Planning a solo beach vacation to an island might sound isolating, but for the growing number of visitors who prefer to explore Martha’s Vineyard alone, that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, traveling alone gives you the freedom to have as much or as little social time as you want, with the added perks of making your own schedule and doing—for once—exactly what you want to do. People of all ages, in all different situations, are turning to solo travel as a way to break up daily routines, recharge, and even plot life’s next big moves. If you’re ready to hop the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard with no entourage in sight, this guide is for you.
Best Martha’s Vineyard Beaches for Solo Travelers
Choosing the best beach depends a bit on what kind of solo beach vacation you’re after. For maximum seclusion with drop-dead gorgeous scenery and no development in sight, East Beach on Chappaquiddick—accessed via the tiny ferry in Edgartown—is your best bet. With seven miles of shoreline, you’re sure to find a spot away from others on this east-facing barrier beach. For more company, pitch your umbrella in the soft white sand of South Beach, also known as Katama Beach.
Where to Walk
For a great solo stroll, we like Poucha Pond, or really anywhere else on Chappaquiddick. This tiny island is less densely populated than the mainland of Martha’s Vineyard, so a little bit of wandering around there pays dividends in serenity. Consider taking a bicycle over on the ferry and spending the better part of an early morning peddling around. To get outside and learn about local flora and fauna with a group, check out the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary’s adult classes.
Food, Drinks, and New Friends
After a day in the sun and sand, round out your solo beach vacation with some local seafood and libations. Mid-to-late afternoon is a great time to meet new friends at Bad Martha Beer, one of our favorite local breweries. Food is scarce here, but the back patio has cornhole and live music and the farmhouse-style tasting room is surrounded by a beautiful garden nursery. The Wharf is where Edgartown’s nightlife happens, with casual dinner service giving way to a lively bar scene with DJs and live bands. For a quieter, more upscale experience, consider Atria, whose top-notch local menu changes nightly.
Where to Stay for Your Solo Beach Vacation
For an affordable place to stay near all of the above activities, we recommend choosing between the towns of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. Oak Bluffs skews a little younger and wilder, while Edgartown is better for a more relaxing solo beach vacation—it’ll still be hopping during the day and evening, but it’s quieter late at night. To truly avoid crowds, plan your solo beach vacation for the spring or fall. The weather is often surprisingly lovely, but the scores of summer visitors are back home at work and school.
If you’re leaning toward Edgartown, we’d love to welcome you to the heart of downtown at Vineyard Square. The rates for our cozy rooms are especially solo-traveler friendly, and they include an array of amenities to make your trip easier to manage on your own: a house-made continental breakfast in-season, access to our fitness center, complimentary bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas to borrow, as well as access to our fourth-floor veranda with stunning views of Edgartown Harbor.