The Town of Oak Bluffs

Home Town Departments Boards and Committees Services & Programs Public Safety Resources and Information For Residents For Businesses For Visitors

Welcome

The Town of Oak Bluffs is a resort town on the northeast shore of the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Originally incorporated in 1880 as Cottage City, in 1907 the town's name was changed because of the growth in the year round population and the changing face of the resort required an acknowledgement the town was not just "Cottage City" any more.

The renaming marked the coalescence of all the elements that make Oak Bluffs unique as an oceanfront resort and distinguish its character in relation to the other Island towns.

With its diversity and density of population and the tradition of being the site of institutions that serve the Island-wide community, Oak Bluffs has proven itself to be the innovator in response to changing trends and conditions in the society at large.

Oak Bluffs is home to many historical and nationally recognized landmarks. Located at the foot of Circuit Ave, the Flying Horses Carousel is the nation's oldest operating platform carousel. It is one of the two known carousels built by Charles W.F. Dare in 1876. In 1884, the Flying Horses were brought to Martha's Vineyard; this treasured carousel has been enjoyed by Vineyarders and visitors for more than a century.

The Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, located in the center of Town offers a unique experience for visitors. Consisting of hundreds of imaginative and colorful gingerbread cottages containing the most perfectly preserved collection of Carpenter Gothic style architecture in the world. These truly unique Victorian "gingerbread" cottages are just a stones throw from the famed Tabernacle.

Oak Bluffs operates the largest marina on Martha's Vineyard, which not only has the most slips, but is situated in the midst of the historic gingerbread campgrounds, and offers easy access to the rest of the Island. "OB", as it is sometimes referred to, also is home to several beautiful public beaches, a teaming shore of wildlife, fish and shellfish, fabulous public parks, a golf course and even a microbrewery.

In modern times Oak Bluffs has come to terms with all of the strands in its past. Oak Bluffs has experienced simultaneous development of a secular seaside resort, and the continuation of a religious summer revival. Today, an active downtown is complete with exciting restaurants, charming inns, shops, and galleries, a variety of specialty food shops, movie theatres, and places to enjoy live entertainment and dancing.

Tue, 08.03.10 Council on Aging building, 21 Wamsutta Ave , 09:00 AM Personnel Board Meeting Personnel Board Meeting
Tue, 08.10.10 Council on Aging building, 21 Wamsutta Ave , 04:00 AM Summer Resident Reception Summer Resident Reception
Tue, 08.10.10 Council on Aging building, 21 Wamsutta Ave , 04:00 PM Board of Selectmen Meeting Board of Selectmen Meeting
Tue, 08.10.10 Council on Aging building, 21 Wamsutta Ave , 04:00 PM Conservation Commission Meeting Conservation Commission Meeting
Wed, 08.11.10 Council on Aging building, 21 Wamsutta Ave , 05:00 PM Oak Bluffs Historical Commission Meeting Oak Bluffs Historical Commission Meeting

07/19/2010 Ocean Park Public Input Session Public Input Session on Monday, July 19th 2010 at 5:15 PM in the Council on Aging Building located at 21 Wamsutta Avenue Pond discussion with
06/02/2010 State Closes Sengekontacket to Shellfishing State Closes Sengekontacket to Shellfishing Please see Letters to Constables here or find it unders the Board of Selectmen Documents and
05/20/2010 Trash Stickers Trash stickers will no longer be available at the Town Hall. Please be advised that trash stickers are available at: The Highway Garage The
01/26/2010 Seaview Waterfront Presentation Seaview Waterfront Presentation from Board of Selectmen Meeting Please click here to watch video hosted by MVTV.
01/20/2010 ALERT - False Trash Pickup Information Bizzarro Waste Disposal has evidently mailed a notice to Oak Bluffs residents claiming that the town will no longer provide trash service as of July

Parks and Recreation Special Event Permit Application Parks and Recreation Special Event Permit Application
ARC Swim Program Form Please email completed forms to: swimmers@email.com
ARC Swim Program Schedule ARC Swim Program Schedule Sea View Beach July August sessions
Community Development Council (CDC) Minutes 2010-06-19 Community Development Council (CDC) Minutes 2010-06-19
Shellfish Committee Meeting Minutes 2010-06-15 Shellfish Committee Meeting Minutes 2010-06-15