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Major city · United States

TisburyVineyard Haven

Base in Vineyard Haven for 2 nights if you arrive by ferry without a car: walk to the harbour, beach and dinner, then bus or bike the island.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

Tisbury is the town on Martha's Vineyard's north shore whose village, Vineyard Haven, is the island's year-round ferry port. Most travellers land here from Woods Hole and either stay one or two nights or move on to Edgartown or Oak Bluffs. It is a small, walkable harbour town with a dry-town alcohol rule, a working Main Street and quick access to the rest of the island by bus or bike.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
USD
Best months
Jun–Sep; May and Oct for fewer crowds
avoid Nov–Mar (many businesses close); peak Jul–Aug weekends for ferry queues
Airports
MVY · HYA · BOS
Nights
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 ▾

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
Emergency numbers for Tisbury911 ▾

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 Tisbury, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • Coffee$4–7
  • Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$12–20
  • BeerBeer or wine (bring your own; no sales in town)$0 in town
  • SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–35
  • Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$60
  • Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$300
  • High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$550

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$400

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.

Vineyard Haven ferry portOwen Park and the harbourBlack Dog TavernWest Chop LighthouseMartha's Vineyard International Film Festival
Airports
MVY Martha's Vineyard Airport (About 8 km (5 mi) from Vineyard Haven; Cape Air flies from Boston and Hyannis) · HYA Cape Cod Gateway (Hyannis) (Cape Air flights and seasonal ferries to the island) · BOS Boston Logan (Bus to Woods Hole, then the Steamship Authority ferry)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Avoid

    4°C (39°F)

  2. Feb

    Avoid

    5°C (41°F)

  3. Mar

    Avoid

    8°C (46°F)

  4. Apr

    not flagged

    13°C (55°F)

  5. May

    Best

    18°C (64°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    23°C (73°F)

  7. Jul

    Care

    26°C (79°F)

  8. Aug

    Care

    26°C (79°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    22°C (72°F)

  10. Oct

    Best

    17°C (63°F)

  11. Nov

    Avoid

    12°C (54°F)

  12. Dec

    Avoid

    7°C (45°F)

Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F) low), wettest Dec (11 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

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)

−4°C (25°F)

10 rd

Feb

5°C (41°F)

−4°C (25°F)

9 rd

Mar

8°C (46°F)

0°C (32°F)

10 rd

Apr

13°C (55°F)

4°C (39°F)

10 rd

May

18°C (64°F)

9°C (48°F)

10 rd

Jun

23°C (73°F)

14°C (57°F)

9 rd

Jul

26°C (79°F)

17°C (63°F)

8 rd

Aug

26°C (79°F)

17°C (63°F)

8 rd

Sep

22°C (72°F)

13°C (55°F)

8 rd

Oct

17°C (63°F)

8°C (46°F)

9 rd

Nov

12°C (54°F)

3°C (37°F)

10 rd

Dec

7°C (45°F)

−2°C (28°F)

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 village centre is walkable. Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority buses link Vineyard Haven with Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and the up-island towns in season; bikes are a common way to reach the beaches. Taxis and rental cars are available at Five Corners.

Nearest full guides

Straight-line distance, not travel time

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Oak Bluffs

go

Door to door: About 30 min

VTA bus from Vineyard Haven, about 15 min

Gingerbread cottages, Circuit Avenue and the harbour.

Edgartown

go

Door to door: About 40 min

VTA bus from Vineyard Haven, about 25 min

Whaling-era streets, lighthouse and Chappaquiddick ferry.

West Tisbury

go

Door to door: About 35 min

VTA bus up-island, about 20 min

Long Point Wildlife Refuge and the farmers' market (check days).

Chilmark

caution

Door to door: About 1 h

VTA bus, about 40 min

Menemsha sunset is the draw; check the last bus back.

Aquinnah

go

Door to door: About 1 h 10 min

VTA bus to the western end, about 50 min

Gay Head Cliffs and lighthouse; a full half-day.

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.

Vineyard Haven harbour and Main Street

Walk to the ferry, shops and restaurants; best for a car-free stay.

Beach Road / Tisbury Market Place

Motels and the Toy Box; a 10–15 min walk to the ferry.

West Tisbury Road

Hostel and campground; needs a bus or bike to reach town.

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

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
$80–140 excl. bed
Mid
$140–260 excl. bed
High
$260+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Motel or inn double room1 × 2 nights × US$300US$600
Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$180US$720
Steamship Authority car round trip, Woods Hole–Vineyard Haven1 × US$200US$200
VTA day pass, one day2 × US$10US$20
eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20US$40
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeUS$158
Trip total≈ US$435 per person per day, bed includedUS$1,738

2026 estimate in US dollars; ferry and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee$4–7
Diner breakfast$12–20
Lobster roll$25–35
Beer or wine (bring your own; no sales in town)$0 in town
Bike rental, per day$15–50
VTA single ride$2–5
eSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–35

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Very safe for a US resort town; the real issues are summer ferry queues, dark unlit roads for cyclists after dusk and rip currents at unguarded beaches. Swim near lifeguards.
  • Tisbury is a dry town: no alcohol sales, but many restaurants let you bring your own.
  • Ferry and bus seats fill on summer weekends; book the Steamship Authority crossing ahead.
  • West Chop Lighthouse grounds are private; view it from the road only.
  • Many businesses close or cut hours from November to March.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
911
Tisbury Police (non-emergency)
508-696-4240

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

TisburyVineyard Haven

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance911
  • Tisbury Police (non-emergency)508-696-4240

Embassy

No embassies on the island; nearest consulates-general are in Boston.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Steamship Authority Woods Hole → Vineyard Haven, foot passenger: about $10–20 one way, 45 min
  • VTA bus Vineyard Haven → Edgartown: about $2–5, 25 min
  • Taxi Vineyard Haven ferry → Oak Bluffs: about $25–35

Say or show

  • Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal?
  • One ticket, please — One ticket, please
  • Does this bus go to Edgartown? — Does this bus go to Edgartown?
  • Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
  • Is there a table for two? — Is there a table for two?
  • Where is the nearest beach? — Where is the nearest beach?

Tisbury is a dry town: buy alcohol before you arrive or bring your own to restaurants that allow it.

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 Tisbury. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Jun–Sep; May and Oct for fewer crowds · avoid Nov–Mar (many businesses close); peak Jul–Aug weekends for ferry queues · month by month →
  2. 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 5 day-trips, door to door
  6. 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Ferry-to-bed contract for Vineyard Haven: Steamship Authority arrivals field-checked, taxi and bus fallback, late-arrival rung.
  2. Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street and the harbour, Beach Road, West Chop.
  3. Place pages with verified cutoffs (Owen Park, West Chop Lighthouse, Mink Meadows, film festival) and eat pages with last orders.
  4. Dry-town and shoulder-season fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to United States

Sources