Martha's Vineyard Lighthouse Tours: A Coastal Journey
Explore iconic lighthouses and stunning coastal vistas on Martha's Vineyard with expertly guided tours.
Martha's Vineyard, a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, is renowned for its charming towns, sandy beaches, and, of course, its historic lighthouses. These stoic sentinels have guided mariners for centuries, standing as iconic symbols of the island's maritime heritage. Exploring these beacons of light offers a unique perspective on the island's history, architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Historic lighthouse tours on Martha's Vineyard provide an immersive experience, taking visitors beyond the typical tourist paths. These excursions often delve into the stories of the keepers who lived and worked in these remote outposts, the shipwrecks they helped prevent, and the technological advancements that shaped their operation. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a scenic adventure, these tours illuminate the captivating allure of the Vineyard's coastal landmarks. You’ll gain an appreciation for the crucial role lighthouses played in maritime safety and the enduring legacy they represent. From the towering Fresnel lens of Gay Head Light to the distinctive charm of Edgartown Harbor Light, each lighthouse tells its own story. Tours may involve guided walks, scenic drives, and opportunities to learn about the ongoing preservation efforts. Many tours are designed to showcase the dramatic cliffside settings and panoramic ocean views that surround these architectural marvels. Preparing for such a tour involves understanding the island's weather patterns and the physical demands of visiting some of these historic structures, ensuring a comfortable and enriching exploration.
Featured Historic Lighthouse Tours Tours
Discover our top picks for historic lighthouse tours in Martha's Vineyard
Experience our famous 3-hour full Island tour for a budget friendly rate! Our tour drivers - native Islanders & long-time "wash-a-shores" have years of tour driving experience and the best reviews to show it! This 3-hour tour will introduce you to our 100 square mile island by giving you the history, both past and present, of our 6 unique towns. In all, 2 ½ hours of the tour is narrated, and you'll have a stop at the beautiful Cliffs of Aquinnah. Top highlights on this tour include Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Aquinnah, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Menemsha. So join us in our comfortable air-conditioned vans & get ready to make memories for a lifetime - your Martha's Vineyard tour! (Children under 10 excluded from this tour.)
Perfect tour to see all six towns on Martha's Vineyard in 3 hours, and to stop and get out to see the the beautiful seaport of Menemsha and the cliffs in Aquinnah. Customers will be engaged by great, "five star" local guides providing narration about the history, culture, celebrities, lighthouses, beaches, Jaws, gingerbread cottages, whaling captain's homes, and much more. Conducted in very nice, comfortable, air-conditioned, high top Ford Transit vans with large windows.
We are, the only ones have four stops to get off the bus. We also offer a lot of amenities that no other tour offers. The tours keep you fully engaged and all we require is for you to be curious! We will not disappoint, what makes us entirely different is that we have a screen at the front of the bus that shows what certain sites looked like in the days of yore. To get a great depth and understanding of what Martha's Vineyard was, and how we are now. The All Island Bus Tour takes you on an adventure you will never forget. Capture the beautiful vistas, the quaint little cottages, the amazing clay cliffs and everything in between. We offer a lot of amenities and have some great stories that intertwine with the awesome history that has been waiting for us to share. With time to shop, dine and sightsee. Your tour will be the highlight of your vacation. We can't wait to meet you!
Go at your own pace, anytime! It's your tour. On our historic walking tour of the Edgartown, you will see the iconic sights and secret gems including the whaling church, the oldest buildings, underground railroad locations, the Carnegie library, filming sights of Jaws, the lighthouse and much more. And I’ll tell you this town’s stories of the settlers, natives, whaling, ghosts, myths and legends, the Kennedy’s, it’s history and much more. Pro narration and production! Best deal in town :)
Get ready to visit one of the greatest vacation spots in the USA, a favorite among celebrities and even presidents! Martha’s Vineyard is home to stunning beaches and coastline, picturesque little towns, and plenty of fun—but this GPS-guided driving tour with walking portions will also dig beneath the beautiful surface and into the island’s surprising history. Learn about the Wampanoag, the origin of the Vineyard’s famous “gingerbread houses,” and the lost language invented by the island’s residents! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Unearth the charm of Oak Bluffs on this self-guided walking tour, where the rich history and vibrant culture of this New England seaside town come alive. Wander among whimsical gingerbread cottages, enjoy stunning harbor views, and learn how this area evolved from a Methodist camp meeting site to a celebrated resort. This tour highlights the unique blend of architecture, community spirit, and African American heritage that defines Oak Bluffs, making it a delightful exploration of summer memories and local stories. — Discover the distinctive Victorian architecture and intricate cottages — Explore the historical significance of Oak Bluffs as a cultural hub — Enjoy scenic ocean views and shaded park paths during your stroll — Perfect for history buffs and those seeking a unique coastal experience
This excursion provides passengers a first hand view of the historic shoreline from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle II. From a starting location in the heart of the Hudson River Valley in Kingston NY, the cruise provides a delightfully unique opportunity to explore this scenic shoreline. As you relax on the cool shaded deck of the Rip Van Winkle, visit our beverage & snack bars for tasty refreshments. Your experienced guide will point out millionaires' sumptuous estates, picturesque Hudson river lighthouses and quaint sleepy villages surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites.
Get the full Massachusetts experience with this combo of walking and driving tours around Boston! You’ll find ten tours in one app - all highly entertaining, thoroughly researched and prepared by local guides. Self-Guided Tours are: 1- Boston Freedom Trail (Walking) 2- Harvard Square (Walking) 3- Boston Ghost (Walking) 4- Salem Witch Trials (Walking) 5- Boston Harborwalk (Walking) 6- Plymouth (Walking) 7- Cape Cod & Provincetown (Driving) 8- Cape Ann (Driving) 9- Battle of Lexington (Driving) 10- Martha’s Vineyard (Driving) This self-guided tour allows you to explore Boston’s historic wonders with maximum flexibility and value. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. Buy once, use for a year! Perfect for extended or return trips.
Discover how a small religious summer camp transformed into one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most popular island destinations on this walking tour through the town of Oak Bluffs. Starting in Ocean Park, you’ll follow the coast to Inkwell Beach before heading into the heart of the town. Along the way, you’ll hear its history and find out what makes this island paradise so alluring to everyone from the rich and famous, to curious Cape Cod vacationers that come for a day. Around Trinity Park, you’ll see Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, its cottage museum, and the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs which is a place of worship. After heading down Circuit Avenue, where I’ll show you the town’s famous Flying Horses Carousel, our tour will come to an end at the harbor. Whether you’re on the island for only a day, or calling Martha’s Vineyard home for the season, this tour is for anyone who wants to dig into Oak Bluffs’ past and enjoy its present.
You will receive personalized attention from a tour guide capable of answering all your questions.Spend the day exploring Oia,Red Beach, Black Beach, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Megalochori. Depending on the tour time chosen, you can enjoy the sunset either from the Lighthouse or Oia village.
Escape Paris for a refined day in Champagne—travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan in a boutique small group (max 8) through rolling vineyard landscapes to Reims, the historic heart of the region. Visit Reims Cathedral, then descend into historic chalk cellars for a guided tour that reveals what makes Champagne unique, followed by a tasting. In the afternoon, take in panoramic views from the Lighthouse of Verzenay over the Montagne de Reims vineyards, and end in charming Hautvillers for a final stroll before returning to Paris. Discover the historic heart of Champagne in Reims and visit its iconic cathedral Travel from central Paris in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan (small group max 8) Go underground for a guided Champagne cellar tour and tasting (house may vary by availability) Enjoy unforgettable vineyard panoramas from the Lighthouse of Verzenay viewpoint Finish with a relaxed stroll in Hautvillers, the quintessential Champagne village
Offering private tours of beautiful Marthas' Vineyard Island specifically for small groups of people (5 max) looking for a truly unique experience. Relax and enjoy this narrated tour as we drive along the scenic coast, stop for photos, talk about famous people, learn about local history, all while passing through the 3 down-island towns. For those travelers coming over for the day with limited time, who would like to see the down Island towns, this is the perfect tour.
Visit the Hamptons on this private, full-day trip from New York City with a chauffeured minivan that accommodates up to six passengers. Enjoy the ride in comfort and style, then spend the day seeing some of the most expensive and luxurious residential properties in the USA, with beautiful mansions and estates that slope down to the ocean's edge. Explore the streets of small villages, quaint shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes and of course visit a winery. Highlights of the trip include lunch by the ocean's edge.
-Offering private tours of beautiful Marthas' Vineyard Island specifically for small groups of people (5 max) looking for a truly unique experience. -Relax and enjoy this narrated tour as we drive along the scenic coast, stop for photos, talk about famous people, learn about local history, all while passing through the 6 island towns. -For those travelers coming over for the day with limited time, who would like to see the whole island, this is the perfect tour.
Escape the city and discover the timeless charm of Martha’s Vineyard on this easy, full-day trip from Boston. Travel by (Optional) scenic ferry across the harbor before exploring the island on a (Optional) guided sightseeing bus tour that highlights its historic towns, coastal landscapes, and iconic landmarks. After the tour, enjoy generous free time to relax, shop, stroll the harbor, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. With round-trip ferry transportation and optional guided touring, this experience offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom for a memorable island getaway.
Why Choose Historic Lighthouse Tours in Martha's Vineyard?
Iconic Coastal Views
Experience unparalleled panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island's dramatic coastline from elevated lighthouse vantage points.
Maritime Heritage
Delve into the rich history of seafaring, shipwrecks, and the vital role lighthouses played in protecting sailors along the treacherous New England coast.
Photographer's Paradise
Capture stunning images of historic architecture against vibrant ocean backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset tours.
Unique Architecture
Marvel at the distinct designs and engineering feats of classic lighthouses, each with its own character and history.
Natural Beauty
Explore the natural landscapes surrounding the lighthouses, often situated in areas of significant ecological and scenic importance.
Island Culture
Gain insights into the local culture and traditions that have been shaped by the island's maritime connections and the presence of its famous lights.
Types of Historic Lighthouse Tours in Martha's Vineyard
Multi-Lighthouse Expeditions
These comprehensive tours visit multiple iconic lighthouses across the island, offering a broad overview of Martha's Vineyard's maritime history. Expect a mix of guided walking and driving segments.
Photography Focused Tours
Tailored for photography enthusiasts, these tours often time visits to coincide with optimal lighting conditions, such as sunrise or sunset. They focus on capturing the best angles and details of the lighthouses and their surroundings.
Walking & Hiking Tours
For those who prefer to explore on foot, these tours involve more extensive walking or light hiking to reach and explore lighthouse grounds. Some may include access inside certain towers.
Coastal Boat Excursions
Experience the lighthouses from the water with these scenic boat tours. This perspective offers unique views of the lighthouses from the sea and provides a different appreciation for their coastal placement.
What to Expect on Martha's Vineyard Historic Lighthouse Tours
Duration
Most tours range from 3 to 4 hours, allowing ample time for travel between sites, guided explanations, and exploration.
Weather
Island weather can be unpredictable. Expect sunshine, fog, wind, and potentially rain. Tours generally operate in most weather conditions, so dress in layers and bring rain gear.
Group Size
Group sizes vary, from intimate tours with fewer than 10 people to larger excursions of 20 or more. Smaller groups often allow for more personal interaction with guides.
What's Included
Typically includes guided commentary, transportation between sites (unless specified as self-drive), and admission fees to lighthouse grounds or interiors if applicable. Food and drinks are usually not included.
Meeting Point
Meeting points are usually in central locations on the island, such as ferry terminals, town centers (e.g., Edgartown, Oak Bluffs), or specific parking areas near the lighthouses.
Costs
Prices start around $45 per person for shorter, more basic tours and can go up to $100+ for multi-lighthouse expeditions with extended features or private bookings.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book in advance, especially during peak summer season (June-August), as tours can fill up quickly.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many tours involve considerable walking, sometimes on uneven terrain.
Check the specific lighthouse accessibility. Not all lighthouse towers are open for climbing, and some tours may only cover exterior views.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and spotting distant landmarks along the coast.
Consider the time of day. Sunrise and sunset tours offer dramatic lighting, while midday tours can be ideal for exploring interiors without early morning or late evening chill.
Pack layers of clothing. Martha's Vineyard can experience changing weather conditions rapidly, even in summer.
If you have mobility concerns, inquire about the specific tour's physical requirements beforehand. Some tours may involve steep climbs or extensive walking.
Don't forget your camera! The photographic opportunities are abundant, from the lighthouses themselves to the stunning coastal scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Which are the main lighthouses on Martha's Vineyard that tours typically visit?
A: The most commonly visited lighthouses on Martha's Vineyard include Gay Head Light (Aquinnah), Edgartown Harbor Light, and Cape Poge Light. Some tours might also mention or drive by East Chop Light and West Chop Light.
Q:Can I climb to the top of the lighthouses on these tours?
A: Access to climb to the top of the lighthouse towers varies. Gay Head Light is often open for climbing with specific tour times or ticket purchases. Cape Poge Light's accessibility can be more limited due to its location. Always check the tour details to confirm if interior tower access is included.
Q:What is the best time of year to take a lighthouse tour on Martha's Vineyard?
A: The shoulder seasons, spring (May-June) and fall (September-October), offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, making them excellent times for lighthouse tours. Summer is also popular but can be very busy and hot.
Q:Are these tours suitable for children?
A: Many lighthouse tours are suitable for children, especially those that focus on the history and exterior views. However, climbing tours might have age restrictions. It's best to check the specific tour operator's guidelines for age recommendations.
Q:What should I wear on a lighthouse tour?
A: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Dress in layers, as island weather can change quickly. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended, along with a light rain jacket, just in case.
Q:Do I need to book lighthouse tours in advance?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to book your lighthouse tours in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak summer months. Popular tours often sell out days or weeks ahead of time.
Q:Are there any food or drink options included in the tours?
A: Generally, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You will have opportunities to purchase refreshments in towns or at stops along the way, but it's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks for longer excursions.
Q:How do I get to the meeting point for the tour?
A: Most tour operators will specify the meeting point in your booking confirmation. If you are not familiar with the island, it's advisable to plan your transportation in advance, considering ferry schedules and local taxi or rideshare availability.
Why Visit Martha's Vineyard?
Escape to Martha's Vineyard for charming New England towns and stunning Atlantic coastline views.
Experience the unique island vibe and picturesque harbors of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Enjoy car-free exploration with excellent public transit and bike paths throughout Martha's Vineyard.
Discover a rich history of Wampanoag culture and classic Victorian architecture.
Savor fresh seafood and explore local artisan shops for a true island getaway.
Find quintessential coastal charm and a relaxed pace of life on Martha's Vineyard.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Martha's Vineyard experiences a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with ocean breezes moderating the heat, while winters are cool and damp, though generally milder than inland New England. Spring and fall offer pleasant, crisp air, ideal for outdoor activities.
Best Months
The shoulder seasons, May, June, September, and October, are often considered the best months to visit Martha's Vineyard due to pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices.
Peak Season
Peak season runs from late June through August, offering the warmest weather perfect for beach days and lively island life, but expect higher prices and significant crowds.
Off Season
The off-season, from November to April, brings cooler weather and a quieter atmosphere, with many seasonal businesses closed, but offers a more local and peaceful experience.
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Plan Your Martha's Vineyard Trip
Transportation Tips
Getting around Martha's Vineyard is quite convenient. The Island has an extensive public bus system, VTA, which connects all the main towns and beaches, making it easy to explore without a car. Day passes are reasonably priced. Renting a bike is another popular and scenic option, with dedicated paths throughout much of the island. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, especially in the larger towns. Ferries from the mainland are the primary way to arrive, and some offer car transport, but many visitors opt to leave their vehicles behind.
Car Rental Deals in Martha's Vineyard
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Where to Stay
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