A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Martha's Vineyard for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a high energy, scenic, and bustling coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Martha's Vineyard, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Martha's Vineyard is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Martha's Vineyard and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Martha's Vineyard has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

There are terrific resorts to choose from in both Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Martha's Vineyard is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

The beauty of Martha's Vineyard is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard both terrific destinations for a couple.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Martha's Vineyard. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Martha's Vineyard. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Martha's Vineyard if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and nightlife around the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Fort Lauderdale, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Fort Lauderdale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fort Lauderdale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fort Lauderdale and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard than you might in Fort Lauderdale.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Martha's Vineyard. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Martha's Vineyard. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Martha's Vineyard during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Fort Lauderdale