Aquinnah Cliffs
Aquinnah Cliffs
4.5
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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550 reviews
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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.
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, MA264 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.
Sherri M
Plainville, MA177 contributions
Jun 2021
We made the drive out to Aquinnah Cliffs in a rental car the focal point of our 4.5 hours on the island. We went on a Monday in late June, and we were able to park on the street very close to the entrance to the pathway to the lighthouse. I was thrilled to discover that right in that area there are four nice benches with nice views of the ocean that worked well for a picnic lunch with my 80-year-old parents. We then were able to move the car to a space right across from the entrance to the other viewpoint; both areas were marked for one-hour parking and apparently it is monitored. From the lighthouse base you can see the lighthouse OR the cliffs; from the other viewpoint you can see the lighthouse AND the cliffs. The path to the viewpoint goes through a string of places selling standard souvenirs. We didn't have to use the restrooms so I can't comment on that. There is no seating or shade at the lighthouse base area or the viewpoint area, but my not particularly agile parents were able to do both of the short walks without issue. The lighthouse area and the cliffs okay, but not spectacular (we're national park junkies, so I might have pretty high standards); under other circumstances it wouldn't be worth the effort to get there, but it was a pleasant way to spend a day on Martha's Vineyard. Do note that the only gas stations on the island that aren't in the developed areas of VH, OB, or Edgartown are by the airport.
Written July 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.
romadaro
Washington DC, DC1,595 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.
Diana W
Pinehurst, TX128 contributions
Mar 2022
Got here later in the evening so the fog had started rolling in, which made it harder to see the real beauty of the cliffs, however you can still tell it’s incredible. We rode the transit bus to here, they let us hop off quickly , run takes pictures of the cliffs and light house and then hop back on, because it was the last bus trip of the day and we were only there for a day trip. They have parking there and then you walk up a small hill to where the overlook area, which has a sign with a story about the native Americans and the cliffs. Cool story.
They have restrooms there as well, but they were not open when we visited due to being the off season.
Wished we would have been there in the summer, from what I can see from posted pictures the view is incredible. Just kind of hard to see through the fog.
They have restrooms there as well, but they were not open when we visited due to being the off season.
Wished we would have been there in the summer, from what I can see from posted pictures the view is incredible. Just kind of hard to see through the fog.
Written March 20, 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.
oasisannie
NJ120 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Very pretty spot, definitely worth a visit to see this unique part of the Vineyard. Also very cool and reasonably priced little shops up there. The main restaurant didn’t appear to be open for the season, which was strange.
Written June 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.
Rick S
Montreal, Canada7 contributions
Aug 2022
Speechless is the word. Breathtaking views. Go to the lighthouse and then walk the beack to view the magnificient multicolored cliffs. Bring beach / water shoes if you plan to walk the beach as it is clean but sandy rocky.
Written August 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.
bosrocker51
Stratton Mountain, VT368 contributions
Jul 2021
Parking in the Town of Aquinnah lot is the best way to access the beach and cliffs. Well worth the $30 - we had a reantl, and as I don't know if you have a cell signal and could order a taxi or uber when you want to go, we were fine with the parking fee. It's a lovely walk down to the beach from the lot. It was a grey day and foggy when we were there but still a very interesting place, and worth visiting. Random piles of stones and boulders make for an interesting beachscape
Written July 11, 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.
JC
5 contributions
Apr 2021
What a beautiful part of the island. Visit in June if you are looking to spend time there. Almost all shops closed and no restaurant dining available. My tour cancelled at the last minute (Homegrown Tours). I visited on a MV bus and had ten minutes due to long wait for next bus.
Written April 19, 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.
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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