Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving Tour

What your day looks like

Experience the highlights of one of Massachusett's most beloved islands and popular vacation spots. Take advantage of the flexibility to set your own pace between stops during the self-guided app-based audio tour. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Begin your tour of Martha’s Vineyard right off the ferry in Vineyard Haven. As you drive along the coast, you’ll hear about the Wampanoag tribe and how the island got its unusual name. See the characteristic architecture of past times starting with the 1876 Flying Horses Carousel. Admire the delightful pastel facades of the "gingerbread houses" in Oak Bluffs and the community's treasured Tabernacle campground. Visit a neighborhood museum to enrich your visit and find a souvenir. Next, you’ll head to Inkwell Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand with an unfortunate history. Find out how a genetic mutation resulted in Martha’s Vineyard residents creating their very own form of sign language. As you continue south, you’ll learn more about how the island fared during the tumultuous times of the American Revolution. Afterward, see the beach where Steven Spielberg filmed an iconic scene from the movie Jaws. Feel a connection with the natural world as you discover the flora and fauna of Caroline Tuthill Wildlife Preserve. Next, you’ll reach Lighthouse Beach, home to an iconic lighthouse that was originally built almost 200 years ago. Step back in time as you pass through the quaint historic district of Edgartown. Hear about the island’s mysterious disappearing deer and the 1938 New England Hurricane, which devastated local communities. Your tour will end in South Beach, where you will discover a placid bay and dramatic beach in the same setting. The audio tour is curated by local guides and creative writers and is narrated by professional voice artists. Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or building interiors.