Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour

Martha's Vineyard , United States

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour

Active

(9 reviews)

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Knockabout Travel takes you to Martha's Vineyard, with this self-paced audio tour of the most popular town on the island. Discover the origin story of how Oak Bluffs developed from its humble beginnings as a religious camp into a summer destination for business moguls, celebrities, and US Presidents.

On the tour, we discuss the development of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, home to the "campground" and the famed gingerbread cottages. Learn how the area around Ocean Park and Circuit Avenue was developed with tourism in mind, and how that conflicted with the original Methodist campers. Along the route, you will be introduced to some of the finer points and lesser-known history of the town, as well as places to grab lunch or a drink.

The tour is GPS guided with turn-by-turn directions and audio tracks that play automatically at the right time and place so you're free to simply enjoy the tour.

Available options

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour

What's included

Begin Tour at Your Leisure

GPS Guided Interactive Maps

Self-Guided Audio Tour

Audio Files (streaming or download available)

Detailed itinerary

Ocean Park is a large, scenic green space located near the ferry terminals. It is a great place to escape the crowds, have a picnic, or come back to just to sit and rest your legs.

Scenic Beach with opportunity for swimming and catching some sun.

Stop 3

This is commonly called the "Campground," where the famed gingerbread cottages are located.

You will have an option to visit the campground museum (separate fee applies, ~$4) if you would like to explore this area in greater depth.

Feel free to shop, and grab a drink or a bite to eat as you walk through Oak Bluff's commercial hub. Learn about the development of Oak Bluffs as the island's first resort destination.

Take a ride on an authentic 19th-century carousel and compete against your friends and family to see who can collect the most metal rings as you merrily go round-and-round.

Enjoy some of the island's great seafood at one of the restaurants along the harbor. Outdoor seating, cold beer on tap, and tropical drinks can be found here.

What's not included

Audio Device (Smartphone)

Headphones

Food/Drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your tour begins at the Bandstand (Gazebo) in Ocean Park, across from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal.

There is no designated start time. Begin the tour at your leisure.

Important notes

How to access your tour:
1. Download the Voice Map app. This can be done by searching "Voice Map" within the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
2. Create an account with Voice Map
3. Select "Tour Codes" from the bottom menu, then select the "Enter Codes" tab.
4. Enter the code "mv2023ka". This code is valid for the number of tours that you purchased.
5. Select Download Now.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE:
• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• The download should only take a few minutes to complete. If it takes longer, please cancel the download, go to Account, select Purchased and download the tour from there.
• Remember to bring your own headphones.

About Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, known for its stunning beaches, charming New England architecture, and rich history. It offers a mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, making it a popular summer destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Top Attractions

Aquinnah Cliffs

Stunning clay cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, known for their vibrant colors and dramatic views. The cliffs are a National Natural Landmark and part of the Aquinnah Cultural Landscape.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Oak Bluffs

A historic town known for its gingerbread cottages, vibrant downtown, and lively waterfront. It's a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Edgartown Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse built in 1828, offering panoramic views of Edgartown and the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse is part of the Edgartown Lighthouse Museum.

Historical 1 hour Moderate ($10-$20)

South Beach

A long, sandy beach known for its clear waters and gentle waves, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It's one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Beach Half-day or full-day Free

Myto Point Wildlife Refuge

A scenic wildlife refuge with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the ocean and marshes. It's a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Roll

A sandwich made with fresh lobster meat, mayo, and lemon juice, served on a buttered, toasted bun. It's a classic New England dish and a must-try on Martha's Vineyard.

Lunch Contains shellfish and mayo

Clam Chowder

A creamy soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and celery. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for cooler days.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy and seafood

Oysters

Freshly shucked oysters, often served with a variety of sauces and toppings. The island is known for its high-quality oysters, which are harvested locally.

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, locally grown corn, often grilled and served with butter and salt. It's a simple but delicious side dish that's popular in the summer.

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Kayaking and paddleboarding Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa and wellness treatments Visiting historic sites and museums Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest and most expensive time to visit, with warm weather, lively events, and all attractions open. Expect crowded beaches and higher accommodation rates.

18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Portuguese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Martha's Vineyard is generally a safe destination, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use reputable tour operators and rental agencies

Getting there

By air

Martha's Vineyard Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from Edgartown

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with routes connecting all major towns and attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Edgartown Oak Bluffs Vineyard Haven Aquinnah

Day trips

Cuttyhunk Island

30 km (18 miles) from Edgartown • Full-day

A small and secluded island known for its pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic lighthouse. It's a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.

Nantucket Island

50 km (31 miles) from Edgartown • Full-day or overnight

A historic and picturesque island known for its cobblestone streets, historic whaling museums, and beautiful beaches. It's a great place to explore New England's rich history and culture.

Cape Cod National Seashore

80 km (50 miles) from Edgartown • Full-day

A stunning national seashore with pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic sites. It's a great place to explore New England's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Martha's Vineyard Film Festival • October MV Jazz Festival • July Oak Bluffs Harbor Fest • August

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder season (May or September-October) for fewer crowds and lower prices.
Rent a bike or use public transportation to get around and avoid parking hassles.
Try local specialties like lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters.
Explore the island's historic sites and museums to learn about its rich history and culture.
Pack layers and waterproof gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.