Finding the Perfect Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental — Your Secret Road Map to Navigating the Island

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Just seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard offers vacationers a world away from the ordinary, with stretches of beautiful beaches, lush hiking trails, farm-to-table restaurants and boutique shopping. Summer is the perfect time to explore Martha’s Vineyard and the island’s six towns, each bustling with their own personality.

The vacation rental specialists at Sandpiper Rentals know exactly when and where to travel, stay, dine and play on the island, making your Martha’s Vineyard vacation a breeze to plan.

With 19 beaches, miles of hiking and bike paths, kayaking, fishing and birding, Martha’s Vineyard is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The beaches are gems, offering visitors a variety of water sport activities, ranging from surfing and swimming to stand-up paddle boarding and wind-surfing.

Adventure-seekers will want to head to the South side of Martha’s Vineyard for surfing waves, while calm waters await on the island’s Northern shores. Depending on your beach plans, both are popular destinations for those who want maximum adrenaline rush or maximum relaxation time.

Two Island Worlds

Locals know the difference between Up Island and Down Island, but for the uninitiated Sandpiper vacation specialists are experts at navigating Martha’s Vineyard and all its charms.

Head up island to the towns of Chilmark and  Aquinnah for dramatic coastlines and sweeping hillsides dotted with grazing sheep and glowing sunsets. More rural in feel, Chilmark and  Aquinnah showcase signature Martha’s Vineyard living complete with fresh-from-the-ocean seafood and the island’s famous lighthouses.

The village of Menemsha in Chilmark is an authentic, active fishing spot, serving up the daily catch, cute shops and a movie memories. It served as one of the filming locations for the classic Jaws. Head to Aquinnah on the westernmost point of Martha’s Vineyard to experience the Gay Head Cliffs and the legendary Gay Head Lighthouse.

Adventure seekers of another kind will appreciate the down island vibes in the towns of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. All three boast vibrant town centers that serve as hubs of dining, art and entertainment.

Edgartown is home to miles of beaches, the Edgartown Lighthouse and a port, which bustles with sailing regattas. It’s also one of two “wet” towns on the island, which means there’s always something happening during the summer in Edgartown.

Oaks Bluffs is a colorful spot, both architecturally and entertainment-wise. Stroll the Oak Bluffs streets lined with Victorian-style homes in candy-colored hues, take a spin on the oldest platform carousel in America and enjoy the Oak Bluffs nightlife.

Arts buffs flock to Vineyard Haven, a destination for the visual and performing arts on the island. Main Street is home to the famous Bunch of Grapes bookstore, plus shopping and dining you will only find on Martha’s Vineyard.

For an island that’s less than 100 square miles, there’s an abundance of vacation options, so working with the Sandpiper team to find the ideal vacation rental home removes the guesswork. Sandpiper vacation specialists are celebrating 50 years of living and playing on Martha’s Vineyard, and have a streamlined process that is personalized for a vacationer’s needs, taking into consideration town preference, amenities and budget.

From spacious waterfront homes to cozy cabins nestled in the woods, there are more than 600 vacation homes on Martha’s Vineyard available in June and July, just waiting to be enjoyed. Sandpiper vacation rental specialists know how to find that perfect retreat for you.

After all, if you’re going to Martha’s Vineyard, you should make sure it lives up to the dream.

For more information on Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals and Sandpiper’s services, click here.