Biking and traffic on Martha's Vineyard
 

Hello! We've got one day in late June to take the ferry over and visit, and are wondering if it's worth it to bring our car. How bad is the traffic there? How long do you think it would take in the evening to go from Edgartown to Vineyard Haven (to make that last ferry)? If you pre-purchase a ticket on Steamship Authority to accompany your car, you're guaranteed on that ferry right, despite any lines? And lastly, could you drive from one side of the island in the morning and back, or is that asking for a traffic nightmare?

Any help you can provide would be much appreciated. :)

Thank you!!

Important question...weekday or weekend? that will make a difference to the traffic.

If you have a ferry reservation, you are guaranteed on that ferry as long as you check in in time (like an airplane). It should say what time, it's probably like 30 minutes to an hour.

You should at least check the cost of a rental car. I think you might find it cheaper on a one day visit to rent a car on the island rather than take one over. round trip ferry tickets for the car are pretty pricy.

I do think you can drive out to Aquinnah and back in 1 day if you wish. Once you get out of Vineyard Haven, the traffic should be a little better.

This would be on Monday, June 22nd. What do you think?
We'd LOVE to do dinner in Edgartown before we take the ferry back - if we left at 8, do you think we'd make it back to Vineyard Haven in time for the last 9:30 PM ferry?

And if you could only go to one place on MV, would that be Edgartown? I know that's subjective, but would love your thoughts. :) We're also debating about not having a car and just taking the ferry in and out of Edgartown, a much shorter trip as the return is early evening.

If I could only go one place, I'd rent a 4WD vehicle with a beach permit. I'd pick up sandwiches to go, and I'd take my jeep across to Chapaquiddick on the "On Time Ferry". I'd drive out the beach towards Cape Pogue, as long as its open, then pull through to a lovely spot on the beach with few people around, just a few fishermen. But that's me :)

Barring that, I would probably try to spend a couple of hours at Katama Beach, and have lunch and spend an hour or so walking around Edgartown.

I can't really answer your question about the ferry, it's been several years since I've been there, and while I think your timing could work, it might be a little close. Someone who's done the drive more recently can give you a better answer. I do think a Monday in June, you won't have too much traffic going through Vineyard Haven to get to the dock, but I'm really not an authority on this.

I live here on the island and can tell you that packing it all in one day is realistic.
Make a reservation for your car on the Steamship Authority ferry and bring it over, or park your car in the lot and walk on. There many car rental companies. Budget and Adventure car rentals are both in Vineyard Haven, where you'll be arriving and departing the island.
Both are near the ferry. They offer all kinds of cars, as well as four door jeeps. Call the day before or even that morning. They should have plenty, as the island really doesn't gear up until July 4th.
Head over and take a quick spin around Oak Bluffs. Drive through the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Assoc. and look at the 300+ gingerbread style little cottages. Absolutely adorable. They circle around the open air tabernacle. Drive down by Ocean Park and head towards Edgartown, but before you get into Edg. turn right onto the Edgartown West Tisbury Rd. Drive up to Aquinnah. On the way, stop at Chilmark Chocolates for a treat, Alley's General Store and walk through the Field gallery. Enjoy the breathtaking Vistas on the way, park and walk up to view the clay cliffs of Aquinnah. After that, head to Menemsha and have a lobster on the dock cooked for you at Larsen's fish market. You could do this before Aquinnah, depending on your time frame. Head back to Edgartown and walk around before dinner. Be aware parking in Edgartown can be a challenge, so you may be driving around a bit looking for a spot. Do it slow and you'll see someone leaving.
Driving from one end of the island (Oak Bluffs to Aquinnah) will take about 30 min. Allow for plenty of stops. Driving back from Edgartown to return your car allow 30 mins for the drive. If you have your own car, you need to be at the ferry 30 min before the scheduled departure.
Any idea what time you're planning to get over to the island?
I think you could plan a wonderful day and really see alot. Any special interests or something you would enjoy seeing. There is a historical museum in Edg, some other historical sites and plenty of art galleries on the island.

THANK YOU!!! We actually just booked the ferry (our tickets and our car) on the 9:30 AM ferry (arrives at 10:15 I think? around there) and then also the 9:30 PM return out of Vineyard Haven. So the trip to Menemsha is worth it then, right? I was thinking of heading down there, but was afraid of traffic - but if it's not an issue I'd love to see as much of the island as possible. :) And what about Chappaquiddick (sp?)?

Since we have the late ferry return, do you think trying for dinner in Edgartown is a bad idea? Or should we play it safe and eat in Vineyard Haven? (And if we do that, some restaurants let you bring in wine, right?). I'm thinking if we ate at 6 and were done by 8, we'd have less than an hour by the time all is said and done to get back to the line for the ferry. Then again, I don't know what happens if we miss it..so perhaps dinner in Vineyard Haven would be a bit more relaxing....

Our main concern is really just seeing the key areas of the island, historical/cultural places or neighborhoods that are unique to Cape Cod/MV. :) Well, that and perhaps a delicious seafood lunch. ;)

Thanks again!!!