Martha’s Vineyard Wheelchair Travel Tips

Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, offers a charming mix of picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and accessible attractions. Known for its scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere, the island provides various accessible options for wheelchair travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural sites, enjoying local cuisine, or relaxing at the beach, Martha’s Vineyard has something for everyone.

Attractions and Activities

• Inkwell Beach (Oak Bluffs): Wheelchair-accessible pathways and beach matting. Beach wheelchair rental available upon request. Some uneven sand areas.
• South Beach (Edgartown): Accessible parking and pathways.
• Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association (MVCMA) (Oak Bluffs): Historic area with colorful cottages and community events. Mostly accessible with ramps and paved paths. Some older structures may have limited features.
• West Tisbury Farmer’s Market: Local market with fresh produce and crafts. Accessible pathways and vendor spaces. Crowds may impact mobility during peak times.
• The West Tisbury Public Library: Community library with local history resources. Fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
• The Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks: Glassblowing studio with live demonstrations. Wheelchair accessible, but some workshop areas may be tight. Space around equipment may be limited.
• Salt Roch Chocolate: Shop offering handmade chocolates. Wheelchair accessible with wide aisles. Space may be limited during busy hours.
• The Martha’s Vineyard Crafts Fair: Annual event showcasing local crafts. Accessible pathways and vendor spaces. Event layout may vary.
• The Old Whaling Church (Edgartown): Historic church with notable architecture. Accessible entrances. Some historic features may limit accessibility.
• The Vineyard Playhouse: Intimate theater with various performances. Wheelchair accessible with designated seating. Limited seating so make reservations.
• The Alley’s General Store (West Tisbury): Historic store with local products. Wheelchair accessible with ramps and wide aisles. Older parts of the store may have limited access.

Accommodations

• Harbor View Hotel (Edgartown): Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and accessible routes. Various bed types, including king and queen beds. Some historic sections may have limited accessibility features.
• Mansion House Inn & Spa (Vineyard Haven): Accessible rooms, spa facilities with wheelchair access, and elevators. King and queen beds. Spa facilities may have limited accessibility; check in advance.
• The Beach House (Oak Bluffs): Accessible rooms, beach access, and ramped entrances. King and double beds. Some outdoor areas may have uneven surfaces.

Transportation

• Ferries: Getting to the island is possible on the the M/V Eagle, the M/V Island Home, the M/V Martha’s Vineyard and the M/V Nantucket) because they are fully accessible.
• Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA): Provides accessible bus services across the island.
• Homegrown Tours: 3rd generation local with an accessible van.

Dining

• The Wharf (Edgartown): Accessible entrances and seating. Limited outdoor seating availability during peak times.
• Linda Jean’s Restaurant (Oak Bluffs): Accessible entrances and restrooms. Some areas may be tight during busy hours.
• The Black Dog Tavern (Vineyard Haven): Accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. Limited space during peak dining hours.