4 Cool Things To Do In Marthas Vineyard On Your Short Vacation
If you are planning a trip to Martha's Vineyard this summer, then it's important to plan out what you are going to do ahead of time. There are lots of cool things to see, but if you're only on the island for a short time then you might miss out on many of them if you don't plan accordingly. The island has some awesome beaches, but there are lots of other things to see and do. Here is a list of four cool things to plan for.
Visit The Oldest Carousel In The World
One of the coolest things to see, especially if you're bringing your young kids, is the Flying Horses carousel. It's the oldest one in the country (built in 1876). The horses are all hand painted, and the carousel even has the classic "brass ring game". This is where the riders reach up for small brass rings and toss them at targets while the carousel is in movement.
Check Out The Cliffs On Aquinnah Beach
There are plenty of really beautiful beaches on Martha's Vineyard, but make sure to check out Aquinnah beach. One of the most spectacular sights at this particular beach are the Gay Head cliffs. They overlook the ocean, and you can hike a trail to get a beautiful view. The area is also interesting from a historical perspective. It was originally home to the Wampanoag tribe, and was an important point in the whaling industry (even represented in Moby Dick). The native tribe was involved with whaling, and there are museums that showcase their boats and harpoons.
Bike The Trails
One of the coolest things to do on the island is rent a bike and hit the trails. There are lots of different bike trails all over the island, but you definitely want to check out the ones that hug the coast. Some of them, such as Beach Road, will take you out towards the ocean, with water on both sides. Other trails, such as the ones on North Road, bring you through the interior of the island and take you through scenic forest like settings. When you go to a bike rental shop you can get maps that highlight all of the major bike paths. The awesome thing about many of these paths is that they are free of motor vehicle, so you won't have to worry about ridding next to cars whizzing by.
Take A Private Boat Charter Around The Island
Finally, don't forget that you're visiting an island, and the best way to really get a sense of the place is by boat. You can charter a private boat tour through a place like Martha's Vineyard Sight Seeing Tours and cruise around the island. This will let you see the coastline from a wonderful vantage point. The boat will take you out past the Gay Head cliffs, tour around the lovely Chappaquiddick, and past the Oak Blluffs beach. It's a really fun way to spend the afternoon. You can often find a charter boat that will even serve food. You can choose a slow cruise, and even a sailboat charter if you want a really classic experience.
