48 hours in Edgartown | A Martha's Vineyard Weekend Guide From Faraway

Some places ask you to slow down. Edgartown insists on it.

With its storybook streets, historic captain's homes, harbor views, and unmistakable island charm, Edgartown has long been one of the most beloved destinations on Martha's Vineyard. Whether you're arriving for your first visit or returning for another long weekend by the sea, there's something about this corner of the island that makes every hour feel a little more intentional.

This Edgartown weekend guide is designed to help you make the most of your stay, with a curated mix of local favorites, waterfront experiences, and quintessential island moments. From morning walks to sunset cocktails, consider this your ideal Martha's Vineyard weekend itinerary and your invitation to experience 48 hours in Edgartown, Faraway style.

Day One: Arrival & Afternoon Exploration

Check In and Settle Into Island Time

Start your Martha's Vineyard weekend the right way: by dropping your bags at Faraway Martha's Vineyard and immediately shifting into vacation mode.

Located in the heart of Edgartown, Faraway places you steps from the harbor, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that make the village so memorable. Take a moment to wander the grounds, grab a drink, and let the pace of island life set in.

Wander Edgartown's Historic Streets

One of the best things to do in Edgartown is simply getting lost for a while.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Historic District, where white-clapboard homes, blooming hydrangeas, and centuries-old architecture line quiet streets just blocks from the water.

Don't miss:

• The Vincent House Museum, the oldest surviving residence on Martha's Vineyard
• The Old Whaling Church, one of Edgartown's most recognizable landmarks
• Memorial Wharf, where fishing boats and sailboats share the harbor

This is the kind of place best explored without an agenda.

Get Out on the Water

No Edgartown weekend guide would be complete without time on the harbor.

Book an afternoon sail and take in views of Chappaquiddick, Edgartown Harbor, and the Vineyard shoreline from the water. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, hop aboard the On Time Ferry and cross over to Chappaquiddick Island for a quiet adventure just minutes away.

Sometimes the best way to experience Martha's Vineyard is simply from the deck of a boat.

Day One: Evening

Golden Hour & Cocktails

As the afternoon fades, Edgartown settles into one of its most beautiful moments.

Find a waterfront perch, order something refreshing, and watch the harbor shift colors as boats return for the evening. The light here has a way of making everything feel cinematic.

A few favorite stops for cocktails:

• Pelican Club at Faraway Martha’s Vineyard for easy, tucked-away island energy close to your room
• Town Bar & Grill for a lively, local feel with craft drinks and an easygoing Edgartown atmosphere
• Alchemy for polished cocktails, a lively atmosphere, and a menu made for lingering

Dinner in Edgartown

For a small town, Edgartown delivers an exceptional dining scene.

Menus celebrate the island's seasonal ingredients, local seafood, and coastal New England flavors, with everything from intimate date-night destinations to lively neighborhood favorites.

Wherever you choose, make room for local seafood, and don't rush the evening.

A few favorite places for dinner reservations:

• The Newes From America for a cozy, historic setting and classic New England comfort
• 19 Raw Oyster Bar for oysters, seafood, and a lively night out in town
• Detente for an intimate dinner with seasonal plates and a refined island feel

Day Two: Morning

Coffee, Pastries & the Lighthouse

Start your second day with coffee from one of Edgartown's beloved cafés before making your way toward Edgartown Lighthouse.

The scenic walk along the harborfront is a destination in itself, with sweeping views of Nantucket Sound and some of the most photographed scenery on the island.

Arrive early for a quieter experience and a peaceful start to the day.

A few favorite Edgartown coffee and pastry stops:

• Behind the Bookstore for espresso, breakfast, and a leafy patio tucked just off Main Street
• Espresso Love for a classic Edgartown café stop with coffee, pastries, and easy island energy
• Rosewater Market for coffee, baked goods, and elevated provisions to take along for the day

Browse the Edgartown Farmers Market

If your visit falls on a Saturday morning in season, don't miss the Edgartown Farmers Market. Local vendors offer fresh flowers, island-made products, artisan foods, and seasonal produce that showcase the Vineyard's creative and agricultural communities.

It's the perfect place to pick up picnic supplies or simply spend an hour soaking up local life.

Day Two: Afternoon

Beach Time at South Beach

Among the most iconic things to do in Edgartown is spending an afternoon at South Beach.

With wide stretches of sand, Atlantic surf, and endless ocean views, it's one of Martha's Vineyard's most beloved beaches. Bring a book, take a walk along the shoreline, or simply enjoy a few hours under the sun.

For calmer waters, Lighthouse Beach offers a more relaxed alternative close to town.

Explore Local Shops

Spend your final afternoon browsing Edgartown's collection of independent boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops.

Favorites include:

• Laughing Bear
• Edgartown Books
• Craftworks

Part of Edgartown's charm is discovering the unexpected, so leave room for spontaneous stops along the way.

Day Two: Evening

Sunset on the Harbor

Before dinner, make your way back to the waterfront.

Whether you're strolling Memorial Wharf or relaxing near the harbor, sunset is one of those daily rituals that feels especially magical in Edgartown.

One Last Island Dinner

End your 48 hours in Edgartown with a memorable final meal.

Order another glass of wine. Stay for dessert. Make plans to come back before you've even left.

That's the effect Martha's Vineyard tends to have.

A few favorite Edgartown restaurants for night two:

• Atlantic Fish & ChopHouse for a polished waterfront dinner with harbor views and a classic Edgartown feel
• The Covington for seasonal, farm-to-table plates in an intimate Edgartown setting
• The Port Hunter for a livelier last night with seafood, drinks, and a downtown atmosphere

Stay at Faraway Martha's Vineyard

The best Martha's Vineyard weekend itinerary starts with the right home base.

Located in the heart of Edgartown, Faraway Martha's Vineyard blends historic island character with thoughtful design, vibrant gathering spaces, and effortless hospitality. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a long weekend with friends, or your first island escape, Faraway puts the very best of Edgartown right outside your door.

Explore rooms and start planning your island getaway.