Martha’s Vineyard is a popular tourist destination, known for drawing the likes of famous basketball players, former presidents, and guests just like you, reading this! The island’s gorgeous landscape, small-town charm, and coastal breezes entice visitors to return year after year. Once upon a time, though, folks were drawn to Martha’s Vineyard for an entirely different reason. In the 1800s, the island was a fishing and whaling hub, and fishermen traveled the seas near and far to reach it.
How did they find Martha’s Vineyard, you may ask? Well, night travelers sought out the island’s lighthouses as a guide. Our waters served as a superhighway for mariners to travel between Boston and Cape Cod, and the island lighthouses made the journey possible.
Nowadays, not all of the lighthouses are used to guide travelers in the night, but they’re still an important part of local history. You can tour many of themon your visit here!
Interested in learning more about the famed lighthouses around Martha’s Vineyard? You’re in the right place! In this piece, we’ll explore their historical significance, location, and other fun facts. Let’s dive in!
Edgartown Harbor Light
Edgartown Lighthouse has guided ships since 1828, with the current tower brought from Ipswich in 1939. Today, it’s one of the island’s most accessible lighthouses, just a short sandy walk from downtown Edgartown. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum offers seasonal lighthouse tours, and the surrounding beach is a great place for kids to explore. It’s also a favorite photo spot at sunset!
- First built: 1828; current tower moved here in 1939
- Location: Entrance to Edgartown Harbor
- Unique feature: Children’s Memorial on the grounds
- Open: Seasonal tours with the Martha’s Vineyard Museum
- Perfect for: Family-friendly walks, photos, and harbor views
Cape Poge Light
Cape Poge Lighthouse was first built in 1801 and has been rebuilt six times due to storms and shifting sands. The current wooden tower, dating to 1922, stands on the remote tip of Chappaquiddick Island. Reaching it is an adventure in and of itself; the lighthouse is accessible only by guided over-sand tours with The Trustees of Reservations. If your Sandcastle Realty MV vacation rental is in Edgartown or Chappaquiddick, the Cape Poge Light is a perfect way to spend the day. You’ll see wildlife, wide-open beaches, and a side of the Vineyard that feels far from the crowds!
- First built: 1801; current tower from 1922
- Location: Cape Poge, Chappaquiddick Island
- History note: The current light is the sixth lighthouse built, due to erosion and storms
- Open: Guided tours only, managed by The Trustees
- Perfect for: Adventurous outings and quiet beach views
Gay Head Light
Built in 1799, Gay Head Lighthouse has helped sailors avoid the dangerous Devil’s Bridge shoals for more than two centuries. The current brick tower dates to 1856 and was carefully moved inland in 2015 to save it from erosion. Visitors can climb the lighthouse seasonally for unmatched views of the Aquinnah Cliffs and the ocean. For guests staying in one of our Aquinnah rentals, this is a can’t-miss day trip! Pair it with a visit to the shops and cultural center in Aquinnah.
- First built: 1799; current tower from 1856
- Location: Aquinnah Cliffs, western Vineyard
- History note: Relocated 129 feet inland in 2015
- Open: Seasonal tours and lantern climbs
- Perfect for: Cliff views, island history, and day trips
East Chop Light
East Chop Lighthouse has overlooked Vineyard Sound since 1878. Today, the cast-iron tower still flashes across the water and welcomes visitors in summer. If you’re staying in one of our Oak Bluffs vacation rentals, this lighthouse is just minutes away, ideal for an evening stroll or a quick drive after dinner. Many visitors gather here to see the sunset, and the views are unbeatable!
- First built: 1878, replacing a private light
- Location: Oak Bluffs, Telegraph Hill
- History note: Automated in 1933, still active today
- Open: Summer tours available through Martha’s Vineyard Museum
- Perfect for: Sunset viewing and a short, scenic stop
West Chop Light
First built in 1817, West Chop Lighthouse is one of Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest navigational aids. The current tower dates to 1891 and continues to guide ferries and ships into Vineyard Haven Harbor. Though it’s not open to visitors, you can view it from the road or nearby overlooks. If you’re staying in Vineyard Haven, it’s an easy stop to add to a drive around the harbor. It offers a glimpse into the island’s working maritime history, even from a distance.
- First built: 1817; current tower from 1891
- Location: Entrance to Vineyard Haven Harbor
- Not open to the public (active Coast Guard site)
- Best viewed: From the road or scenic overlooks
- Perfect for: A quick history stop near town
Book Your Stay on Martha’s Vineyard Directly with Sandcastle Realty MV!
Well, there you have it; now you’re fully up to date on your Martha’s Vineyard lighthouse facts! After you spend the day perusing the island, return home to the best vacation rentals on Martha’s Vineyard when you stay in a Sandcastle Realty property.
Did you know booking your trip directly with a local company can save you time, money, and stress? It’s true; here at Sandcastle, we work hard to make your vacation as seamless as possible, from start to finish. With years of vacation rental experience here on Martha’s Vineyard, you’re in trusted hands when you stay with us—plus, you’ll avoid all of the fees that come with using third-party OTAs like Airbnb and VRBO.
Ready to make your dream Martha’s Vineyard vacation a reality? Let’s do it! Whether you want to stay in a pet-friendly rental so you can bring your pup along, a waterfront rental so you can take in scenic views of the coast, or you want to indulge in one of our luxury rentals, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit for you amongst our extensive catalog. Browse our available Martha’s Vineyard vacation rentals now and book your trip here directly with Sandcastle Realty!