established in 1671

Edgartown was the Island’s first colonial settlement.

Originally built by prosperous whaling captains in the 18th and 19th centuries, the streets of Edgartown are lined with stately white Greek Revival and Federal style houses that have been carefully maintained and lovingly restored.  Many of these homes are now privately owned and others have been converted into museums, inns, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops and cafes to be enjoyed by all.  

Downtown Edgartown is like a picture-book setting with its harbor, lighthouse and pieces of the past at every turn. The waterfront has been an integral part of Edgartown’s past and it’s vibrancy plays a key role in its future.  Edgartown was Martha’s Vineyard’s center for whaling activities in the mid-to-late 1800’s, which brought immense wealth and prosperity to the island. Years later our harbor front locale became a popular resort destination drawing crowds from all across the eastern seaboard, to enjoy our countless public trails and pristine beaches. For the past hundred years Edgartown has been one of the world’s great yachting centers and home to some of the most beautiful boats and esteemed sailors. The Edgartown Harbor continues to bustle with activity from early spring through late fall. 

To fully appreciate Edgartown fully, you must walk its streets and soak up the history that surrounds you. Your introduction to the town center is the Old Whaling Church and the Dr. Daniel Fisher House where the historic area of Main Street begins.  On the beautiful harbor you’ll find the Chappy Ferry, our constant link to Chappaquiddick where you can enjoy the serenity of the Mytoi Gardens or a wonderful tour of the Wasque Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cape Poge Lighthouse. 
 
Outside of downtown Edgartown is the area of Katama (pronounced ka-TAY-ma) where you’ll find the wide open, windswept South Beach, and Norton Point, one of the only beaches on Martha’s Vineyard that allows for over-sand traffic.  Stop by the Katama airfield for a snack or a Bi-plane ride, and don’t miss the interactive Farm Institute, a great family friendly teaching farm.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is about three miles outside the center of town on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. The 200 acre preserve, owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, provides marked trails and a program of wildlife management and conservation education throughout the year.

Whether you’re here to visit all that Main Street has to offer, immerse yourself in Island history, relax on one of our sandy beaches, stroll our serene trails, or attend one of our annual events, we look forward to welcoming you to this magical place we call home.

The Edgartown Board of Trade

in the business of welcoming you

The Edgartown Board of Trade is the principle voice for business in the Town of Edgartown. It is dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances and improves the quality of life in the community, and it works to accomplish these tasks while protecting the historic character of the town, the natural beauty and its sense of community.

Board of Directors:

Diane Carr — Hob Knob Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
Skip Finley — Vineyard Gazette
Phil Hughes — Wheel Happy Bike Shop
Lizzy Hynes — Salte, Slate
Tilma Johnson — Rockland Trust
Matt Moore — Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Julia Tarka — Rosewater MV

Officers & Staff:

President: Julia Tarka — Rosewater MV
Vice President: Matt Moore — Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Executive Director: Erin Ready — Edgartown Meat & Fish Market