Aquinnah Cliffs
Aquinnah Cliffs
4.6
About
Martha’s Vineyard’s westernmost tip features multicolored clay cliffs and the two-century-old Gay Head Light. Park at the overlook and take in the commanding views of the clay bluffs and the surroundings, then visit the historic lighthouse nearby. Browse the gift shops to bring a few souvenirs home. Afterward, you can hike through the green shrubs to Moshup Beach, where clothing is optional. Just make sure you keep your shoes on, as the shore is quite rocky. Swing by in the morning—it’s easier to find parking. Fog sometimes rolls in later in the day, obstructing the views. – Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.6
552 reviews
Excellent
378
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140
Average
29
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4
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1
AmeliaHorseman
Galway, Ireland195 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Beautiful sandy and rocky beach with interesting geology. The area is gorgeous and there’s plenty of space to spread out from the other people - at least during our time of visit, I’m sure it gets crazy crowded during peak season. Watch out for nudists and ticks.
Written December 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teena J
Coal City, IN28 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Great views! I wish the path down to the water would've been easier to find..we couldn't find it in the time we had due to bus schedule . It's quite a bus ride but worth it. Too bad the lighthouse isn't open more days in early June!
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLP
New Jersey3,994 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Short uphill walk from the Gay Head lighthouse but worth it. The view is absolutely gorgeous. The vibrant color of the cliffs mixed with the soothing sound of the waves crashing below was breathtaking. Could have spent the whole day here admiring this beauty.
Written October 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KRJ
Springboro, OH6 contributions
Sep 2022
We traveled to Martha’s Vineyard in late September, which was considered the off season. We bought a bus pass, however the bus only ran out to the Aquinnah cliffs every 2 hours, instead of every hour as it does in season. So, if you take the bus there, you have 5-10 minutes to view the cliffs or 2 hours. We decided neither was acceptable, so we took an Uber from Vineyard Haven to the cliffs about an hour and 45 minutes prior to when we knew a bus would be there to take us back. The drive was about 45 minutes and it cost about $45. We spent an hour at the cliffs, which seemed just the right amount of time to see the cliffs, walk to the lighthouse and visit the shops. The bus ride back was very nice. The cliffs were well worth the trouble getting out there!
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
romadaro
Washington DC, DC1,617 contributions
Aug 2023
The pictures on this page don’t do justice to the real beauty of these cliffs and the brilliancy of the sandstone colors. The day we were there the reflections from the sun gave way to a beautiful combination of orange, red and yellow against the backdrop of the green wild grasses and the magnificent blue of the ocean. Definitely worth the drive for a look see! Adjacent to the Gay Head Lighthouse and a beautiful beach.
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rockwood13
Needham, MA591 contributions
May 2021
My wife and I paid our fourth visit to the Aquinnah Cliffs in the last five years in the beginning of May. In addition to the very colorful cliffs you can also get great views of the ocean, some of the islands, and the Gay Head Light light house from the viewing area. This year the visibility was the best it has been during any of our visits. They also seem to have built an extra level to the deck that you stand on to view the cliffs and the light house. If you have the time while you are visiting Martha's Vineyard and the weather is cooperating this is a nice place to visit. In addition to the view there are some small shops and a restaurant at the viewing area. They have usually been closed when we visited in previous years but at least some of the shops were open this year. There are public restrooms near the parking area for the Aquinnah Cliffs. In the past they have sometimes been locked. This year, though the restrooms were again locked, they did have two porta-potties that were open for use. If you visit the cliffs early in the season it is wise to bring a jacket as it is usually quite windy there.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeInRichmondHill
Richmond Hill, Canada400 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Visited here on a Saturday with my wife and two children on a Saturday in late July. Parking wasn’t easy but we lucked out and got a free spot near the lighthouse on our 3rd pass. The canteens and shops up there are nice and the views fantastic. The lighthouse isn’t much to write home about. The walk to the beach is about 10 mins. I hear that as you walk towards the cliffs it turns into a nude beach at some point. We stayed about 3hrs total and didn’t get a ticket in our 1hr parking spot. The beach is great with soft sand, gentle surf and great views. Worth the 40 min drive from Oak Bluffs to explore MV!
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jlynn102
Minnesota22 contributions
May 2021
Definitely worth experiencing! Was on a girls trip, and spent the morning taking the public transit from Oak Bluffs out to the Cliffs. The buses only come every hour out at the cliffs, and if we weren't making it back for lunch plans, we would have stayed longer! Really nothing to eat out here though, so make sure you either eat beforehand or bring snacks. Would love to visit again and spend some more time exploring!
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pdonatyandkids
Westborough, MA275 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Early May visit. Great views. Dogs are allowed except if you want to walk the beach to the cliffs. The lighthouse was not opened as we went during off-season. Looks like parking would fill up very fast during the season. In the summer, there is a lot for beach parking with a fee.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveDGT
Northborough, MA664 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Well worth the drive to visit the spectacular views of the cliffs. Parking is tight, but there is a pay lot for 30 bucks if you can’t find a spot. Very peaceful view and amazing work of nature. A must see.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inspire550861
Elkton, Maryland
Are you allowed to walk above the beach on the cliffs?
Written September 7, 2022
I had visited the cliffs this summer and it was such an amazing experience and the view was breathtaking. My question is where is the bunker located because I am a big WW2 history enthusiast and I heard one of the locals mention about it and I'd like to get pictures of it next time I visit. Another question I had was could some background of the bunker?
Written September 22, 2019
Lots of conflicting stories on this, but I was at South Beach when some locals showed me where a bunker was supposedly located just offshore. You can barely see it- supposedly some kids drowned by it many years ago so the blew it up to prevent future accidents. All you can see is a bit of Re-bar sticking out of the water. Not sure why there would be a bunker under water but that’s what they told me.
Written September 22, 2019
Can you rent mopeds and drive them to this cliff/beach from vineyard haven? We won't be bringing our car. What's the best way to get there if you don't have scar?
Written July 28, 2016
You can rent mopeds, but the busy roads are narrow and winding and there have been moped accidents on Martha's Vineyard, sad to say. I'd suggest taking a tour bus if you just want to go to the cliff lookout shops. You could always take public transportation back and forth via the VTA bus. Their schedules are on-line. If you want to make a day of it, many people rent a JEEP. I've always wanted to do that and I live here!
Written August 3, 2016
I've read that parking is a problem if staying for the day. Any suggestions?
Written June 19, 2016
When bringing your own car to Aquinnah, you have two parking options based upon your needs.
If you plan to stay at the Cliffs for a short visit to wander the handful of shops and grab a bite to eat along with catching the stunning views, there is limited free parking along the upper road that loops up to the sites. The Aquinnah shops and eateries are set along an ocean cliff on one side and a hillside on the other. You can park at the top of this hill for free. Aquinnah recently passed a Bring Your Own Bag bylaw to help stop ugly plastic bag litter, especially those that end up in the oceans, so be sure to bring or buy a souvenir bag for your purchases to help in the effort.
Be sure not to miss the Aquinnah Cultural Center located a very short walk further down the road along the loop. Ask a local, they will help you find it. It offers wonderful history of the Wampanoag Tribe.
Only the sit-in restaurant has toilets for customers. The public restrooms are located down the hill along a paved path. Or if need be, there is handicapped parking right beside the restrooms.
If you plan to spend the day in Aquinnah at the beautiful beaches, visiting the shops, museum and eateries, there is a public parking lot that you reach via Moshup Trail. This is a road off the base of State Road and is easy to get to. This parking has a nominal fee ($15), but you will want to get their early so that you can get a parking spot. This parking location is a long walk up to the cliffs or a longer boardwalk to the beach. The parking lot is dirt for those in need of that information.
Make sure that whatever you carry-in to the beach, you carry out. We love our pristine beaches and need your help keeping them clean. There are no trash bins on the beach. Also, you need to know, it is illegal to take the clay from the cliffs.
If you don't bring your own car, you can always take a Tour Bus, VTA bus, taxi, rigorous bike ride, or biplane ride around Aquinnah also. Enjoy!
Written June 20, 2016
I did not see any dogs on the beach.
Written April 12, 2016
Would you recommend this for teens and children too?
Written August 3, 2015
It's a great beach for kids and teens, but as the previous answer states, there is a bit of a walk to get there. The main beach area closest to the dune crossover is a great spot with relatively mellow surf which is good for body surfing and swimming, and at low tide the beach is wide, great for playing paddle ball or playing frisbee. Just be aware that if walk a couple of hundred yards to the right off the crossover (heading toward the lighthouse/point) it becomes a clothing-optional beach. You may not want your kids venturing down there, although many families do seem to enjoy doing a little sight-seeing there.
Written August 24, 2015
I want to bring my bike to the island, can I? How do I get to the cliffs from the ferry port?
Written June 5, 2015
Thomas H
Brooklyn, New York
A group of leading planetary geologists and I would like to hunt for tektites in the Aquinnah and Gay Head areas in Early June. This involves simply walking around slowly and staring at the ground for hours at a time. These guys are in their 70's but physically fit for their age. We would like to know where to stay and how to get around on the island, thanks - Mr. Harris
Written February 27, 2015
Thomas H
Brooklyn, New York
A group of leading planetary geologists and I would like to hunt for tektites in the Aquinnah and Gay Head areas in Early June. This involves simply walking around slowly and staring at the ground for hours at a time. These guys are in their 70's but physically fit for their age. We would like to know where to stay and how to get around on the island, thanks - Mr. Harris
Written February 26, 2015
A Tripadvisor member
1 contribution
Staying at the Duck Inn in Aquinnah has the advantage that there is a path from the Inn to the beach and from there an easy walk to the Gay Head cliffs. You have the advantage of free parking for your car.(The only area in the Duck Inn that I found "musty" was the rooms on the lowest level.)
The the scenic Menemsha harbor is worth investigating. The Menemsha Inn and Cottages would also be a good choice for accommodations and food very near Gay Head. When making reservations be aware that some restaurants in this area may still be "off season" in June. Looking for accommodations in West Tisbury would also be a good location.
For the type of activity you group is proposing, I recommend being in the immediate area, staying where they can get free parking and have an included breakfast so you can get an early start to the day.
I do not recommend staying in OakBluffs or Edgartown although these areas are not that out of the way if the group wants a change of pace.
Written February 27, 2015
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