Things to Do in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard

March 9, 2023

things to do in edgartown

The genteel town of Edgartown is one of the most interesting destinations on Martha’s Vineyard. This former whaling town is still full of historic reminders and offers some fun activities to keep your days busy, even on rainy days.

One of the island’s most iconic things to do is drive Beach Road, a scenic drive that connects Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. This stretch also features Jaws Bridge, the American Legion Memorial Bridge that looks familiar to those who remember watching the 1975 movie.

1. Atria Restaurant

If you’re looking for a unique place to sit down and drink coffee while in Edinburgh, you’ve come to the right place. This cosy bar is a tribute to the history of Atria Hotel, offering a relaxed ambiance with a touch of adventure and pre-diner drinks.

Harry Potter fans are sure to enjoy this spot as it owes much of its popularity to J. K. Rowling, who wrote the majority of her Harry Potter books here.

As well as being a great place to sit and sip coffee, this spot also offers other things to do for fans of the series. They have a gin tasting experience that you can book in small groups, and there are also escape rooms and cocktail classes.

As you can see, Edinburgh has a lot to offer visitors, and it’s easy to get around on foot. You can even hire a hop-on-hop-off bus to help you visit the main attractions and sights of the city.

2. Behind the Bookstore

Edinburgh was the first city in the world to be named a UNESCO City of Literature and the city is a magnet for book lovers. From literary talks and events to writer’s workshops and storytelling sessions, there’s something for every bibliophile here!

The Spoon Cafe in Edinburgh is one of the best places to have a drink and enjoy the view while you read your favourite books. J K Rowling spent a lot of time here writing her first Harry Potter book, so this is the perfect place to spend some time while you’re in the city.

Another great place to get lost in literature is the Lighthouse Bookshop. It’s an unapologetically activist, intersectional, feminist, antiracist community space where you can find a range of curated selections to suit your interests.

This place won Scottish Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2018. It’s also a great place to grab some children’s books while you’re in town.

3. Chesca’s

Chesca’s is a top-notch Northern Italian-American restaurant located in Edgartown. Enjoy drinks on their beautiful front porch that overlooks historic downtown Edgartown, or dine in their candle-lit upscale dining room.

It’s a must-visit during your stay on Martha’s Vineyard, and reservations are recommended. The menu features seafood, chicken, pasta and a variety of vegetarian dishes.

Another great place to grab a meal while on the island is Dock Street - a classic Vineyard fried food shack with all your favorites like clams, oysters, fries, grilled cheese and chicken fingers. They’re open late so it’s a good place to grab a bite before or after a day on the beach, and they have wheelchair access and picnic tables on the harbor side.

If you have any more ideas for things to do on Martha’s Vineyard, let us know in the comments below! Have a fabulous time on your vacation! See you soon! Don’t forget to leave a review after your trip!

4. Rockfish

One block back from Edgartown Harbor is Rockfish, a high-end dining establishment with an authentic wood-fired pizza oven. This local favorite is open year-round and offers a variety of entrees.

For seafood, you can’t go wrong with grilled swordfish or pan searded scallops. But if you’re looking for something more traditional, try their pizza, burgers, or Truffle Mac & Cheese.

There’s a reason why this restaurant has been featured in several local publications. Chef Craig Decker, who was originally hired to oversee the kitchen, focuses on simple food done right.

While you’re at it, you should check out the nearby beach – just a quick stroll from Edgartown Village. This beach was the filming location for the 1975 movie Jaws.

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