When autumn arrives on Martha’s Vineyard, the island transforms into a painter’s palette of crimson reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. It’s a leaf peeper’s paradise, offering serene coastal landscapes fused with dazzling fall color. If you’re searching for the top places to soak in the foliage this season, these are the island’s must-see destinations.
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest
Located between Edgartown and West Tisbury, this 5,000-acre forest is a hidden gem. It’s packed with sugar maples, red oaks, and pitch pines that blaze with color from mid to late October. Biking or walking the wooded trails here puts you in the center of fall’s finest.
Menemsha Hills and Prospect Hill
Chilmark’s Menemsha Hills Reservation offers one of the island’s most spectacular foliage-and-ocean combos. As you hike up to Prospect Hill, the highest point on the Vineyard, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic framed by thick forests bursting with fall hues.
Polly Hill Arboretum
In West Tisbury, this botanical sanctuary is a favorite for leaf lovers. The arboretum showcases a curated collection of trees and plants, each putting on its own vivid autumn show. You’ll see brilliant Japanese maples, golden larches, and deep burgundy stewartias lining the paths.
Chappaquiddick Island and Mytoi Garden
A short ferry ride from Edgartown lands you on the quieter, more secluded Chappaquiddick. Mytoi Garden is a peaceful oasis with a Japanese design that highlights the natural colors of fall in a stunning, serene setting. Nearby, forest trails offer even more foliage in a tranquil environment.
Aquinnah Cliffs and Moshup Beach
Drive to the westernmost tip of the island to experience the vibrant contrast of fall foliage meeting the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah. Walk along Moshup Beach with colorful trees arching above and crashing waves beside you — it’s a view like no other on the Vineyard.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
This 194-acre preserve in Edgartown features salt marshes, forests, and ponds that come alive with fall color. The sanctuary’s loop trails offer plenty of leaf-peeping moments alongside glimpses of migrating birds and peaceful waterways reflecting the trees.
Stay at Surfside Hotel
Now that you know all about the Martha’s Vineyard fall foliage, book a room at Martha’s Vineyard Surfside Hotel! Nestled in the heart of Oak Bluffs, our dog-friendly hotel is one of the premier lodgings in the area. Choose from accommodations with ocean-view rooms, garden views, modern amenities, and enough space for the entire family. We are a short four-minute walk from Ocean Park and a convenient location for exploring the rest of the island!
Our seaside accommodations are proud to be family-owned and operated since 1987. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to your home away from home at Martha’s Vineyard Surfside Hotel. Book your vacation with us today!