Touring Martha's Vineyard: Discovering the Island's Charming Lighthouses

Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick are two beautiful islands located off the coast of Massachusetts that are popular summer destinations for visitors from around the world. One of the most iconic features of these islands are their lighthouses, which have guided mariners safely to shore for centuries. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the lighthouses on Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick and what makes them special.

Martha's Vineyard is home to five lighthouses, each with its own unique history and character. These lighthouses are:

  1. Edgartown Light: This lighthouse was first built in 1828 and is located in the town of Edgartown on the southern shore of the island. Edgartown Light is one of the oldest lighthouses on the East Coast and is still an active aid to navigation. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the surrounding area.

    Edgartown Lighthouse

  2. East Chop Light: This lighthouse is located on the east side of the island and is one of the most recognizable landmarks on Martha's Vineyard. East Chop Light was first lit in 1878 and has been an active aid to navigation ever since. Today, the lighthouse is privately owned and is not open to the public, but it can be viewed from the water or from nearby East Chop Beach.

    East Chop Lighthouse

  3. West Chop Light: This lighthouse is located on the west side of the island and was first built in 1817. West Chop Light has been an active aid to navigation for over 200 years and is still in use today. The lighthouse is privately owned and is not open to the public, but it can be viewed from the water or from nearby West Chop Beach.

    West Chop Lighthouse

  4. Gay Head Light: This lighthouse is located on the westernmost point of Martha's Vineyard and is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the island. Gay Head Light was first built in 1799 and has been an active aid to navigation for over 200 years. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the surrounding area, including the famous Gay Head Cliffs.

    Aquinnah Lighthouse

  5. Chappaquiddick is a small island located off the coast of Martha's Vineyard and is home to a historic lighthouse known as the Chappy Point Light. The lighthouse was first built in 1891 and was originally used as a guide for mariners entering Edgartown Harbor. Today, the Chappy Point Light is no longer an active aid to navigation, but it remains an important part of Chappaquiddick's history and is a popular destination for visitors to the island.

Chappaquiddick Lighthouse

Exploring the lighthouses on Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick is a great way to experience the islands' rich history and stunning natural beauty. To make the most of your lighthouse-exploring experience, consider renting an amazing 4x4 car rental with beach stickers from Martha's Vineyard Linen & Rentals. With a rental car, you'll be able to easily travel from lighthouse to lighthouse, stopping along the way to take in the sights and sounds of the islands. And with the added bonus of beach stickers, you'll have access to the beautiful beaches on Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick, making it the perfect summer getaway.

In conclusion, the lighthouses on Martha's Vineyard and are a must-see for visitors to the islands. From the iconic Edgartown Light to the charming Chappy Point Light, each lighthouse has its own unique history and character. Exploring the lighthouses is a great way to experience the islands' rich history and stunning natural beauty, and renting an amazing 4x4 car rental with.