Ive done an entire post on Nantucket vs. Marthas Vineyard for a day trip from Cape Cod, and while my opinion is that Nantucket is an easier day trip, both islands are more than worth your time. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Absolutely! We are not allowed to ride the mopeds all the way, so park them at the entrance and walk into the village. However, if youre up for doing a tour, there is a great option that takes you directly from Boston to Marthas Vineyard! With a history/American studies degree from Boston University, she enjoys sharing the history of Boston and surrounding areas. In Depth in Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket are a true Eastern seaboard gem, with beautiful lighthouses, sandy beaches, and lively seaside towns. The street is full of bars, boutiques, cafes and shops, great for people watching and strolling around the town center. Since we mostly come across flat beaches on the east coast, the lower beach was dreamlike offering views of the cliff up close. Transportation for this itinerary: You will need a car, or rely on Uber. $0.00, Cancel Fee: George Schmidt holds two advanced degrees as well as certifications as an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service and as a Certified Financial Planner. Mike is excited to share in Road Scholar learning adventures in Florida and experience the dynamic culture, people, and history. Located just seven miles off the coast of the Cape, Martha's Vineyard is so close that you can . All rights reserved. I usually opt for Hyline, since its the most convenient location to where I typically stay on Cape Cod. What a wonderful itinerary! Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program. Debra Levin is an honors graduate of Penn State and a former teacher. 11a-2:30p: Have lunch and explore downtown Edgartown. If you see the option to select Gateway Airport when you are enrolling, please do so. Cape Cod has been on my bucketlist of roadtrips to do from Canada for a long time now. The Cape and Islands are rich with boutique stores, gift shops, book and jewelry stores, art galleries, some country stores, and funky marine supply and novelty stores. To enroll, please call (800) 454-5768, Monday Friday, 8 a.m. 9 p.m. Family Friendly Cape Cod Itinerary | 5 Day Cape Cod Itinerary You have an option to choose from high speed ferry or the regular one which is a little cheaper. Go for old-school fried clams at the Kream 'n Kone in West Dennis or the namesake chowder, boat drinks and view of Nantucket Sound at The Skipper Chowder House. Alternatively, you can also book a cab if thats more convenient for you. Martha's Vineyard is known for a couple of very famous brandsstopping into shop at Vineyard Vines and the Black Dog were two must do's on our Martha's Vineyard day trip itinerary. The island is comprised of six towns, and while some are close together, most of them are spread out enough that without a plan once you arrive, you could waste a lot of time trying to navigate around. A first-rate example of historical fiction, this absorbing, lyrical and well-researched novel was inspired by Melville, Nantucket whaling and 19th-century America. Provincetown is one of my favorite Cape Cod towns by far, you will love it! Charming seaside villages, great seafood plus historic attractions are waiting for all. October On Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard. Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. The six main towns that make up Marthas Vineyard are: Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Aquinnah and Chilmark. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. These ferries are bigger, and can accommodate more people, and dont sell out as quickly. Road Scholars responsibility is limited. Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules. And if youre looking to keep your trip as easy as possible, I recommend booking your on-site parking space well in advance. Nantucket in the SpringNantucket feels a world away, especially in the spring before summer's crowds arrive. Perfect day trips to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Politically, the Cape and islands struggle with the usual . Certain risks from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events are inherent in travel. Customary gratuities throughout the program. 36 Hours on Martha's Vineyard, Mass. - The New York Times Please visitwww.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. 5 days in Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Itinerary Cape Cod, Nantucket, or Martha's Vineyard: Which is right for you? I was actually just there a few weeks ago and didnt want to leave! $250.00. It literally took my breath away. How you see the world matters, explore with Tauck. Just 14 miles long, the crescent-shaped island is easy to explore by bike, and the island shuttle buses have bike racks. The ride should take 20-30 minutes, depending on how many stops they have to make. Thanks Olivia. Discover the Best of the Cape, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Take the kids the Flying Horses Carousel. You can stay in a resort, boutique hotel, or an inn on this island of beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and museums. The accommodation came with a beach pass which helped us save on parking throughout our stay. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. If you plan to take your Marthas Vineyard day trip outside of peak season, you should be able to book 1-2 days in advance, or possibly even same-day. ), but youll avoid as many of them as possible on a weekday. See Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Block Island by small-ship - CNBC Boston & Cape Cod | 8-Day Itinerary | Andrew Harper Generally speaking, during peak season, a few days before should be fine, but at least a week in advance if you need to bring your card to the island. I'm Sam. Getting There: A true island located 7 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, year-round passenger and vehicle ferry service to the Vineyard is available from Woods Hole on Cape Cod . Cape Cod Choo ChooFor a nostalgic experience, nothing beats watching the cranberry bogs go by aboard a Cape Cod Central Railroad train. Especially for a day trip to Marthas Vineyard, the best and easiest method to get around is by either bringing your car on the ferry, or renting a car for the day. She especially enjoys traveling and meeting new people. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible. It was time to head back to Downtown Historic District from where we would board our ferry back to Hyannis. The drive will take about 10 minutes. These Are The Best Times To Visit Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard Framed by white sand beaches, these photogenic locations are dotted with Victorian architecture and. I love Cape Cod! The Edgartown Fast Ferry, Hyline, and Steamship Authority options all take about 1 hour. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. Aquinnah Beach: These landmark bluffs on the western extremity of Martha's Vineyard (call the Chamber of Commerce at tel. Fun Fact: Back in the day, the bluffs were used as a lookout for whales by some of the early European settlers heading for longer expeditions. If you decide that this is a good option for you, I suggest you take the 10a tour, which will begin right after your arrival at Oak Bluffs, and also end in Oak Bluffs. Home - Visit Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Perfect end to another beautiful day! A deeply engaging meditation on all things whale. We even spotted a recital practice on our way while departing the town! Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. starting in Boston and travelling onwards to the islands of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. It is possible to get same-day tickets, but that is very risky during peak season. If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. We have 4 days beforehand (6 -9th) to independently bus around the Cape to include Marthas Vineyard and Newport, then back to Boston. I would love to visit Cape Cod and have heard great things about Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard. 100% of trip total, less than 30 days prior to program start date, Transfer Fee: Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. No. I couldnt agree more. Its best to monitor vehicle reservation availability a week or two before you want to travel to the island, which you can do right on the Steamship Authority website by clicking here. ST35594. Everything about Cape Cod looks fairytale idyllic, if thats a thing. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. Each hotel holds a Trip Advisor rating of four or above, as many tourists check and use it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Learn about the historic role played by the regions whaling history on a day trip to Nantucket. Public buses are not recommended for this route. Shopping on a visit to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket does not mean malls and big box stores. New England continues to charm me . That should be a thing if it isnt already! Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard have a wide variety of hotels, AirBnb's, activities and experiences to fit any budget. Massachusetts, Nantucket May 18, 2022 How Many Days Do You Need On Nantucket + Suggested Itineraries & Best Things To Do (2023) If you're planning a trip this beautiful Cape Cod island and are wondering how many days you need on Nantucket, then you're in the right place! Gayle has led programs in New England; Washington, DC; and other areas in the United States. Martha's Vineyard is the ideal blend of both worlds, and is a great compromise between Nantucket and Cape Cod. Highlights of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard | Itinerary A lot of people wonder if taking a Marthas Vineyard day trip is possible, or even worth it. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. Walk around the Marthas Vineyard Campground to see the gingerbread cottages. Krill is the founder and president of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), and the author of the book My Friend Salt: The story of Salt, the most famous humpback whale in the world!. There is free parking on-site at this ferry terminal, but ticket prices are a bit higher than the other options. We began our journey by walking to Brant Point Lighthouse. p.s. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Its a popular summer beach, great for swimming and spending time in the sun. Klarna Trips A Perfect Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard from Falmouth MA After a hearty breakfast, get ready for a hike to The Knob and appreciate the panoramic views of Buzzards Bay and Quissett Harbor. I have a trip planned to Vermont next month. There is no direct ferry from Boston to Marthas Vineyard. 7a: Arrive at ferry terminal8a: Depart ferry terminal8:45/9a: Arrive at Oak Bluffs on Marthas Vineyard9a-10a: Explore Oak Bluffs (Oak Bluffs main town area is only a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal). It sounds complicated, and during your first trip, it might be a little confusing, but I promise you that its not that bad! Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Yes, there are more than 300 if them. I always suggest that you try to do any day trip to the Cape Cod islands on a weekday to avoid as many of the crowds as possible. (2023), The Best Cape Cod In 3 Days Itinerary (2023), 13 Best Boston Food Tours In 2023 (And Why Youll LOVE Them!). ET. Allow buffer time for parking and walking into downtown. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. 11:30a: Walk back to your car, and drive to Edgartown, or request an Uber (drive is 35 minutes from Aquinnah). Program SelectionWe want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. Learn more. The furthest away from these three towns is Aquinnah, which is where the famed cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse are. Looks like a great trip! Marthas Vineyard is worth a day trip to experience the charming gingerbread cottages and towns, the stunning views of the Aquinnah cliffs, the beautiful beaches and the scenic drives. Scroll down for more information on the best ways to get around the island. Walk to Edgartown Lighthouse (a scenic 10-minute walk from downtown). Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participants expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. It just always depends! If you have additional time, do make time for the quaint village of Chatham (Lower Cape) before heading to Provincetown. Don't miss this old-fashioned free attraction during the holiday season. 6. After grabbing a coffee from the Wired Puppy, we walked around the historic district before heading to the Pilgrims monument. She earned her BA and MA from Emerson College and taught there for several years before becoming a freelance trainer and consultant in communications in the workplace. This Massachusettsregion's appeal, however, is much more than the sum of its parts. 602244658. 5:30p: Head back to the car to drive back to Oak Bluffs, or request an Uber. Cape Cod has always been a dream destination for me thanks to the books I read during my teenage years which were based out of this region. And even easier if you follow my suggested itinerary below for the perfect day trip to Marthas Vineyard. Best things to do in Oak Bluffs, Provincetown, and Nantucket are: Race Point Beach, Edgartown Lighthouse, Katama Beach/ South Beach, and Flying Horses Carousel. 2024 Classic . Best Places to Go 2023 Destinations Things to Do Planning a Trip In Depth Active Pursuits We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program. 7a: Arrive at ferry terminal8a: Depart ferry terminal8:45/9a: Arrive at Oak Bluffs on Marthas Vineyard, 9a: Pick up rental car after arriving at the ferry terminal, or request your Uber to take you to Aquinnah. It was the perfect last night in Cape Cod. Instead the town was lined only with locally owned joints which was a pleasant surprise. If your ferry is earlier than 6p, I would suggest you head straight back to Oak Bluffs to drop off the car, and catch your ferry. This looks like a fab trip especially with a large group so you can do all the activities together. Plan your ferries accordingly if youd like to have dinner on the island. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Want to rub elbows with celebrities, politicians and corporate honchos? Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance, Road Scholars continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. The Obamas and the Clintons both chose Martha's Vineyard as a vacation hideaway. We started early on Day 2 as we had a 9 AM ferry departing for Marthas Vineyard. Sheila has extensive knowledge and experience of the regions cultural sites and is passionate about introducing lifelong learners to its wonders. Our first stop was the Gingerbread Cottage Village only a few miles away from the terminal. Best Time Of Year To Visit Cape Cod & The Islands, Fall In Massachusetts Ultimate Guide: 35 Things To Do & Places To Visit! 2023 Classic . There is a section of the beach limited to its residents and hotel guests. Come along on a dune tour and learn how to book your own dune excursion. The Sea Crest Beach Hotel has changing rooms, a pool and volley ball net in case you prefer to stay at a waterfront property. It almost looked festive and everyone around was having great fun! The classic work, accompanied by Scot Miller's stunning photography of beach scenes which may have inspired Thoreau. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. You will absolutely love the cape, its worth the hype! Finally, we went to the Main Street in Falmouth downtown to grab a bite. If you like you can take the ferry to Nantucket and just bike around the island. Do I want to spend most of my time seeing the towns and sites, or do I want to plan time at a beach? This is a great option for those wanting to take a day trip from the city but dont want to drive themselves! Do I want to have both lunch and dinner on the island, or eat dinner after Ive returned back to the mainland? There are plenty of fun places to eat, lovely places to stay, and interesting places to shop on Martha's Vineyard, along with people-watching, of course. Fact checked by Jillian Dara Lonely Planet Collection/Getty Images 01 of 04 New England's Playground Google Maps If you're on a vacation to Boston during warm-weather months, you won't want to miss the storied towns and beaches of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The ferry was comfortable, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It had a lovely outdoor seating and amazing food. . While Cape Cod can get expensive, we did it on a budget by renting AirBnB wherever possible. New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. I am glad you enjoyed the itinerary and the pictures. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Walking up to 2 miles per day; standing in museums. This Peruvian & Italian fine dine restaurant is located at Main Street in Hyannis. Bring pajamas for the kids and settle in for the double-feature. Click here to book your tour around Marthas Vineyard! Then you can take the bus back to Oak Bluffs to catch your ferry back to Cape Cod. Its possible to see these all in one day, which leads into . Still, it's an incredibly scenic place to swim. The street, with plenty of shops and boutiques, is a great place for people watching. The bus should depart every 15 minutes in the summer. These are some of the most expensive and beautiful properties on the island, some of them even owned by celebrities.The walk took us to Sankaty Head Lighthouse. Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Highlights - TripSavvy Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard Itinerary - Need help Hello everyone, I am planning a 3-4 day trip to Cape Cod area (prob Wed - Sun) in late August. Many also have basic options like a 4-door sedan, or fancier convertibles and Jeeps, depending on the size of your group, and what youre looking to do for the day. There is also a lighthouse called Gay Head Light on premises. Tip: If youve taken a ferry back to Hyannis, a great dinner suggestion if youre tired is to order pizzas from Pizza Barbone online when you get off the ferry, and have them ready when you arrive. Best Things To Do in Downtown Edgartown For 2.5 Hours: 2:30p: Walk back to car (or take shuttle back to park-and-ride lot) and take a scenic drive to Aquinnah (35 minutes from Edgartown).3:15-4:30p: Arrive in Aquinnah, and visit Gay Head Lighthouse, the cliffs overlook, and take the path down to the beach (if time allows). As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens. Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard. The hotel boasts attractive amenities that will . Comprising of 15 towns and 3 islands, Cape Cod is a popular summer destination. We loved wandering around the little town of Edgartown popping in and out of shops before heading back to explore Oak Bluffs. The further away from Oak Bluffs/Edgartown/Vineyard Haven you go, the longer your wait times will be. To learn more about this plan,including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance,please visit:www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases for which you will be responsible. Its good to note that you should arrive 45-60 minutes prior to your ferry departure time to allow time for parking, as youll have two options once you arrive at the terminal. This is a really great and detailed guide of things to see and do! Gayle Felix has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2015. This 400-acre family vacation destination has its own 700-foot private beach on Cape Cod Bay, four outdoor pools, two indoor pools, five hot tubs, luxury rental villas, golf, tennis, spa services, and a summer children's program. It's best to plan accordingly. 9:15-9:30a: Depart for Aquinnah (the drive is 40 minutes from Oak Bluffs). In the Heart of the Sea, The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex. Maps; Newsletter; State: MA. Youll then drive to the lot and park, and wait for the free shuttle to bring you back. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. If this is the case (which is a wonderful idea!) We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. #13 bus to the Vineyard Haven Terminal. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participants condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participants health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Transportation for this itinerary: Car or Uber. This popular destination now has three dates for travelers to enjoy the wild and wonderful Atlantic coast. The Big House, A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home. The Outermost House, A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod. She grew up and raised her family outside of Boston and now resides in Hingham, Massachusetts. Now that youve decided on what kind of day youd like to have, the rest is easy! New England's largest island has a reputation for being an exclusive hideaway. For more information about parking at the Steamship Authority terminal, click here. A collection of serene essays on the nature, wildlife, and inhabitants of Cape Cod by a keen observer and year-round resident. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. What a beautiful place! Nantucket lies 26miles off Cape Cod, but the charms of this "far away island," as its name means in the native Wampanoag language, are worth the trip. Day Two: Crowd-Pleasers. Map of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket area I hope you love the Cape as much as we did and have a great time vacationing in this part of New England! The weather was perfect and we relished the last few days of summer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Experience an exceptional tour of New England while vacationing in Cape Cod and the surrounding islands. We stopped for lunch on our way to the Edgartown Lighthouse. Parking should be pretty easy, even in the summer. The Hyline Cruises ferry will dock in Oak Bluffs on Marthas Vineyard. Please see lodging description for more information. The peninsula is divided into four sections: One of America's most iconicsummer colonies, the 87-square-mile island of Martha's Vineyard is famous as a tony vacation spot favored by celebrities and U.S. presidents, most notably President John F. Kennedy and President Barack Obama. Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/, www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/, www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/, www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan, www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, fee will be applied if you do not call road scholar participant services at least one business day prior to the program start date. There was a cafe on premises, we picked up some coffee and muffins and boarded the high speed ferry to Nantucket.Travelers often draw a parallel between Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. Option 2: The Best Of The Islands Towns Itinerary This option is best for those who want to rely on buses to get around, spend more time in the three main towns, and want an option for either beach time, or a guided tour around the island and out to Aquinnah. Especially, I would love to visit Marthas Vineyard, Ive heard great things about this place.