Start Planning Your Summer Vacation : Explore Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard With Your Family

One of the best summer destinations in New England is Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. It is a vacation destination for many, and we are very fortunate to live only a short drive away! We have visited both destinations with our children and enjoyed every day we were able to visit! Check out our suggestions for a visit to Cape Code and Martha’s Vineyard in the coastal state of Massachusetts! Click links below.

Cape Cod Summer Vacation Ideas : Explore Cape Cod

Martha’s Vineyard What a Day on Martha’s Vineyard!

What a Day on Martha’s Vineyard!

Have you ever thought about visiting Martha’a Vineyard, MA for a family getaway, for a day? I wanted to share my family’s recent last-minute day trip to Martha’s Vineyard! My husband and I have been on the Vineyard before without kids, so I wanted to make sure I planned a kid-friendly adventure for a memorable day. Using tips from Yelp, recommendations from friends and other Mom blogs , here is our day trip schedule:

Our Visit to Martha’s Vineyard:

• Take a fast ferry to Oak Bluffs. Save travel time and spend more time on the island by choosing the fast ferry versus the standard ferry service and book tickets online. Kids ride FREE with a paying adult! Check out schedule, rates and locations at https://seastreak.com/ferry-routes-and-schedules/between-new-bedford-marthas-vineyard-ma/
• Rent a Jeep! Consider adding another fun family adventure and rent a Jeep … Driving top down… to explore the whole island in one day.   Visit http://www.mvautorental.com . Other transportation options include a shuttle service that is offered on the island or a sightseeing tour bus.

• Donuts for breakfast…You’re on vacation (Oak Bluffs) Visit Back Door Donuts for a special breakfast treat (recommendation by a friend.) If you prefer an egg sandwich, visit Skinny’s Fat Sandwiches for delicious bagel sandwiches!
• Tour The Gingerbread House Village (Oak Bluffs) – A unique village made of tiny houses painted and decorated each more colorful than the next. Visit https://newengland.com/today/travel/massachusetts/gingerbread-cottages-at-oak-bluffs-campground/

• Island Geocaching (Entire Island) ! Download the Geocaching App for cool locations for geocaching on the island.  Check out my blog post Geocaching : A fun, family scavenger hunt!
• Grab a slice of pizza and lemonade at Chilmark General Store (Chilmark)– A great spot for a quick lunch/snack while relaxing on their front porch. Don’t forget to stop at Chilmark Chocolates for a special treat (It was closed for vacation when we visited, so that will be on our to-do list on our next trip to the island!) … A great recommendation by a friend! Also caught a celebrity sighting!
• Climb a lighthouse for beautiful views. There are many lighthouses on Martha’s Vineyard. By renting the Jeep, we were able to tour the whole island and see many of the lighthouses.
• Visit Edgartown and Vineyard Haven for shopping, ice cream and lunch or dinner on the go (our family decided to eat on the go to be able to explore the island  quicker !)
• Sandy toes and beach combing on any beach you chose! We were excited to add great shells to our growing vacation shell collection! Sit down and relax on the beach while the kids splash around in the water … We packed suits and towels for the day.
• Spin around on the Flying Horse Carousel (Oak Bluffs)! Before heading back to the ferry, drop the Jeep off, grab dinner to-go at Skinny’s Fat Sandwiches (I recommend  the  Gobbler!), and ride the carousel.

A few hours on Martha’s Vineyard felt like a weekend away! Enjoy!!