Out on the Town
Once a suburb of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs came into its own in the mid-19th century thanks to the establishment of the Methodist Campgrounds. Today, however, Oak Bluffs has become to the place to go for nightlife on the island.
Waterside hot spots such as Nancy’s and The Sand Bar welcome fishermen and yachters from the harbor. Dreamland and The Ritz have live music. And as the primary “wet town,” Oak Bluffs has plenty of bars to accommodate the life of the party.
A Rich History
Located in the center of town is the foundation of Oak Bluffs, the Methodist Campground, where people flocked to settle in tents during the religious revival of the 1800s. As the congregation grew, the tents transitioned to gingerbread cottages, each more colorful and charming than the last.
Gingerbread homes light up the Campground.
Today, you can stroll through the delightful cottages, clustered around a large, open-air Tabernacle, where there are events and live music throughout the summer.
Take a walking tour to get an inside scoop on the historic homes such as the Cottager’s House Tour in early July. Or embark on a ghost tour later at night to hear the spooky secrets and age-old legends of the campground.
Come at the end of the summer in mid-August and observe the Illumination Night spectacle. Here the cottages light the night with exquisite Japanese lanterns that have been in families for generations.
Oak Bluffs Equals Family Fun
The historic Flying Horses Carousel are a family favorite.
Although there’s lots of grown-up fun to be had in Oak Bluffs, it’s also a wonderful spot to find entertainment, shopping and dining for the whole family.
The old-fashioned Strand movie theater, arcade and historic Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest in the United States, are perfect for warding off boredom on a rainy day. When the sun is shining, State Beach and Ocean Park are ideal spots for enjoying the great outdoors.
The town is also filled with fantastic shops and family-friendly restaurants such as Giordano’s and Offshore Ale. Slice of Life, in particular, is known for its fried green tomato BLTs.
Then come around to the rear of MV Bakery after dinner and you’ll discover Back Door Donuts which is famous for its piping hot donuts taken right out of the oven. Or grab homemade ice cream at Mad Martha’s on Circuit Ave., the main drag going through the center of town.
Oak Bluffs provides fun for the whole family, regardless of age.
