Martha's Vineyard

The largest island in New England, Martha's Vineyard, is a favorite summer getaway for the affluent, including many famous people who own properties there. Some of the scenes from the first Jaws movie, which was filmed on Martha's Vineyard in 1974, were also used in the two sequels.

The island is 7 miles (11 km) off Cape Cod and is reachable by plane or boat (public ferries depart from a number of locations on Cape Cod). The island has fantastic swimming and surfing beaches, breathtaking views of the Atlantic from its cliffs, an outdoor tabernacle, and several well-known lighthouses, including one at Edgartown.

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, two islands south of Cape Cod, are home to charming towns, gingerbread-style wood buildings, fascinating museums, stunning beaches, lighthouses, and wildlife preserves. It makes sense that numerous famous authors, artists, and even a few US presidents would find solace in these islands' sweeping dunes.

Due to the influx of seasonal inhabitants and transient visitors throughout the summer (the peak season), their permanent populations considerably increase. If you intend to bring a car, reserve your lodging as well as your ferry tickets much in advance.

• Location: Massachusetts