Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard
Square Outdoors Water's Edge Coastal Feature Sunset Sea Beach Massachusetts Color Image Headland Wave Pattern Martha's Vineyard Tide Photography Aquinnah Gay Head Cliff Rocky Coastline

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Aquinnah Public Beach

Martha's Vineyard


Aquinnah Public Beach (also known as Moshup Beach) is an impressive 5 miles long. Access is free, although parking ($10 to $20) is not. From the parking lot, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Martha's Vineyard attractions

1. Aquinnah Cultural Center

0.12 MILES

A short walk from the Gay Head Cliffs is a lovingly preserved historic house that contains a museum dedicated to the culture and history of the Wampanoag…

2. Gay Head Lighthouse

0.12 MILES

Built in 1844 with a state-of-the-art Fresnel lens, this red-brick structure on the Gay Head Cliffs is arguably the most scenic lighthouse on the Vineyard…

3. Aquinnah Cliffs

0.14 MILES

Also known as the Gay Head Cliffs, these clay cliffs, overlooking a 5-mile-long beach, were formed by glaciers 100 million years ago. Rising 150ft from…

4. Menemsha Harbor & Beach

3.51 MILES

Virtually unchanged since it appeared in the movie Jaws 40 years ago, Menemsha is a relaxing outpost to explore. Basin Rd borders a harbor of fishing…

5. Grange Hall

8.57 MILES

The 1859 Grange Hall is a historic meetinghouse, most visited these days for markets and events. This post-and-beam structure is also a venue for concerts…

6. Field Gallery & Sculpture Garden

8.62 MILES

You can't miss the Field Gallery, a field of large white sculptures by local artist and gallery founder Tom Maley (1911–2000) that playfully pose while…

7. Alley's General Store

8.62 MILES

Part food shop ('dealers in almost everything'), part historic landmark, Alley's General Store is a favorite local gathering place and has been since 1858…

8. Polly Hill Arboretum

8.87 MILES

This 60-acre refuge celebrates woodlands and wildflower meadows, and is particularly pretty in the fall. The visitor center is open from 9:30am to 4pm…

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