Car

Although traffic can be bad during the season, it can be handy to have a car in order to see all of Martha’s Vineyard and travel freely. Instead of bringing one over on the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole (the only ferry service that transports cars—expensively), it's sometimes easier and more economical to rent one once you're on the island for a few days of exploring, particularly during the busy season when car reservations on the ferry are hard to come by. Don’t expect a bargain for on-island rentals either; you'll pay about $180 per day for a Jeep. The island does its best to discourage extra automobile traffic.

Contacts

A-A Island Auto Rental. Choose from Jeeps, Mini Coopers, convertibles, or just plain old minivans from this island rental with three locations. Find branches also at 31 Circuit Avenue Extension, in Oak Bluffs, and 196 Main Street in Edgartown. It also arranges pickups from several of the island's larger resorts and the airport. 5 Corners, 4 Water St., Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, 02568. 508/696–5300; www.mvautorental.com.

Sun 'n' Fun Rentals. This outfit rents Jeeps, Mini Coopers, mopeds, bicycles, and even beach gear like chairs and umbrellas; it claims to have the cheapest rates on the island. It offers free pickup from both the airport and the ferry docks. 28 Lake Ave., Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, 02557. 508/693–5457; www.sunnfunrentals.com.