Planning your Martha's Vineyard escape should not be nearly as urgent nor as complicated--I can't imagine it was an easy trick finding rental accommodations for dozens of Secret Service agents (and a rental dog house for the Chief Executive!)--but a variety of Internet resources can make your Martha's Vineyard vacation planning even easier.
Getting There
Martha's Vineyard is located seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod and is accessible via ferry. Find your island ferry transportation with my guide to Ferries serving Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod and Nantucket.
The Steamship Authority's ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard makes several trips daily and operates year-round. The Ferry's Web site provides schedule and fare information, as well as directions to the departure point.
The Steamship Authority provides the only car transport to Martha's Vineyard, and in the summer, a vehicle reservation is a must. Reservations are a good idea during non-peak travel times, too, if you want to be absolutely certain that your car or other vehicle can make the trip with you.
If you're planning a visit of three days or less, my recommendation would be to leave your car behind. You'll find a number of other transportation options once you arrive on Martha's Vineyard including public shuttle buses, taxis and rental cars, mopeds and bicycles.
Need a rental car on Martha's Vineyard? Compare rental car prices with Kayak.com.
Martha's Vineyard can also be reached by air. Cape Air offers flights to the island from Boston, New Bedford, Hyannis and Providence, Rhode Island.
If you wish to reach the island via your own boat, contact the harbormaster in Edgartown, (508) 627-4746; Menemsha, (508) 645-2846; Oak Bluffs, (508) 693-4355; or Vineyard Haven, (508) 696-4249.
Where to Stay
You'll find a plethora of accommodations options on Martha's Vineyard, ranging from private homes available for rent to quaint bed & breakfast inns to classic hotels. Here's a collection of helpful resources for finding lodgings on Martha's Vineyard.
Click Up a Martha's Vineyard Vacation - The Winnetu Inn & Resort makes it easy to escape to Martha's Vineyard. Here's my review of this all-suite resort.
Bed & Breakfasts on Martha's Vineyard - Find a bed & breakfast inn on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts with my B&B guide.
Martha's Vineyard Vacation Rentals - You'll find listings for several Martha's Vineyard rental homes and cottages, plus real estate agents that specialize in Martha's Vineyard rentals, among my links to Massachusetts Vacation Rental Resources.
Martha's Vineyard Camping - Although options are limited, camping is a possibility for those seeking an affordable overnight on Martha's Vineyard.
10,000 Vacation Rentals - This classified ad site has dozens of current listings for Martha's Vineyard, ranging from a three-bedroom condo to a five-bedroom waterview house.
Martha's Vineyard Resort and Racquet Club - The island's only racquet club resort offers so much for sports lovers! A private sundeck overlooks two championship clay tennis courts. The resort has an 18-hole golf putting green and boasts a Pro Shop offering professional tennis and golf lessons. Golf, fishing, sailing and horseback riding are all nearby, as are Martha's Vineyard's quaint shops, historic landmarks, art galleries, beaches and restaurants.
Call the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce at (508) 693-0085 for more lodging suggestions.
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