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Gingerbread Cottages and around
A day in Martha's Vineyard · 9:30–17:00 · 6 stops
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mapvivid.com/marthas-vineyard/itineraries/gingerbread-cottages-and-aroundA walking day around Gingerbread Cottages, Cottage Museum and Ocean Park, with a lunch break nearby and East Chop Lighthouse to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Colorful Victorian cottages in Oak Bluffs
- Tour the Cottage Museum nearby
- Visit during Illumination Night in August
↓ 2 min walk
10:302Cottage Museum ↗1 h 30 min
Tiny preserved camp meeting cottage with period furnishings
- Open in summer
- Very small, allow 15 minutes
↓ 2 min walk
12:003Ocean Park ↗1 h
Seaside green with gazebo in Oak Bluffs
- Summer concerts and fireworks happen here
- Bring a picnic
Lunch
13:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 3 min walk
Afternoon
14:154Oak Bluffs Harbor ↗30 min
Ferry harbor and waterfront of Oak Bluffs
- Ferries from Woods Hole land here
- Nice place to start a walk
↓ 2 min walk
15:005Flying Horses Carousel ↗1 hAt night
One of the oldest operating platform carousels in the US
- Try to grab the brass ring
- Lines are long on summer evenings
↓ 30 min walk
16:306East Chop Lighthouse ↗30 minSunset · At night
1878 cast-iron lighthouse above Vineyard Haven harbor
- Open for sunset tours on some evenings
- Great harbor views
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Martha's Vineyard tips
Transportation
- Book car ferry space early: The Steamship Authority car ferry from Woods Hole fills up months ahead in summer, so reserve as soon as you have dates.
- Leave the car on the mainland: Walk-on ferries are easy and the island's VTA buses connect Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and up-island towns.
- Cycle the bike paths: Paved paths link Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven, and bike rentals are right by the ferry terminals.
Local Hacks
- Watch sunset at Menemsha: Locals gather at Menemsha Beach for sunset; grab takeout seafood nearby and arrive early to find a spot.
- Ride the Chappy ferry: The tiny On Time ferry crosses from Edgartown to Chappaquiddick in minutes, perfect for a quieter beach day.
- Ride the Flying Horses: The historic carousel in Oak Bluffs is one of the oldest in the country; try to grab the brass ring as you spin.
Saving
- Visit in shoulder season: Late spring and September bring warm days, fewer crowds and lower rates on rooms and rentals than July and August.
- Use a bus pass: A multi-day VTA pass is usually far cheaper than taxis or renting a car for getting around the whole island.
- Picnic instead of dining out: Grab supplies at island grocery stores or farm stands and eat on the beach rather than at pricey harbour restaurants.
Security
- Check for ticks: Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are common; use repellent, wear long trousers in grass and check yourself after walks.
- Ride carefully on narrow roads: Many island roads are narrow with no shoulder, so use lights and bright clothing when cycling or walking at dusk.
- Respect beach warnings: Some south-shore beaches have strong surf and currents; swim where lifeguards are on duty and follow posted flags.
Cultural
- Respect private beaches: Many beaches are private or for residents only; look for town or public beaches and follow posted signs.
- Admire the gingerbread cottages: The colourful Victorian cottages in Oak Bluffs' Campground are homes, so enjoy them quietly from the paths.
- Eat fresh seafood: Try lobster rolls, clam chowder and fried clams, and look for fish markets in Menemsha that serve the day's catch.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack layers for summer: July and August are warm, but sea breezes and fog make evenings cool, so bring a sweater or light jacket.
- Bring rain gear: Coastal storms and fog roll in quickly; a light waterproof jacket is useful in any season.
- Expect a quiet winter: Winters are cold, windy and grey, and many shops and restaurants close, so pack warm clothes and check what is open.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/marthas-vineyard/itineraries/gingerbread-cottages-and-around
Day 1 of 29:30–17:006 stops
Gingerbread Cottages and around
A walking day around Gingerbread Cottages, Cottage Museum and Ocean Park, with a lunch break nearby and East Chop Lighthouse to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hColorful Victorian cottages in Oak Bluffs
3 tips
- Tour the Cottage Museum nearby
- Visit during Illumination Night in August
- Be respectful, these are private homes
📷 Photos
2 min walk
210:30 · 1 h 30 minTiny preserved camp meeting cottage with period furnishings
3 tips
- Open in summer
- Very small, allow 15 minutes
- Located in the Camp Meeting grounds
📷 Photos
2 min walk
312:00 · 1 hSeaside green with gazebo in Oak Bluffs
3 tips
- Summer concerts and fireworks happen here
- Bring a picnic
- Close to the Carousel
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps3 min walk
Afternoon
414:15 · 30 minFerry harbor and waterfront of Oak Bluffs
3 tips
- Ferries from Woods Hole land here
- Nice place to start a walk
- Plenty of food nearby
📷 Photos
2 min walk
515:00 · 1 hOne of the oldest operating platform carousels in the US
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Try to grab the brass ring
- Lines are long on summer evenings
- Cash-friendly and inexpensive
📷 Photos
30 min walk
616:30 · 30 min1878 cast-iron lighthouse above Vineyard Haven harbor
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Open for sunset tours on some evenings
- Great harbor views
- Nice bike ride from Oak Bluffs
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Martha's Vineyard. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.