Oak Bluffs Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Oak Bluffs, located on the picturesque Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, is a charming seaside town that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. With its stunning beaches, quaint neighborhoods, and unique attractions, Oak Bluffs is a popular destination for travelers seeking a relaxing and unforgettable vacation experience.

One of the highlights of Oak Bluffs is its iconic gingerbread cottages, which are a true testament to the town's rich history. These colorful and intricately designed cottages, dating back to the 1800s, create a whimsical atmosphere that is sure to transport visitors to a bygone era. Taking a leisurely stroll through the Cottage City neighborhood is like stepping into a fairy tale, with each cottage boasting its own unique charm and character.

For beach lovers, Oak Bluffs offers several pristine sandy shores to soak up the sun and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze. Inkwell Beach, with its calm waters and soft sands, is a popular spot for families and offers stunning views of the Nantucket Sound. Joseph Sylvia State Beach, stretching for over two miles, provides ample space for beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

In addition to its natural beauty, Oak Bluffs is also known for its lively arts and entertainment scene. The Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States, is a must-visit attraction for both the young and young at heart. Visitors can also explore the vibrant Oak Bluffs Harbor, where they can indulge in delicious seafood at waterfront restaurants, browse through local boutiques, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Oak Bluffs offers several options. The Martha's Vineyard Bike Path, a scenic 11-mile trail, allows visitors to explore the island's stunning landscapes on two wheels. The nearby State Forest offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and tranquil ponds, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Alternative names: Population: 4.7 thous.Area: 25.95 mi²Elevation: 7 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°27'24"N, 70°33'31"W

Location

MassachusettsUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Oak Bluffs Top Attractions

Oak Bluffs Attractions - What to See and Explore

Oak Bluffs offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Flying Horses Carousel, East Chop Light, Union Chapel, The Arcade. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Amusement • Theme park • Amusement ride
Flying Horses Carousel
Step back in time with a visit to the Flying Horses Carousel, a cherished amusement park ride nestled in the heart of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This vintage carousel, the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States, has been spinning with joy since 1876...
View point • Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
East Chop Light
East Chop Light is a historic lighthouse standing on a bluff overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor and Vineyard Sound, located along East Chop Drive in the town of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts.
Church • Oak Bluffs
Union Chapel
Union Chapel is an historic octagon-shaped church building in Oak Bluffs, on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. The church was built in 1870 as a non-sectarian worship space in an area dominated by the Methodist summer camp meeting known as Wesleyan Grove.

41°27'21"N • 70°33'30"W
The Arcade
The Arcade is an historic building at 31 Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. Built in the early 1870s, it is one of the best preserved buildings on Circuit Ave, and is further locally significant as housing the offices of the Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Company, which was...
Neighbourhood • Oak Bluffs
Wesleyan Grove
Wesleyan Grove is a 34-acre National Historic Landmark District in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on the island of Martha's Vineyard.
41°27'20"N • 70°33'28"W
Dr. Harrison A. Tucker Cottage
The Dr. Harrison A. Tucker Cottage is a historic summer cottage at 61 Ocean Avenue in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. The cottage took shape in the 1870s as a combination of several smaller structures that were joined by an addition.

Day trips

Oak Bluffs – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Oak Bluffs, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Breakers (Newport), Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth), Mashpee Commons (Mashpee).

38 milesW
Opulent, late-1800s Vanderbilt mansion
The Breakers, Newport
Nestled along the picturesque cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island, The Breakers stands as a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age. This palatial mansion, completed in 1895, was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.
34 milesN
Re-creation of a 1627 Pilgrim village
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth
Plimoth Plantation, nestled in the scenic coastal town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a living history museum that offers a unique window into the lives of the English colonists and Native Wampanoag people of the 17th century.
12 milesN
Neighbourhood, Shopping centre, Shopping
Mashpee Commons, Mashpee
Nestled in the charming town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, Mashpee Commons presents a delightful fusion of shopping, dining, and entertainment. This open-air shopping center is a modern-day interpretation of a classic New England village, offering visitors a unique...
39 milesW
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
The Elms, Newport
The Elms is a grandiose mansion nestled in the picturesque city of Newport, Rhode Island. This palatial summer residence, completed in 1901, stands as a testament to the opulence and luxury that characterized America's Gilded Age.
23 milesNW
Park, Historical place, National park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford
Nestled in the historic heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's storied past as the world's preeminent whaling port during the 19th century.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Oak Bluffs

Learn when is the best time to travel to Oak Bluffs weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in April, November and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Oak Bluffs?

The top attractions to visit in Oak Bluffs are:

What is the best time to visit Oak Bluffs?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.