At the far western end of Martha's Vineyard, the Aquinnah Cliffs rise about a hundred feet above the sea in bands of red, ochre, white and gray clay. The brick Gay Head Light, built in 1856, stands at the top of the cliffs and was moved back from the eroding edge in 2015 so that it could keep watching the sea. The cliffs and the surrounding land are part of the homeland of the Aquinnah Wampanoag, and the viewpoint is reached on a short walk from the parking area through a row of small shops and food stands. The views take in the Elizabeth Islands, Noman's Land and, on a clear day, a long stretch of open Atlantic. The cliffs are fragile and protected, so climbing or taking clay is prohibited, and the beach below has restrictions of its own. The lighthouse tower is open to visitors in the warmer part of the year, and the surrounding shops are largely seasonal.
Most visitors arrive on an island tour, a bus or a rented car, since the village is about a dozen miles from the ferry ports at Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs and well away from the towns. In summer, public buses from the towns run to the cliffs, and the cliff-top lot fills quickly, so go early or late in the day. The Martha's Vineyard island tour in this guide includes the cliffs, and it is the easiest way to see them without a car.
The light is best in the late afternoon, when the clay turns warm and the sun drops toward the water. Take a layer, because the headland is windy even on a warm day, and keep to the paths. The shops and stands at the viewpoint, which sell fried seafood, snacks and crafts, are seasonal and mostly closed from late autumn, so do not count on food or restrooms in the cold months. The lighthouse tower tours are a summer activity.
Good to know
A winter visit is possible and quiet, but the island ferries run reduced schedules and the island buses are less frequent, so check both before you commit to a day trip. Foot passengers can combine the cliffs with the island tour and a late lunch in one of the villages. If you only have a short time on the island, the cliffs and the harbors of Edgartown make a compact, memorable pair.
Making it work
Plan your island day backward from the last ferry, allow time for the winding road between towns and keep a flexible lunch plan in case shops are closed. Wear shoes with grip for the path, bring a windproof layer and carry water, since the walk to the viewpoint is exposed. Respect the cultural importance of the site and the signs that mark protected areas, and take only photographs.
If you are traveling by tour, ask the guide how long the stop lasts, since it is often short, and consider a later bus or an island taxi if you would like to linger for sunset, bearing in mind the return schedule to the ferry and the reduced service in the cooler months.
What to expect
The experience
A short walk to a cliff-top viewpoint and lighthouse, with seasonal shops along the path.
Best time
Late afternoon in the warmer months for the light; summer for open shops and lighthouse tours.
How long
One to two hours at the site, plus travel from the ferry port.
Tips
Do not climb or take clay from the cliffs, bring a windproof layer and expect seasonal shops and restrooms to close outside summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone on a Martha's Vineyard day trip who wants one big view.
- Families
- An easy walk to the viewpoint; keep children away from the cliff edge.
- Couples
- A late-afternoon visit with the clay glowing in the low sun.
- Pair with
- The Martha's Vineyard island tour and the Hyannis or Woods Hole ferries.
- Time needed
- One to two hours at the site, half a day with travel.
Good questions
Where are the Aquinnah Cliffs?+
At the western tip of Martha's Vineyard in the town of Aquinnah, about a dozen miles from the ferry ports.
How do I get there without a car?+
Take a ferry as a foot passenger, then an island bus or a guided island tour, which includes the cliffs.
Can I climb the cliffs or take clay?+
No. The cliffs are fragile and protected, and climbing and taking clay are prohibited.
Is it worth visiting in winter?+
The views are free and quiet, but shops and restrooms are mostly closed, and ferry and bus schedules are reduced.
Can I go up the lighthouse?+
Tower tours are a summer activity. Check the current schedule before you go.
