How to Find Cheap Hotels in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

A large island off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard is part of the state of Massachusetts. There are several towns on the island, including Chilmark, Edgartown and Katama. You have to take a ferry to reach the island, but there are several from mainland Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. Get to know the summer getaway where Jaws was filmed. Martha's Vineyard is one of the most well known islands in the U.S.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Internet access

Find Transportation to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

1. Fly in from Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C.

2. Take the ferry from Woods Hole, Massachusetts. This is the only local ferry that carries cars.

Know What to See and Do in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

3. Build a sand castle, swim and sunbathe on the beach. Some beaches are only open to residents. Try Aquinnah Public or Moshup Beach, which is close to the parking lot at Gay Head.

4. Pick your own blueberries and huckleberries at Fulling Mill Brook Preserve at Caroline Tuthill Wildlife Preserve.

5. Bicycle the byways of Martha's Vineyard and find the perfect spot for a picnic. Bikes help keep transportation costs cheap--you'll save big on parking fees. Bike rental shops are abundant.

6. See the seafaring history of the island. Edgartown is a picturesque whaling village where ships set sail for long perilous voyages.

Find Your Accommodations in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

7. Plan ahead and contact Martha's Vineyard Online at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Martha's Vineyard is a very popular summer retreat. Cheap accommodations need to be booked months in advance. Use travel websites such as TripAdvisor to see photos of guest rooms before you make your choice.

8. Rent a home or condo. The cost per night can be as cheap as a hotel, especially if you're bringing friends or family. As a renter, you have access to the resident-only beaches.

9. Go for a Bed & Breakfast. The rates can be somewhat cheap, at least compared to the big resorts. Plus, they're small and friendly. Local hosts can give you tips on restaurants, wineries and more.

10. Search for the few motels on the island. They aren't part of national chains, so look on the Internet to find them. Cheap is relative here. You'll have better luck looking for lodgings on the North side of the island. Surfers and beachgoers stick to the south.

11. Camp in Tisbury, on the northern tip of the island. This is the only campground in Martha's Vineyard.