Read the cliff face from the bottom up and you are reading the last twenty thousand years: gray clay at the waterline, rust and ochre above it, and the moor holding the whole thing together at the top.
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For those seeking one of the most dramatic coastlines on Martha's Vineyard, a drive to Aquinnah is a must. Located at the western tip of Martha's Vineyard, near Chilmark, this quiet region offers powerful ocean scenery, rugged clay formations, and sunsets that paint the entire shoreline in gold. Known as Gay Head between 1870 and 1997, Aquinnah remains one of the island's most naturally preserved areas.
This comprehensive guide was written and photographed by MV Vacation based on extensive on-island filming, local documentation, and field research conducted in 2025.
We respectfully acknowledge the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) as the original stewards of this land.
The Cliffs
The Aquinnah Cliffs are a designated National Natural Landmark with deep cultural significance to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Shaped by ancient glaciers and constant Atlantic surf, the cliffs reveal layers of clay ranging from deep gray and black to bright red and orange in the upper sections.
A
B
CA: red strata under February snow; B: clay in raking light; C: the wash of colour below the scarp.
History
The Wampanoag presence in Aquinnah extends back more than 10,000 years. English settlers arrived in the mid-1600s, but the Wampanoag remain the region's original inhabitants, part of the larger Algonquin Nation. The name "Wampanoag" means "People of the First Light."
If you're exploring the western side of the island, don't miss Menemsha Beach, one of the most scenic sunset locations near Aquinnah.
The Cultural Center
Aquinnah (meaning "land under the hill") remains home to a thriving Wampanoag community. The Aquinnah Cultural Center features historical exhibits, artifacts, and cultural programs.
The half hour after sunset, when the clay keeps its colour and the crowd on the overlook goes quiet.
Finding Aquinnah
The Essentials
The essentials in Aquinnah
03 STOPSNative-owned shops and scenic overlook points.
Dine locally.
Seasonal access with panoramic ocean views.
For real-time views of the island, visit our Island Live Webcams.
The lighthouse at sunset, moved 150 feet inland in 2015 to outrun the eroding cliff.
The Beaches
Beaches in Aquinnah
03 BEACHESThe town's famous public beach beneath the cliffs: paid lot in season, walk-ins free.
Resident sticker required in summer.
Calm Sound-side water; parking is scarce, about eight roadside spots.
Off-season light on the long beach under the cliffs.
Know Before You Go
Know before you go
This is Wampanoag tribal land: climbing the cliffs or touching the clay is illegal.
Free VTA Route 3 from the Vineyard Haven ferry (hourly at :07) to West Tisbury, then Route 5 from the Grange Hall stop to the Gay Head Lighthouse, about 55 minutes all in. Last bus back on a summer Saturday is 10:05 PM. The printed 11:05 PM is cancelled for 2026. Step-by-step from each town in How to Get There by Bus.
Aquinnah is accessible by car, by VTA Route 5 with a change at West Tisbury, and by bike via State Road through Chilmark. That same transfer links Aquinnah with Vineyard Haven and Edgartown.
Getting to Aquinnah
For practical tips, see our Martha's Vineyard FAQ.
The Record
Fun Facts about Aquinnah
Aquinnah on Film
From Our LensThe cliffs in every light.31 photographs · View the Aquinnah gallery
+27Aquinnah Photos
Keep Reading
Keep reading
Aquinnah on film
The cliffs, the lighthouse and the road out to them.
Aquinnah Martha's Vineyard
Oak Bluffs Summer Day Sunset at Lobsterville Bar and Grille and A Car Ride To Vineyard Haven
Scenic Winter Drive Through Martha's Vineyard |West Tisbury to Aquinnah Cliffs Ride
Lobsterville Beach, Martha’s Vineyard – Hidden Gem Near Menemsha
Wampanoag Sneak Up Dance Aquinnah
Aquinnah Beach 4K • Ocean Waves & Seagulls at Rest | Martha's Vineyard