Major city · United States
West Tisbury
Base here only if you want farmland, a beach and a bike path: 1–2 nights, car or bike needed, and buy your wine in Edgartown or Oak Bluffs first.
West Tisbury is the island's farming town, on the up-island road between Vineyard Haven and Chilmark. It has one crossroads with a general store and a take-out, a resident-permit beach, a freshwater pond and a winery, and almost no nightlife. Come for quiet, cycling and Lambert's Cove Beach; stay down-island if you want bars, shops and walkable dinner options.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for beach and market; late May and Sep–Oct for quiet roads and lower rates
- avoid Jul–Aug weekends (ferry and beach parking pressure); Nov–Apr, when many places close
- Airports
- MVY · ACK · BOS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for West Tisbury911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- West Tisbury Police (non-emergency)508-693-0020
- Martha's Vineyard Hospital508-693-0410
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about West Tisbury, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a US resort island: the real risks are ticks in tall grass, deer on dark roads…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 508-693-0020 West Tisbury Police (non-emergency) · 508-693-0410 Martha's Vineyard Hospital
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMVY Martha's Vineyard Airport (In West Tisbury, on Edgartown–West Tisbury Rd; seasonal flights from Boston, New York and Washington…
- Getting aroundThe Vineyard Transit Authority runs buses through West Tisbury from the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal, with the State Rd lot (Cronig's, post office…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastry at a bakery$6–12
- Sit-down mealPizza or take-out dinner$15–25
- Street or quick mealBreakfast sandwich or deli lunch$10–18
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per roomUS$280
- High-end bedInn or B&B double room, a night, per roomUS$450
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MVY Martha's Vineyard Airport (In West Tisbury, on Edgartown–West Tisbury Rd; seasonal flights from Boston, New York and Washington, plus Cape Air from several Northeast cities) · ACK Nantucket Memorial (Not a Vineyard airport; ferry connections only) · BOS Boston Logan (Bus or train to Woods Hole, then the Steamship Authority ferry to Vineyard Haven, about 45 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best*
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Dec (11 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
West Tisbury: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The Vineyard Transit Authority runs buses through West Tisbury from the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal, with the State Rd lot (Cronig's, post office, Fella's) as the up-island transfer point for Chilmark and Aquinnah, and cross-island routes to Edgartown via the airport. State Rd and several side roads have bike paths; a car or bike is the practical way to reach the beach and the pond. On-season beach parking needs a resident permit.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Vineyard Haven (Tisbury)
goDoor to door: 15–25 min
VTA bus from the State Rd lot, or bike on State Rd
Ferry terminal, shops and the island's main year-round services.
Edgartown
goDoor to door: 25–40 min
VTA cross-island bus via the airport, or bike on Edgartown–West Tisbury Rd
Buy wine or spirits here; the town is dry at home.
Oak Bluffs
goDoor to door: 35–50 min
VTA bus via Vineyard Haven
Liquor stores, bars and the ferry to Woods Hole.
Chilmark
goDoor to door: 20–30 min
VTA up-island bus from the State Rd lot
Fishing village, cliffs and farm stands; carry cash.
Aquinnah
goDoor to door: 40–55 min
VTA up-island bus, change at Chilmark if needed
Gay Head Cliffs and lighthouse; a half-day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
State Rd crossroads (Alley's, post office, Fella's)
The bus hub for up-island routes; walk to breakfast, take-out and the farmers market. Best for one night without a car.
Lambert's Cove Rd
Inns and the beach road; 10–15 min drive from the crossroads. Best for couples with a car.
Edgartown–West Tisbury Rd
Guest houses and the hostel, near the airport and the bike path to Edgartown. Best for cyclists and budget beds.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–260 excl. bed
- High
- $260+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or B&B double room1 × 2 nights × US$280 | US$560 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$180 | US$720 |
| VTA day pass, one day2 × US$8 · check | US$16 |
| Bike rental, one day2 × US$40 · check | US$80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$141 |
| Trip total≈ US$387 per person per day, bed included | US$1,547 |
check
2026 estimate in US dollars; ferry and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry at a bakery | $6–12 |
| Breakfast sandwich or deli lunch | $10–18 |
| Pizza or take-out dinner | $15–25 |
| Sit-down dinner, per person | $40+ |
| Bottle of wine (Edgartown or Oak Bluffs liquor store) | $15–40 |
| VTA single ride / day pass | $2–8 (check) |
| Bike rental, one day | $35–50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- West Tisbury is a dry town: no beer, wine or liquor sold or served. Buy in Edgartown or Oak Bluffs and expect BYOB at most restaurants.
- Lambert's Cove Beach parking needs a resident sticker on-season; walk-on permits may be required at peak hours. No permit or parking rules before June, after August, or after 5:30PM.Lambert's Cove Beach parking needs a resident sticker on-season; walk-on permits may be required at peak hours. No permit or parking rules before June, after August, or after 5:30 AMPM.
- Seth's Pond has about four legal roadside spaces; go by bike or bus.
- Ferry and lodging prices spike in Jul–Aug; book the Steamship Authority vehicle slot well ahead.
- Many inns, restaurants and the hostel close from late October to May: confirm dates before booking.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- West Tisbury Police (non-emergency)
- 508-693-0020
- Martha's Vineyard Hospital
- 508-693-0410
Pocket card
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West TisburyWest Tisbury
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- West Tisbury Police (non-emergency)508-693-0020
- Martha's Vineyard Hospital508-693-0410
Embassy
No consulates on the island; nearest are in Boston. US travellers: dial 911.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- VTA bus, single ride: $2–5 depending on zone (check)
- VTA day pass: about $8 (check)
- Steamship Authority ferry, Woods Hole → Vineyard Haven, foot passenger: about $10–20 return (check)
Say or show
- Where is the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop?
- Is parking allowed here? — Is parking allowed here?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Do you take reservations? — Do you take reservations?
- Is this beach open to the public? — Is this beach open to the public?
- Where is the nearest ATM? — Where is the nearest ATM?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for West Tisbury. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for beach and market; late May and Sep–Oct for quiet roads and lower rates · avoid Jul–Aug weekends (ferry and beach parking pressure); Nov–Apr, when many places close · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-to-bed contract for Vineyard Haven: last Steamship Authority sailing, VTA last bus to West Tisbury, taxi fallback.
- Four walking and riding clusters with anchors: State Rd crossroads, Lambert's Cove Rd, Edgartown–West Tisbury Rd and the airport, and the farmers market site.
- Place pages with verified hours for Chicama Vineyards, Martha's Vineyard Glassworks, Alley's and the farmers market, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Beach and pond access fixtures: permit rules, parking counts and bus stop positions, so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of West Tisbury
- officialMartha's Vineyard Transit Authority
- officialSteamship Authority
- officialMartha's Vineyard Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: West Tisbury, revision 5234392 (CC BY-SA 4.0)