We know what you’re thinking. If Presidents of the United States have vacationed here, it can’t possibly be done on the cheap. Leave that logic on the mainland! All it takes to visit Martha’s Vineyard on a budget is a bit of planning and a pinch of compromise.
Fair Ferry Fares
Photo: versageek via flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
A round-trip ride on the Steamship Authority ferry is less than $20 for adults, though it gets pricey when a car is involved. Travelers may think they need a vehicle to get the best Martha’s Vineyard experience, but we’ll cover a better way to save on getting around the island. Leave the car behind and take the ferry for cheap!
Cheap Travel on the Island
Pass on the expensive car rentals. Our trusty Vineyard Transit buses visit every town on the island. While one-way fares are $1.25 per town, passengers can save and ride around to their hearts content with a one- or three-day pass. It’s a great budget-friendly way to see the 100-square-mile island of Martha’s Vineyard on a budget.
An alternative way to get around the island is to pedal it! Vineyard Square Hotel guests have access to complimentary bikes, or we can point you to good local bike shops. Cycle your way to Oak Bluffs to see the famous Jaws bridge, or stick closer to town and point your bike in the direction of South Beach. If you choose this classic mode of transport, we’ve mapped out the best routes to take in our Martha’s Vineyard biking guide.
Save During the Shoulder Season
You don’t have to visit in the dead of winter (although that’s an option) to save on a Martha’s Vineyard vacation. Plan a trip during the shoulder season for the perfect compromise. It’s not quite peak, not quite off-season, and just right for travelers looking to save without sacrificing seasonal experiences. In fact, the months before and after summer are a favorite time to visit for many of us. Room rates dip between September and May, so you can enjoy a Cozy Room instead of packing a tent to camp in.
How to Dine on a Dime
You don’t have to survive on PB&J from the grocery store, although a picnic lunch on the beach is a budget-friendly (and may we say, romantic) option. We do have some notable places for cheap eats on Martha’s Vineyard. If you stay at a hotel with complimentary breakfast, that’s one meal taken care of! Otherwise, a trip to Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs is worth an apple fritter. For affordable lunch or dinner, Sharky’s Mexican Cantina in Edgartown and Oak Bluffs boasts “50 items under $10” options.
What to See, What to Do
There are many free or inexpensive ways to entertain yourself when visiting Martha’s Vineyard on a budget. For starters, we’re surrounded by beautiful beaches to sink your toes into. We also recommend marveling at the Aquinnah Cliffs or taking a spin on the Oldest Carousel in the World for just $2.50 a ride. Vineyard Square guests can even take their bikes on the ferry for plenty to see and explore (like a 14-acre zen garden) on the next-door island of Chappaquiddick.
Ditch the car for a ride on the bus, plan picnic lunches on the beach, and take in the best of the island without overwhelming your credit card. Planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard on a budget isn’t as hard on the wallet as it seems.
While summer is the perfect season for visiting Edgartown, any time of year is a great time to book your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Spring in New England, also known as shoulder season or off-season, is an excellent time of year to visit Martha’s Vineyard. For anyone looking to live like a […]
Picking the perfect vacation destination can involve a lot of pro and con list making. Two of the most popular New England spots both reside off the southern coast of Cape Cod. Both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard have been attracting countless vacationers for years, and for good reason. However, there are differences between these two […]
No matter where you turn, there is always something to discover on Martha’s Vineyard. From memorable activities to recognizable landmarks, the possibilities are endless. Be close to it all while having a tranquil place to call home by booking your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Our Edgartown hotel is close to everything you […]
It can sometimes be hard to figure out when to book your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. No matter the time of year, there are plenty of adventures to embark on throughout Edgartown. A great way to determine when to book your stay with us is by looking at the average weather in […]
When selecting your Martha’s Vineyard home base, you want a lodging option that features cozy accommodations, exceptional amenities, and is close to top activities and attractions. You get all this and more when you stay at Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites. Thanks to our convenient location, you’ll be just steps away from charming downtown Edgartown, […]
Adventure is right at your fingertips when you book your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites. Overlooking Edgartown Harbor, our hotel is the perfect home base for your getaway. When looking up what to see in Martha’s Vineyard, there is no shortage of unique and memorable attractions to discover. Hop on a rental bike […]
Martha’s Vineyard is known for being a go-to summer vacation destination. However, this New England is the perfect escape any time of year. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, try visiting Martha’s Vineyard and Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites in the winter. This season is a fantastic time for couples looking to […]
The New England region is filled with breathtaking scenery, and some of the best examples of Mother Nature’s work can be found on Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoy waterfront views by reserving your stay at Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, one of the best hotels in Edgartown. Our boutique hotel puts you near some of the best […]