5 Reasons to Visit Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs is a seaside village located on spectacular Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts. Popular as a summer vacation destination for people from all over, Martha’s Vineyard receives tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Oak Bluffs is one of the commonly visited spots on the island as it boasts a range of activities sure to please those of many interests. If gorgeous scenery and sunny, shell-lined beaches aren’t enough to prompt a trip, here are 5 additional reasons to visit Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts.
Gingerbread Cottages
In the mid-1800s, the Methodist Church found Oak Bluffs the ideal location for church revival meetings, and the Oak Bluffs Campground was born. Each congregation had its own tent set up in the camp area, eventually leading the way to family tents and then small, colorful cottages. The cottages are now individually owned by Oak Bluffs residents, but sightseers continue to flock to the area to see the hundreds of brightly painted homes and the over 130 year old Trinity Park Tabernacle. Tours of Oak Bluffs Campground are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout July and August.
Flying Horses Carousel
The Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest continuously working carousel in the United States and is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1876, the horses are meticulously hand-carved with genuine horsehair manes and tails. Riders lucky enough to catch the brass ring win an additional go-around for free. The Flying Horses Carousel is a fun time for guests of all ages.
Water Activities
Boasting the largest harbor on Martha’s Vineyard, visitors to Oak Bluffs will find a variety of popular water activities in which to participate. Kayaking and paddle-boarding are common on the calm waters offshore, with rental equipment on hand and lessons or guides available for those new to the experience. Skilled sailors can rent a boat and head out on their own, or novices can charter a sailboat complete with captain for a relaxing day on the sea. For those who wish to enjoy the bounty of the ocean from the shore, fishing and clamming are also prevalent activities in the seaside resort of Oak Bluffs.
Golfing
A resort town is not complete without sprawling lawns on which to enjoy a relaxing game of golf, and Oak Bluffs is no exception. Play on the same green as former presidents at Farm Neck Golf Club; a meticulously groomed course with challenging holes and amazing views. Farm Neck Golf Club is also a great place to hold special occasions such as weddings and corporate events.
Shopping
Scour boutiques and souvenir shops for the perfect memento of your trip to Martha’s Vineyard on Circuit Avenue. Circuit Avenue, which has been the commerce center of town for over 120 years, offers an eclectic mix of reasonably priced shops and restaurants in a location central to most Oak Bluffs lodging. Shoppers will delight in the quaint local stores and eateries, with the added bonus of a great people-watching experience. A short walk to nearby Kennebec Ave and travelers can find Offshore Ale Co., which brews the only local beer on Martha’s Vineyard.
When visiting Martha’s Vineyard by ferry, contact us for your rental car needs. We are conveniently located at the Island Queen/Quonset Point Fast Ferry in Oak Bluffs and offer clean, safe cars and fast, friendly service. We also provide pick-up at all Oak Bluffs Hotels and Inns, free of charge.