Hi all, apologies in advance if this sounds like a silly question. Could someone please provide me with an ideal day itinerary to visit Martha's Vineyard?

We will departing Hyannis on the ferry, without a car. We will have 5 hours on the Vineyard. I am not too sure of the must sees, other than the beautiful gingerbread houses and we just wish to soak in the atmosphere.

We will be visiting Labor Day Monday.

Many thanks in advance!
Mandy

If I am not mistaken when you get off the ferry there are people there who offer tours of the island, a place for lunch and shopping. We were there a few years ago with a tour company so it was not an issue for us but as I recall I believe there were offers to take some tours. I think that would be your best bet. I am sure others will offer some ideas.

Our favorite way to enjoy MV is to rent a bike, and do the beautiful bike trail from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown, stopping off for a swim along the way.

Thank you. Can anyone also recommend a nice restaurant for lunch for two foodies?

Try Yelp or Chowhound. Edgartown or Oak Bluffs.

Do you intend to swim? Or just sightsee?
See the Campground houses, take the bus to Edgartown to look around briefly (You can get off at some spots to swim on the way.), return for the ferry.

i took at 90 minute tour as soon as i got off the island so i could get my bearings. then i took the public transportation between some of the locations that i wanted to return to. biking is a good suggestion too if you are into that. with only 5 hours i wouldn't waste time in a restaurant. there's too much to enjoy outdoors. grab some fast food or bring a picnic. save the restaurant for when you get back to whereever you are coming from (the cape?)

With 5 hours I would get off the ferry and take the bus to Menemsha, walk around, walk out on the jetty. then I would get back on the public transportation bus and go to Aquinnah. Walk around, check out the cliffs, lighthouse tour and then have lunch at the restaurant but sit outside. The food here is not gourmet but the dining room is breathtaking and well worth it. (The "foodie" places on MV only serve dinner anyway). After this I would take the bus back to Oak Bluffs, walk around the campground, harbor and finish with some swim time on the beach before leaving. I would not worry about missing Edgartown (although if you like looking at stately mansions that's different) or Vineyard Haven.