Martha’s Vineyard Dog Friendly Guide

view from beach near Edgartown Lighthouse

The end of July should have been our honeymoon, so Tim and I took a couple days to ourselves and spent two nights on Martha’s Vineyard instead. We decided to leave Charlie at home, but we still found dog friendly places to share with you! Since we spent most of our time in Edgartown, most of these recommendations are in Edgartown, but I have added a few Oak Bluffs suggestions. Due to COVID-19 a lot of places that were once dog friendly are no longer and policies keep changing, but this is what we found when we were on island. Hope you enjoy!

Getting There

We took the Island Queen ferry over to Oak Bluffs out of Falmouth since we were not taking a car. There is a parking lot about 0.2 miles from the ferry launch where you park. It was $20 per day cash only. You don’t need to book Island Queen ferry tickets in advance. We then took a Vineyard Transit public bus from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown. If you prefer a more direct route to Edgartown there is a Falmouth Edgartown Ferry directly out of Falmouth. It was just more cost effective for us to arrive how we did. If you are planning on bringing your car over however, you will want to reserve a car spot on the Steamship Authority for the day and time you plan on traveling to and from. All ferries are extremely dog friendly!

Hotels

Vineyard Square Hotel: We stayed at the Vineyard Square Hotel located in the heart of Edgartown. It was very clean, boutiquey, and adorable. We stayed in a “cozy double” with very few bells and whistles, because it was the cheaper option and it DEFINITELY was cozy just so you are aware if you decide to go that route haha. They are a dog friendly hotel with a few dog-friendly king suites available to book. When you book a dog-friendly suite you have your own entrance for easy access for bathroom breaks. These suites are a little pricier than your average room, but you get what you pay for with quality and convenience! Guests also have access to their bikes, which was perfect for us to cruise around Edgartown and take in its beauty. While a lot of the rooms have their own verandas, ours did not, but we were able to enjoy the common roof deck with gorgeous views of the water!
Harbor View Hotel: Dog friendly hotel in Edgartown. Kind of boujee and gorgeous. A splurge hotel, but seems worth it for the service, beauty, and convenience you get. They provide bikes, cars, and have a pool. One day we hope to stay here when we can afford it haha.
Hob Knob Hotel: Dog friendly hotel in Edgartown. You get a dog welcome bag when you check in!
Summer Camp– Dog friendly hotel in Oak Bluffs. Dogs cannot be left alone in the room and there is a $45 dog charge.
Mansion House Inn and Spa: Located close to the ferry in Vineyard Haven. They allow up to three pets for $75 extra per pet. Not every room is dog friendly, but they have designated rooms on the ground floor that are!

Restaurants

Sand Bar: Restaurant in Oak Bluffs. If you have a dog you can sit on the front patio. Primarily American bar food.
Noman’s: American food in Oak Bluffs where dogs are allowed on patio on leash.
Bad Martha’s Brewery: Brewery in Edgartown. Oven roasted pizza and several small plates. Dog welcome!
Alchemy: Dog friendly restaurant with four tables on patio for dogs to sit at. American food in Edgartown.
Behind the Bookstore Patio: Casual coffee shop and cafe where dogs are allowed at their outdoor tables on patio in Edgartown
The Black Dog Bakery Café: Breakfast and lunch spot in Vineyard Haven that welcomes dogs outside!
Espresso Love: Coffee shop and breakfast joint in Edgartown. No dogs allowed inside (it is small). It is however situated in a large parking area to enjoy the coffee outside.
Newes From America Pub: Not dog friendly but in Edgartown with THE BEST lobster roll I have ever had if you love lobster rolls.
Donovan’s Reef (Outdoor area at Nancy’s): Seat yourself picnic table style atmosphere in Oak Bluffs where dogs are allowed.
Lobsterville Bar & Grille: Seafood and American food restaurant in Oak Bluffs Harbor where dogs are allowed on first floor to enjoy their dog menu (rules might vary due to COVID)
Backyard Taco: Delicious taco stand in Edgartown. Perfect option for takeout to eat back at your hotel or near the water. We ate here one night because everywhere was booked up and we were SO HAPPY we ventured to this joint. Dog friendly as you wait for your order.
Scoop Shack- Delicious homemade ice cream hole in the wall shop that is cash only and dog friendly to order. This was hands down the best cake batter ice cream I have had in a while.
*please keep in mind rules keep changing due to COVID-19 so always call ahead to double check a restaurant’s dog policy*

Activities

Edgartown Lighthouse path: Short and quick path along the beach in Edgartown to the lighthouse where dogs are welcome. Very scenic.

Good Dog Goods: Adorable dog bakery and treat shop located in Oak Bluffs.
Shirt Tales: T-shirt shop in Edgartown
The Black Dog: The quintessential New England store in Edgartown. Super dog friendly. They have the most comfortable clothes and the best dog toys.
Nell: Women’s fashion store in Edgartown that is dog friendly.

Beach is open for dogs before 8am and after 5pm in season between May 15-Sept 15. Only Lobsterville Beach allows on leash dogs. All dogs are welcome on beach off season at all times.
Trade Winds Preserve: Located in Oak Bluffs. Vast dog park that is 71.8-acres with trails, meadows, and wooded areas. There are designated off-leash areas that give dogs the freedom to roam around. I would definitely check your pup for ticks after this adventure though!

I hope you find this post helpful! Please keep in mind rules and regulations about dogs keep changing during these uncertain times due to COVID-19. I hope this was somewhat helpful in order to enjoy the island with your dog! Let me know if you do any of these activities with your dog so I can see how much fun you have!

Love, Jess and Charlie🍷🐾

itsjessbcollins