Self Guided Walking Tour of Oak Bluffs Marthas Vineyard

Step inside this tiny museum to see what life was like in a 19th-century “gingerbread cottage,” complete with original furnishings and period charm. The adjoining shop offers locally made crafts and souvenirs that capture the whimsy of Oak Bluffs.

The lively heart of Oak Bluffs, Circuit Avenue, hums with summer energy, from old-fashioned ice cream parlors to boutique shops and cafés. It’s the perfect place to stroll, people-watch, and soak up the festive Vineyard atmosphere.

Perched high above the Sound, East Chop Lighthouse offers panoramic views of Vineyard Haven Harbor and the open sea. Its classic white tower has guided mariners since the 19th century and remains a symbol of the island’s maritime spirit.

Built in 1876, this hand-carved carousel is the oldest of its kind still operating in America. Take a spin and reach for the brass ring—an enduring Oak Bluffs tradition that delights kids and adults alike.

A Vineyard institution since 1930, Giordano’s serves up golden fried clams and family-style Italian dishes just steps from the beach. It’s a taste of local history with every crispy bite.

Beloved for its calm waters and deep cultural roots, Inkwell Beach has long been a gathering place for the island’s African American community. Its nickname—once pejorative—now stands as a proud symbol of heritage, resilience, and joy.

With sailboats bobbing in the water and restaurants lining the docks, Oak Bluffs Harbor buzzes with seaside charm. By day, it’s a tranquil marina; by night, a lively waterfront scene with music and laughter spilling into the salt air.

This open green bordered by Victorian houses and the sea is the town’s front porch—a favorite spot for kite flyers, picnickers, and evening strollers. Its central gazebo and sweeping views make it the backdrop for many summer celebrations.

Wander through rows of brightly painted cottages adorned with intricate woodwork and storybook porches. Each home tells part of the town’s origin as a 19th-century Methodist camp meeting ground turned summer dreamscape.

At the heart of Wesleyan Grove stands the Tabernacle, an iron-framed open-air pavilion built in 1879 for worship and community gatherings. Today, it hosts concerts, events, and the dazzling Grand Illumination Night, when hundreds of lanterns light up the evening sky.

This octagonal, shingle-clad chapel has welcomed worshippers and visitors of all denominations since 1870. Its simple beauty and open design reflect the island’s spirit of inclusion and community.

A broad, breezy field between Ocean Park and the sea, Waban Park hosts summer festivals, kite shows, and family picnics. Its open expanse is ideal for soaking in island sunshine or catching a cool Atlantic breeze.

This dynamic cultural museum celebrates the African diaspora through art, history, and storytelling. It’s a space for reflection and inspiration, highlighting voices and experiences often left untold in traditional narratives.

Stretching two miles between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, this barrier beach offers both gentle pond waters and rolling surf. It’s the ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or spotting the iconic Jaws Bridge.

Once a bustling 20th-century movie house, the Strand Theatre is a landmark of Oak Bluffs’ entertainment past. Though its marquee now marks a new chapter, it remains a nostalgic reminder of summer nights gone by.

Easily accessible and family-friendly, this sandy beach offers calm swimming and picture-perfect harbor views. It’s a favorite for both day-trippers and locals looking to unwind steps from town.

This striking Gothic Revival cottage—known for its intricate trim and towers—has been lovingly restored after a devastating fire. It stands as a testament to Oak Bluffs’ enduring craftsmanship and charm.

Built in the 1920s by Harlem entrepreneur S. J. Overton, Villa Rosa became a gathering place for Black artists, thinkers, and vacationers. Its legacy as a beacon of community and culture still resonates through Oak Bluffs today.