HughWhen it comes to dreamy coastal escapes in New England, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are at the top of the list. Just off the coast of Cape Cod, these islands are often compared—but while they share windswept beaches, historic charm, and a deep maritime heritage, each has a distinct personality that draws travelers back year after year. Whether you’re planning your first visit or deciding which one to revisit, here’s what makes Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard uniquely special.
First Impressions
Nantucket is the smaller of the two, both in size and population. It feels like stepping into a postcard: cobblestone streets, gray-shingled cottages, and a preserved aesthetic that hasn’t changed much in decades. It’s quieter, more uniform, and famously charming in its minimalism.
Martha’s Vineyard, on the other hand, is larger, more diverse, and spread out. It has six distinct towns, each with its own flavor—from the bohemian vibes of Oak Bluffs to the upscale elegance of Edgartown. It feels more varied and perhaps more laid-back in certain areas.
🌊 Beaches & Nature
Both islands boast stunning beaches, but they offer slightly different experiences.
- Nantucket Beaches are serene, expansive, and often feel untouched. Surfside and Cisco are great for waves, while Children’s Beach near town is perfect for families. Madaket is famous for sunsets that light up the sky.
- Martha’s Vineyard Beaches offer variety: you’ll find cliff-backed coastlines at Aquinnah, gentle bays in Vineyard Haven, and wild, wave-filled shores on the south coast. You also get the Clay Cliffs of Aquinnah, a geological marvel.
🏘️ Town Vibes
Nantucket Town is like a beautifully preserved time capsule. You can walk or bike nearly everywhere. The town is small but packed with boutiques, historic inns, and top-tier restaurants. There’s an understated elegance that defines it.
Martha’s Vineyard has several town centers, each with its own vibe:
- Edgartown is classy, with whitewashed captain’s homes and chic harbor-side dining.
- Oak Bluffs is colorful and casual, home to the historic Flying Horses Carousel and famous Gingerbread Cottages.
- Vineyard Haven is the main ferry port and has a working-town feel with art galleries and independent bookstores.
🍷 Food & Drink
Both islands have blossoming culinary scenes.
- On Nantucket, the food is refined and innovative. Local favorites include Galley Beach, Cru, and Straight Wharf. Nantucket also hosts the famous Wine & Food Festival each May.
- Martha’s Vineyard is known for its fresh-off-the-boat seafood and farm-to-table dining. Don’t miss the lobster rolls at The Net Result or the vineyard views at Outermost Inn. Summer brings food trucks, clam shacks, and farmers’ markets to life.
🗓️ Events & Culture
Nantucket is known for iconic seasonal events:
- Daffodil Festival (April)
- Nantucket Film Festival (June)
- Boston Pops at Jetties Beach (August)
- Christmas Stroll (December)
Martha’s Vineyard has a rich cultural calendar too:
- Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (August)
- Grand Illumination Night (August) in Oak Bluffs
- MV Agricultural Fair (August)
- Featherstone Center for the Arts offers year-round programming
🚴♀️ Getting Around
Nantucket is ideal for biking. It’s flat, compact, and crisscrossed with bike paths. Most visitors don’t even bring a car.
Martha’s Vineyard is larger and more spread out, so biking is great—but for full exploration, a car (or the excellent bus system) is recommended.
🛥️ How to Get There
Both islands are reachable by ferry or air.
- Nantucket has ferries from Hyannis (fast and slow options), as well as small flights from Boston, NYC, and beyond.
- Martha’s Vineyard has more ferry options from multiple Cape towns and even Rhode Island. It also has a larger airport with more direct flights in season.
🌅 So…Which One’s for You?
If you’re seeking a picture-perfect, quiet, and refined escape where you can unplug, bike everywhere, and soak in timeless charm—Nantucket might be your paradise.
If you want variety, a wider range of towns and experiences, and a more diverse cultural vibe—Martha’s Vineyard might be your island soulmate.
But let’s be honest: there’s no wrong choice. Many travelers visit one and then fall in love with the other. So why not make it a two-island summer?
Final Thought: Whether it’s Nantucket’s weathered shingles and tranquil foggy mornings or Martha’s Vineyard’s colorful porches and lively harbor towns, both islands promise a magical New England escape. Pack a sweater, bring your camera, and prepare to fall in love.
Book Your Nantucket Tour Now! (Click Here)