Martha's Vineyard Summer Bucket List: 15 adventures for 2025

Are you planning your Martha’s Vineyard summer vacation right now? As a frequent visitor with young kids in tow, I like to plan ahead and make the most of our days on the island.

So, for 2025, I’m crafting a Martha’s Vineyard Summer Bucket List filled with new and fun things for the grown-ups as well as my little explorers to experience. We love outdoor adventures but I’ve included indoor options in case the Martha’s Vineyard weather isn’t in our favor.

Despite countless previous trips, there are always new and unique things to do on the island and endless opportunities to create lasting family memories. Here’s what we’ll be doing this summer.

A display case featuring storyboards from the movie "Jaws" by Joe Alves. The two storyboards depict a shark attacking and devouring a boat. A plaque below the display provides information about the creation and use of these storyboards during the filming.

1. See the Jaws 50th anniversary exhibition at MV Museum

I’ve seen Jaws more times than I can count and this year is special. It’s the 50th anniversary of the release!

The idea of seeing behind-the-scenes photos and artifacts from when it was filmed on the island is too fun to pass up. I think it’ll feel both nostalgic and a little surreal—especially knowing those locations in real life.

2. Sunset dinner at the Homeport

Dinner at Homeport has long been on my bucket list, especially when you can sit outside and watch the sky change color over Menemsha beach. The menu looks incredible and bonus points for having impressive and thoughtfully-crafted options for the kids too.

3. Catch some candy at the Edgartown 4th of July Parade

The kids go wild for this—tiny hands waving for candy, the old fire trucks, the music. It’s crowded, hot, chaotic, and somehow still one of the most fun parts of summer. We’ll make a day of it and stay in town for the evening fireworks over Edgartown Harbor.

4. Take a cocktail-making class with Social Coast

I’ve always wanted to learn what drinks go well together and how to mix them properly. A cocktail-making class sounds like a fun activity to do with a group of friends. Maybe I’ll finally figure out what to do with that weird bottle of bitters at home.

5. Visit the chappy cow at the Miner Gallery

I first saw this cow on Instagram in March and knew I had to visit. It looks so colorful and quirky, I’m excited to see it in person. The cow will be heading to its permanent home on Chappaquiddick at some point but I’m hoping it will be in the gallery long enough for us to catch a glimpse before it… ahem…. mooooves!

6. Take a pilates class at Aligned MV

Reformer Pilates is one of my favorite ways to exercise and I find that picking the right studio makes all the difference to the experience. The reformer machines need to be the best quality, the teacher needs to be knowledgeable and experienced and the space needs to be bright and energizing.

All those boxes were checked for me when I took classes at their sister studio, Aligned Pioneer Valley. I can’t wait to try the studio on the Vineyard this summer. I’m booking the class, showing up, and hoping I can still walk the next day. Wish me luck!

pirates puzzle escape room building exterior

7. Conquer an escape room at Pirates Puzzle

The kids are finally old enough to join in on the puzzle-solving and not just run around touching everything. I’ve always loved escape rooms and hopefully they will too.

There are two different themes on offer right now – a pirate mystery and the one we’re planning to do – a Jaws-themed room. I’m curious if we’ll actually escape but even if we don’t it will be a fun group activity.

8. Visit the babies at Island Alpaca

Alpaca babies. That’s it. That’s the reason. Yes, we have been to Island Alpaca countless times but fluffy, adorable babies are always going to be a win with the kids (and let’s be honest, with me too). They are expecting FIVE babies this summer at the farm so the cuteness level will be off the charts!

9. Enjoy Docktails on the deck at Garde East

Does anything say “I’m on vacation!” more than drinking cocktails in the afternoon with your toes in the sand? I don’t know why I haven’t made it to Garde East before now, but this is the summer that’s going to change.

10. Peek inside Edgartown Lighthouse

We’ve walked around it so many times but never climbed it. This year, I want to finally go in and take in the views of Chappaquiddick and Edgartown harbor from the top.

This is one of the most iconic landmarks on Martha’s Vineyard and is a regular feature in photos and videos of the island. So much goes into maintaining this structure and the small admission fee helps to offset the cost.

A child wearing a blue life jacket sits in a bright green kayak on a calm lake, with their hand trailing in the water. The sky is clear with a few fluffy clouds, and the shoreline with trees and buildings is visible in the distance.

11. Kayak Katama Bay

Calm waters and beautiful views —kayaking is such a good reset. When it’s not windy, Katama Bay is great for beginners, so we can bring the kids without too much stress.

We’ll be waiting for the optimum wind conditions and making sure there is no current first. It can be tiring to paddle on rougher days so we stay close to the launch or switch to a kayak tour of Sengekontacket Pond

12. Catch a movie at the drive-in

This is a great choice for a date-night or for families with older kids. The novelty of watching a movie from the car, snuggled up with blankets and snacks never wears off. Just don’t forget the bug spray!

13. Savor an Italian panini at La Strada

La Strada sandwiches are out of this world. High quality ingredients on perfectly toasted bread —they absolutely hit the spot and are large enough to share.

My pick is the outstanding chicken and homemade pesto panini with olive oil, arugula, cherry tomatoes and stracciatella. I want to try all the others this year!

14. Search for crabs at the beach

This is my kids’ absolute favorite thing. Buckets, nets, and excitement every time they spot a little claw sticking out from under a rock. They will spend hours searching for crabs.

We love to go to Menemsha beach for this but there are other good spots too, like Owen Park in Vineyard Haven. Look for inlets, shallow water and lots of rocks for them to hide out. You’ll need some bait – raw chicken or clams and mussels work well.

A pair of bright pink fireworks burst in the night sky, illuminating the scene as silhouettes of people seated in chairs watch the display from below. The dark sky contrasts with the vibrant glow of the fireworks, creating a dramatic and festive atmosphere at this event on Martha's Vineyard in August — Oak Bluffs Fireworks

15. Marvel at the epic Oak Bluffs fireworks

These are next-level fireworks. We grab snacks, find a patch of grass in Ocean Park, and stay up way past bedtime. Totally worth it. This truly is one of the most impressive displays you’ll see anywhere. The town does an outstanding job every year.

My tip: wear warm clothes and bring plenty of blankets. The grass gets cold and damp when the sea mist rolls in so chairs are better than sitting on the ground. Bring some glow sticks or light-up toys for the kids, sit back and enjoy the show!

Bonus summer wishlist activities

We have a long wishlist for future summers so here are a few more activities we’d love to do. I hope they inspire you when planning your trip!

Take a private sailboat charter trip, enjoy a family & friends clambake, alpaca yoga at Island Alpaca, take a ride on the Red Baron biplane and snag some fresh, warm croissants from Orange Peel Bakery.

A plate of fresh oysters on a bed of ice, served with lemon slices and three condiments, in a restaurant setting

Places on Martha’s Vineyard we visit every year

While we always try to add new items to our Martha’s Vineyard summer activities, there are just some things that are worth repeating over and over. No trip to MV would be complete without these perennial Martha’s Vineyard summer bucket list favorites:

Visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum to see new exhibits or to escape a rainy day
Try to catch the brass ring on the Flying Horses Carousel
Take a kayak tour around Sengekontacket or Tisbury Great Pond
Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Aquinnah cliffs or the top of the lighthouse
Enjoy outstanding seafood and New England oysters at 19 Raw
Hop on the ferry and explore sites like Cape Poge Lighthouse, Dike Bridge and Mytoi on Chappaquiddick Island.
Eat ALL the ice cream!

Wrapping up: Our Martha’s Vineyard Summer Bucket List for 2025

So there you have it, our diverse wishlist of summer activities, from crabbing to fireworks! I look forward to embracing the spirit of exploration this year and trying out something new.

What’s on your Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List this year? Share or ask for ideas over in our MV Travel Tips group on Facebook. Wishing you a summer filled with sun, sand, and endless memories of exploring Martha’s Vineyard!

FAQs on Martha’s Vineyard Summer Bucket List Activities

Is Martha’s Vineyard crowded in the summer?

Yes! Expect vibrant crowds, especially in July and August. While this brings a lively atmosphere, it can also mean packed beaches, booked-up accommodations, and busier ferry lines

What are the best months to go to Martha’s Vineyard?

Between June and September are the best months on Martha’s Vineyard as that’s when most attractions and restaurants are open, the weather is the most pleasant and it’s when most of the key island events take place.

What is cool about Martha’s Vineyard?

Beyond the stunning beaches, Martha’s Vineyard has charming towns, natural beauty, delicious seafood, rich maritime history and a vibrant arts scene. It’s a cliche, but there really is something for everyone here.

Martha’s Vineyard Summer Bucket List: 15 adventures for 2025