Description

The Aquinnah Cliffs (also known as Gay Head Cliffs) are a popular tourist destination located on the western end of Martha’s Vineyard Island in Massachusetts. The cliffs are made up of lovely, colorful clay layers and stand well over 100 feet tall. It is said that whale, camel, and wild horse fossils have been discovered in the cliff layers. One of the best viewpoints is the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook.

On the cliffs, the Gay Head Lighthouse is located. Of the 5 lighthouses standing on Martha’s Vineyard, Gay Head Lighthouse is the only working lighthouse. The lighthouse on Gay Head was built in 1856. At the bottom of the cliffs is Moshup Beach which is popular among locals and tourists. The cliffs are beautiful to view at any time in the day, but they really are most remarkable during sunsets. Aquinnah Cliffs were even named the “Most Beautiful Place in Massachusetts” by Conde Nast Traveler. The National Park Service also designated the cliffs a National Landmark in 1965.

Looking for more great spots to explore in Massachusetts? Check out the GoXplr Massachusetts Map at goxplr.com/map/massachusetts!

Location

Address: 31 Aquinnah Cir
Town: Aquinnah
State: Massachusetts
GPS: Lat 41.34703 Lng -70.83689
Parking notes: The Moshup Beach parking lot is the go-to lot. It costs $30 to park there in the summer and it holds about 40 cars. There are also spots to park around Aquinnah Circle. Parking is free in the off-season.
Parking directions: HERE
Location directions: HERE