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Aquinnah Cliffs, Aquinnah, MA

Photo: Alberto Fernandez Fernandez, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFreeLocal Gem

Aquinnah Cliffs

Aquinnah Circle, off State Rd, beside Gay Head Light · Aquinnah, MA

Why you should go…

The clay cliffs of Aquinnah rise about 150 feet above the Atlantic at the western tip of Martha's Vineyard, their tilted bands of clay, sand and gravel laid down over millions of years. You can take in the view from the overlook at Aquinnah Circle, next to the red brick Gay Head Light, or walk the dune path down to Moshup Beach. The cliffs are owned by the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and are a National Natural Landmark, so climbing them and taking clay are prohibited.

  • #clay cliffs
  • #scenic overlook
  • #martha's vineyard
  • #beach
  • #lighthouse

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Aquinnah Cliffs, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Island Alpaca

    Under $25

    Self-guided tours of a Martha's Vineyard alpaca farm with a store selling farm-raised yarn and goods.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Martha's Vineyard

    Free

    A ferry-only island retreat of gingerbread cottages, clay cliffs, and harbor towns.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Black Dog Tall Ships

    $50+

    Historic tall-ship schooners Alabama and Shenandoah sail Vineyard Haven Harbor and Nantucket Sound.

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bass River Kayaks and Paddle Boards

    $25–$50

    Kayak and paddleboard rentals on Cape Cod's Bass River, with gear and instruction included.

    40 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family favorite

    Cape Cod Rail Trail

    Free

    25 flat, paved miles of old railbed from Yarmouth to Wellfleet, cranberry bogs, kettle ponds, and the Cape's favorite family bike ride.

    43 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Cape Escape Adventure Golf

    Under $25

    An 18-hole nautical-themed mini golf course in Orleans with a lighthouse, koi pond, and waterfall.

    54 mi awayMore like this