Location: Aquinnah
Top Things to do in Aquinnah
10 Things to Do in Aquinnah That You Shouldn't Miss
Aquinnah is a town located on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Until 1997 it was called Gay Head. The population was 311 at the 2010 U.S. census. It is known for its beautiful clay cliffs and quiet natural serenity. Below the clay cliffs is Jungle Beach, named to reflect its reputation as one of the few nude beaches left in the U.S.
Restaurants in Aquinnah
1. Menemsha Public Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
This calm surf beach, next to Menemsha Harbor, has food and restrooms nearby making it a hot spot for families, especially with young children. The beach is thought to have the best sunset on Martha's Vineyard.
Reviewed By Moments4Life - Highland Village, Texas
Perhaps only notable due to it's proximity of the take-out fish markets in the village and great spot for a sunset- but isn't that good enough? No spectacular rock formations, cliffs, or crashing waves, but worthy for a picnic all the same.
2. Aquinnah Cliffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By Jake043 - Hilversum, The Netherlands
Although parking in this region of the coast is limited and can influence the viewing of the cliff but once you reached the beautiful beach a great view is possible.Also a good area for a nice long walk in this tranquil area
3. Lucy Vincent Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Exclusive Martha's Vineyard beach.
Reviewed By Moments4Life - Highland Village, Texas
This is a beach designated for Chilmark residents. We obtained our pass from the Beach Plum Inn. Not many reviews here due to the restrictions, but if you can obtain a pass, it's worth a few hours of relaxation. Beautiful rock formations, small cliff dunes, crashing waves, and fog that rolls in and out, in and out.
4. Gay Head Light (Aquinnah Light)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
The Martha's Vineyard Museum is privileged to be the steward of three of the Island's lighthouses. The East Chop, Edgartown, and Gay Head lighthouses are not only historic reminders of a bygone age, but are working beacons that still send a light out into the night. Beyond their important functional role, these structures also offer visitors spectacular views of the breathtaking beauty of Vineyard Sound, the simple elegance of Edgartown Harbor & Chappaquiddick, and the majestic cliffs of Aquinnah. The Gay Head Lighthouse is open seasonally. A lighthouse keeper will be available and the doors will be open during designated hours. Parking is available, but limited, on Aquinnah Circle. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) busses do have routes to the lighthouse.
Reviewed By Jamie W - North Adams Massachusetts
Was recommended by a friend needed to see. Took bus out and was worth the trip. The view of the water and cliffs was one of the best views I've seen in my life and definitely the best we saw on the vineyard! Aquinnah definitely feels like a different world on the vineyard. Peaceful quiet area. Go and relax and take it all in! The lighthouse it's self isn't anything spectacular but I promise the view is worth the trip!
5. Gay Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
The 10-minute walk from the parking lot is well worth the trek to this spectacular beach with its magnificent multi-colored cliffs, which are a national landmark. The lack of commercialism means a true escape and relaxation, but you'll need to bring food and supplies.
Reviewed By gullahgullah - Charleston, South Carolina
Thank you for saving this National Historic Treasure. We watched the PBS documentary when it was moved and saved. It bought back so many memories when I started visiting, digging the clay from the cliffs from 65 years ago. Such an amazing treasure!!!
6. Menemsha Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Experience the drama of a rocky shoreline and scenic vistas across Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands from the second-highest point on the island.
Reviewed By Dianne S - Chilmark, Massachusetts
From the woods trail to the beach, this TTOR property features some of the best of the Vineyard's views. Wildflowers and birdlife can distract you from the trail; watch out for poison ivy, and check for ticks after you leave! The beach is very rocky now and not easily traversed, as noted by other reviewers. It is still one of my favorite walks... Enjoy!
7. Aquinnah Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By CraftBeers - Plano, Texas
Aquinnah Lighthouse is pretty cool. The real draw are the cliffs, so you might as well add this to your visit. It's a working lighthouse made of red brick. At the base, you pay $5 to go inside. You'll wait in a line while they wait for people to come back down. When it's your turn you will be sent up the spiral stairs to the first landing. A guide will have you go outside and walk the parameter. When you come back in the guide will give you some history of the lighthouse. You are then allowed to use the ladder to climb up into the working lighthouse. It's cool to have the white and red light spinning around hit you in the face. The view from the lighthouse is beautiful.
Getting to the lighthouse requires a car or using the island's bus system. If you use a car, the parking lot is at the base of the hill and costs $15. The lighthouse is visible from the parking lot, so it's obvious which way to walk.
When you are done with the lighthouse be sure to walk out to the cliff edge to see Aquinnah Cliffs and the beach. Take the trail over to cliffhangers where there are a few shops and food stalls. It's a great place to look back at the lighthouse and cliffs in one view. Very Instagram worthy.
8. The Yard
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
The Yard is a performing arts organization that supports diverse, contemporary dance-makers and related artists. Check out our public performances, classes, and workshops! We are known for our paid creative residencies for artists, long-term education programs, and artist-driven civic engagement. We serve all ages and cultural populations on Martha’s Vineyard, and work collaboratively with artists, producers, and other cultural organizers within regional, national, and international contexts.
Reviewed By HvPssptWilTrvl - Newton, Massachusetts
Malpaso Dance Company (Havana) performance August 13 was a take-your-breath-away tour de force of contemporary dance. Artistry, passion, grace and music were combined in compositions with magical structural continuity and perfect execution. The audience was speechless, in standing ovations.
That The Yard presented and sold out Malpaso's performances is testimony to the risk-taking appitite of The Yard to bring the best the world has to offer into such an imtimate setting you can hear the dancers breathe.
The Yard is an experience of human creativity through dance - a non-verbal communication medium yet Malpaso emoted volumes with two dances that stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, with the very best modern dance troupes on the planet!
Bravo The Yard!
9. Aloha Paddle Martha's Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
We are a stand up paddle dedicated company on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard. We are dedicated to providing the best Stand Up Paddling on Martha's Vineyard. We offer top quality equipment and highly professional and experienced teachers and guides. We have access to the most scenic paddling locations MV has to offer. Come join us for one of our lessons, guided paddles or fitness classes
Reviewed By Cindy F
We have gone SUP with Adrian from Aloha paddle boarding both last summer and this and have had a great experience all 3 times. Adrian is knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and a good instructor. You will be able to paddle board at a variety of lovely locations on MV. My kids ages 13 and 16 enjoyed it too.
10. Menemsha Blues Charters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By JDLimbo - Leland, NC
We took 6 people out with Captain Boyd. I'm not a big fan of charter fishing in this area; it always seems to revolve around strippers and blues. My wife and son had never been so I decided to spend the $650.00 dollars.
Captain Boyd on the Mary Sea guarantees catching fish and he delivered. We caught 15+ fish over our 4 hour morning excursion. All of the strippers were under the legal limit but we kept 3 of the blues for dinner.
The boat is very clean, the views are picturesque, the captain is professional. Honestly, I can find a better was to spend $780.00 (with tip) but if you are going to charter fish in the area this is the way to go.
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