Edgartown Harbor
Edgartown Harbor: A picturesque New England gem on Martha's Vineyard, known for its charming village, historic lighthouse, and vibrant waterfront.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy fireworks & harbor ambiance
Edgartown Harbor
Best Time
Enjoy fireworks & harbor ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edgartown Harbor: A picturesque New England gem on Martha's Vineyard, known for its charming village, historic lighthouse, and vibrant waterfront.
"Edgartown is awesome. I rent a mooring ball from them once a week during the summer as part of a large sailing program and enjoy it tremendously."
Book Moorings Early
Secure your spot in Edgartown Harbor well in advance, especially for summer trips. :anchor:
Consider Launch Service
If your mooring is far from shore, factor in the cost of the launch service. :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Edgartown Harbor Light
Edgartown Harbor
A historic landmark offering picturesque views and a glimpse into New England charm.
Charming Downtown Edgartown
Edgartown Village
Explore preppy boutiques, stunning architecture, and waterfront dining with classic New England vibes.
Waterfront Dining
Edgartown Harbor
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors with beautiful harbor views at restaurants like The Port Hunter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bookings & Mooring
Getting Around Edgartown
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Moorings Early
Secure your spot in Edgartown Harbor well in advance, especially for summer trips. :anchor:
Consider Launch Service
If your mooring is far from shore, factor in the cost of the launch service. :boat:
Explore by Jeep
Rent a Jeep Wrangler to easily navigate the island and access various spots. :jeep:
Walk the Historic Streets
Stroll past gorgeous houses with classic New England charm. :housewithgarden:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Moorings Early
Secure your spot in Edgartown Harbor well in advance, especially for summer trips. :anchor:
Consider Launch Service
If your mooring is far from shore, factor in the cost of the launch service. :boat:
Explore by Jeep
Rent a Jeep Wrangler to easily navigate the island and access various spots. :jeep:
Walk the Historic Streets
Stroll past gorgeous houses with classic New England charm. :housewithgarden:
Enjoy Local Oysters
Don't miss fresh oysters from local farms like Top's Shellfish. :oyster:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Edgartown Harbor is praised for its picturesque beauty and charming New England atmosphere, with many enjoying the historic lighthouse and waterfront dining. However, some visitors have expressed frustration with mooring availability, pricing, and occasional issues with harbor services.
"Even though we booked our mooring way ahead of time, we arrive and found it occupied, they re-assign us a new one that must be a nautical mile from town! Takes forever to reach the dock by dinghy and most it’s dangerous at night.. they probably want to push us to use their super expensive launch service at 5$ a person.. On top of 55$ per night for the mooring.. Rip off…"
Naim A
"Edgartown is awesome. I rent a moring ball from them once a week during the summer as part of a large sailing program and enjoy it tremendously."
Steven Blum
"NOTE: The below was sent by email to the Edgartown Harbormaster's office over a week ago - There has been zero reply.
BOAT OWNERS PLEASE BEWARE!
"Edgartown Harbormaster,
We were moored at yellow #82 from Thurs 7/25 to Fri 7/26 with our 47’ sailboat, “Sonder". A harbor patrol boat (piloted by a blonde haired teenage boy) promptly came to collect the ball fee when we arrived, but the boat was being driven much too fast and the harbor patrol boat slammed into our hull with the tip of it’s bow before the teenager was able to re-maneuver it sidewise to raft up alongside us with the protective fenders. At the horrified look on all our faces he simply said “sorry.” and then asked us for the money. There was no wind, waves, or other piloting conditions to excuse his irresponsible driving and perpendicularly ramming into us like this. We were all completely aghast at what had happened and piled into the dinghy to inspect our hull. There was a large horizontal scrape in our dark blue paint on the port side. We peeled away the black rubber residue left behind from the pointed bow of the patrol boat and then tried to buff away the large mark. It was improved, but not erased by any means.
We immediately called the harbormaster’s phone to report the incident - The gentleman I spoke to said that someone would go to the boat to personally check the damage and then call us back. Nobody ever called us back. We were busy hosting family, so we tried again to call back the next day, but did not get an answer (it was a very busy Friday afternoon, so I understand this). I am including photos of the damage both before and after we tried to buff out the mark.
This is really unfortunate that the teenager who hit us took no absolutely responsibility, but worse that the office we reported it to never followed up with us. I hope all of this will be communicated to your teenage staff member so that he will be much more cautions and courteous in the future…his careless driving is a liability to the Harbormaster’s office and those around him.
I expect at the very least that our mooring fee for the night will be fully refunded to us due to the damage and inconvenience this has caused, not to mention the time it has taken trying to get someone to follow up with us.
We hope to hear from the harbormaster with a reasonable resolution ASAP."
NOTE: The above was sent by email to the Edgartown Harbormaster's office over a week ago - There has been zero reply. BOAT OWNERS PLEASE BEWARE!"
Roxanna Sears
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Edgartown Harbor is located on Martha's Vineyard. You can reach Martha's Vineyard via ferry from various mainland ports like Woods Hole, Hyannis, and New Bedford. Once on the island, Edgartown is accessible by bus or car. If arriving by boat, you can secure a mooring in the harbor.
Parking in Edgartown can be challenging, especially during peak season. Many visitors opt to rent a Jeep Wrangler for easier island navigation and parking. Some accommodations, like the Harbor View Hotel, offer parking.
Edgartown village is very walkable. For exploring the wider island, consider renting a car or a Jeep. Public transportation is also available on Martha's Vineyard.
Ferries typically arrive at Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Edgartown. Some private boat charters may offer direct access to Edgartown Harbor.
Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) operates bus routes connecting the different towns, including Edgartown. There are also private launch services available for boaters in the harbor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no tickets required to visit Edgartown Harbor itself. However, if you plan to stay on a mooring, you will need to book and pay for it in advance.
Edgartown Harbor is a public waterway and is accessible at all times. However, Harbormaster services and launch operations have specific hours, which can vary seasonally.
Mooring fees in Edgartown Harbor can vary, with some sources indicating around $55 per night. It's advisable to contact the Edgartown Harbormaster directly for the most current pricing and availability.
Yes, it is highly recommended to reserve a mooring in Edgartown Harbor well in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
There is no entry fee to view the Edgartown Harbor Light from the outside. Access to climb the lighthouse may have a fee, depending on its operational status and any associated historical society.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the historic Edgartown Harbor Light for scenic views. Strolling through the charming downtown with its beautiful architecture and boutique shops is also a highlight.
Boating, sailing, and kayaking are popular activities. You can also enjoy waterfront dining, explore the shops, and take a leisurely walk along the harbor.
Yes, Edgartown offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Popular spots include The Port Hunter for oysters and 19 Raw Oyster Bar.
Edgartown is generally family-friendly, with a pleasant atmosphere for strolling and enjoying the scenery. The harbor itself is beautiful, and the town offers shops and dining that can appeal to various ages.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the harbor by boat, whether it's your own vessel or a chartered tour. Walking along the waterfront and enjoying the views is also a great way to experience it.
📸 📸 Photography
The Edgartown Harbor Light is a prime photo spot, especially at sunrise or sunset. The charming streets lined with historic homes also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both landscapes and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the harbor views, and a prime lens is good for low-light situations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers opportunities for capturing the vibrant colors of the town.
Drone regulations can be complex and vary by location. It's essential to check with local authorities and the FAA for current rules regarding drone usage in Edgartown and Martha's Vineyard before flying.
Capture the classic New England architecture, the boats in the harbor, and the vibrant atmosphere of the downtown area. Look for reflections in the water or interesting details on the historic homes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families exploring the island, renting a vehicle like a Jeep can make getting around easier. The VTA bus system is also an option for navigating between towns. Enjoying ice cream or a casual meal at one of the local eateries can be a simple yet satisfying family activity.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for a picnic lunch with groceries from a local market rather than dining out for every meal can save money. While mooring fees are standard, explore options for anchoring if permitted and feasible for your vessel. Walking and enjoying the free sights like the harbor and lighthouse are excellent budget-friendly activities.
💑 Couples
+1Consider a sunset visit to the Edgartown Harbor Light for memorable photos. For a more active experience, kayaking or a scenic boat tour can add a touch of adventure to your romantic getaway. Staying at hotels like the Harbor View Hotel offers beautiful accommodations and amenities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Edgartown Harbor: Mooring & Launch Services
The launch service, while convenient, comes at a cost, with reports of fees around $5 per person. This, combined with mooring fees (around $55 per night), can add up, leading some visitors to feel it's a 'rip off.' However, for many, the convenience and access to the charming town of Edgartown make it a worthwhile expense. It's always best to confirm current pricing and availability directly with the Edgartown Harbormaster's office.
There have been instances of issues with mooring assignments and even minor incidents involving harbor patrol boats. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and to report any concerns or damages promptly to the harbormaster. Despite these occasional challenges, many boaters find Edgartown Harbor to be a tremendous experience, enjoying the vibrant sailing community and the picturesque setting.
The Edgartown Experience: Preppy Charm and Island Life
The town offers a delightful mix of high-end boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront dining. Strolling through the village, you'll pass by stunning homes that embody classic New England charm. The Edgartown Harbor Light stands as a historical landmark, offering picturesque views and a sense of the area's maritime heritage.
For food enthusiasts, Edgartown boasts excellent dining options, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood. Restaurants like The Port Hunter are celebrated for their oysters, sourced from local farms. This focus on local ingredients and waterfront dining contributes significantly to the overall appeal of the Edgartown experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit