Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is a coastal town on Martha's Vineyard with hundreds of small wooden houses painted in bright colors. These homes form concentric circles around a large public park with a metal pavilion at its center.

The area was founded in 1642 and developed into a summer destination for a religious community in the 1800s. The name changed in 1907 from Cottage City to Oak Bluffs to mark the shift from seasonal settlement to year-round residence.

The name references the oak forests that once covered the area's hills. Today visitors can explore the narrow streets lined with colorful cottages where neighbors gather on porches and around the central park.

The town is best visited between late spring and early fall when weather is pleasant and most shops and restaurants are open. The walkable layout makes it easy to explore the cottages on foot with flat, well-maintained streets.

The town center was designed by a 19th-century religious community and contains one of North America's largest collections of vacation cottage huts. The circular arrangement was originally planned to provide space for tents and religious gatherings.

Location: Dukes County

Inception: 1642

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

Website: http://oakbluffsma.gov

GPS coordinates: 41.45417,-70.56250

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:57