more Pilgrim history, Mayflower II marks the start of a walking tour through Pilgrim Memorial State Park, where Plymouth Rock lies.
Stop Three: Historic Patuxet
Just a seven-minute drive from Mayflower II is the next recommended stop, Historic Patuxet. This is an opportunity to learn about the native people who have lived by the Eel River for over 12,000 years. Guided by an interpreter, you and your partner or family can see the inside of a wetu (house), watch the construction of a mishoon (dug-out-canoe) and learn about the seasonal Wampanoag diet. We're pretty sure that beats sitting on a hot bus for more than two hours.
Plymouth to Sandwich
As you drive further south, the scenery will become greener and greener. Just less than 35 minutes driving along the tree-lined roads from Plymouth will land you in Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod.
Stop Four: Town Neck Beach
Town Neck Beach has been ranked among the best beaches on Cape Cod and its serene boardwalk leading to the beach leaves no wonder why. Sit down here for a picnic lunch and, if it's a clear day, enjoy the views of Cape Cod Bay all the way to Provincetown. You might want to have some towels to hand as the water here is slightly warmer than the oceanside beaches of Cape Cod, making it an ideal spot for a quick swim. Alternatively, there are a wide selection of local restaurants to suit your tastes.
Sandwich to Woods Hole
The last stretch of our road trip before boarding the ferry to Martha's Vineyard is perhaps the most simple yet, with woodlands extending to your left and the sea meeting the shore on your right. 35 minutes to go until you're on the boat.
The Ferry
When you arrive in Woods Hole you'll be able to board a ferry operated by The Steamship Authority, the only Martha's Vineland ferry service that transports cars. When traveling by car you should make an advance vehicle reservation to ensure your place on the ferry.
With a U.S. Coast Guard-certified crew to look after you and spacious seating, you can completely relax on board. You can smell the salt from the ocean and you can make out Vineyard Haven in the distance. The ferry offers free Wi-Fi and TV in addition to snack bars with beer, wine and mixed spirit drinks. After 45 minutes across the water, you'll be able to drive off the ferry toward your spacious vacation home in Martha's Vineyard. Your vacation has only just begun but you've already seen and experienced so much.
A Long Way From Boston
If you find yourself looking to escape the city life now and then but don't want the hassle of having to find a nice place to stay in a location you want to visit, we can help. Whether you'd like a vacation home in Martha's Vineyard or somewhere else, we offer the chance to engage in real estate partnerships that make owning a luxury vacation home for you and your family much more affordable.
We currently have properties in Florida, New York City, South Carolina and Massachusetts, as well as in Colorado, U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico Contact us to learn more about how we can help and you may find yourself making exciting road trips like this one from Boston to Martha's Vineyard a lot more often.
