Some of the best memories a family ever makes happen in the spaces between the planned activities — the spontaneous moment your child spots a wild turkey strutting across a sun-dappled meadow, the evening your whole crew ends up dancing barefoot at a clambake long after the sun has dipped below the horizon, or the morning everyone wakes up early because the beach is calling and nobody wants to miss a single second of it.
Martha’s Vineyard has a rare gift: it makes those moments happen almost effortlessly. And when you pair the island’s natural magic with a resort that was built from the ground up with families in mind, you get something truly extraordinary. Welcome to Winnetu Oceanside Resort — and welcome to the summer your family will be talking about for years to come.
Why Martha’s Vineyard?
The island is home to six distinct towns, each with its own personality. Edgartown is the island’s most polished address — a historic whaling town lined with white-clapboard sea captains’ homes. Vineyard Haven is the working heart of the island. Oak Bluffs charms visitors with its iconic gingerbread cottages and the beloved Flying Horses Carousel. Head up-island: West Tisbury offers rolling farmland; Chilmark is rugged and beautiful; Aquinnah is home to the breathtaking Aquinnah Cliffs.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Where Family Vacations Become Legendary
Nestled in the Katama neighborhood of Edgartown, Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a 5-star family resort designed so that everyone — parents, kids, grandparents, and the dog — gets to have the time of their lives.
Private Access to South Beach — widely considered one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline on Martha’s Vineyard. Complimentary beach amenities mean you arrive ready to play.
The Weekly Clambake — a quintessential New England summer tradition: a feast of fresh seafood, corn, and all the fixings, enjoyed outdoors as the evening light turns golden. Kids who have never tried a clam before suddenly become converts.
Daily Yoga on the Front Lawn — a lovely way to ease into a Vineyard morning, with the sea breeze drifting in and the day full of possibility ahead.
Antique Jitney and Fire-Truck Rides around Katama — pure, uncomplicated joy for kids. If you’ve ever watched a child’s face when they realize they’re about to ride in a vintage fire truck, you already know this is the highlight of many a family’s stay.
Two-Island Adventure Trips to Nantucket — for families who want to add adventure to their itinerary. Doing both islands in one trip is a genuine travel achievement.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations — bring the whole crew.
Nearby Farms, Trails, and Bike Paths — the Katama area is a playground in its own right.
Beyond the Resort: A Week of Island Adventures
Beach days, biking the dedicated bike paths from Edgartown toward Oak Bluffs, farm visits in West Tisbury, fresh lobster rolls in Menemsha, and the dramatic Aquinnah Cliffs — a single week on the Vineyard can feel like a dozen different vacations.
Other Family-Friendly MVLA Properties
Island Inn (Oak Bluffs) puts you in the heart of one of the island’s most colorful and family-friendly towns, steps from the Flying Horses Carousel.
Lambert’s Cove Inn & Resort (West Tisbury) — set on an 8-acre farm with an alpaca farm, private beach, and complimentary bikes. Feeding alpacas before breakfast, then cycling to the beach before lunch — that’s a day that doesn’t need anything else.
Practical Tips
- Book early — summer fills up fast.
- Take the ferry — kids love it.
- Rent bikes on arrival.
- Plan one up-island day.
- Embrace the pace.
Ready to start planning? Visit marthasvineyardlodging.org to explore all MVLA member properties.