aquinnah cliffs

Relative to the rest of MV, this is one of the top two views (Edgartown lighthouse was better). Like almost everything on MV, anywhere else this would not even be a tourist destination. MV is the playground of the rich and famous, which is why the cliffs get attention. It was a nice view and I am glad we visited.

Stepping off the bus onto this hidden gem is absolutely magical. The view is absolutely dazzling whether it is sunny or cloudy. When I first caught sight of the ocean and cliffs from the view of the overlook, I was absolutely speechless. The view is something that is best captured in your memory rather than on a camera, although it is a fabulous place to get some postcard worthy pictures. There are viewing stations that provide you with a closer look at the cliffs, beach, and lighthouse. Also, a plaque explaining the history of the cliffs is located near the viewing deck. Not only is this a beautiful excursion, but it is also culturally enhancing. The lighthouse is located nearby, however I didn't venture out to it. I have heard that you can go and look at it but it is $5 to walk up into it, however I bet it is worth it. This area also boasts activities such as quaint gift shops, outdoor/indoor dining, beach, and of course the lighthouse. My group and I got breakfast at the Aquinnah Shop Restaurant where we ate on the quiet and serene deck that overlooked the ocean. The breakfast was delightful and the service was great. After, I enjoyed shopping at the gift shops which had not only Martha Vineyard standard mementos, but also unique souvenirs such as dream catchers. Additionally, the beach was worth the trek through the grassy path. On the beach there are many rocks that are perfect for exploring. The water is chilly in early June but warms up as the summer continues. The lunchtime hour is the perfect time to venture to the snack bar. The lady I met who worked there had lived in the Vineyard her whole life and was kind enough to offer information and history. Additionally the picnic tables were perfect for looking at the views and enjoying the weather. After enjoying lunch it is necessary to visit the gift shops located along the walk. They feature local artists works, typical mementos, and great gifts to bring back. The shop owners are all very helpful and offer information about the area.Moreover, the Aquinnah Cliffs is a gem that is a must see when in Martha’s Vineyard because of the fabulous views and activities it has to offer.

I visited Martha’s Vineyard around June 9th last summer with a bunch of friends. We visited the Aquinnah Cliff beaches on the last day before we left on the ferry. Everything about them is spectacular. We weren’t originally planning to go here, however, I am very glad we did. The people at the Hostel recommended we go see this and I am happy we decided to go. The view from the lookout is just as amazing from the beach itself. The bus ride to the beach is a little long, but the people there are so nice. The bus driver talked to us the whole way there and told us the story about the lighthouse and why it’s called the Mickey Mouse Lighthouse. The drive is about 30 minutes from Edgartown, but well worth it! This is also one of the beaches from the movie JAWS, although it looks much different now than it did in the movie. The walk to the beach is kind of long, but it offers many stunning views itself. Up top by the viewing center there are some cute shops that sell souvenirs and a delicious Seafood Shack as well as a restaurant. When you get down to the beach, the cliffs look so huge and mesmerizing. Just be careful not to touch the cliffs! The lady driving the bus told us that the red you see in the sand will dye your hands because they don’t want people messing with the cliffs. I don’t always like to go back to places after I have seen them because I like new adventures, but this is a place I would love to go back to. It is something that is constantly changing, and it’s constantly a new adventure. If you ever visit Martha’s Vineyard this is a must to go see. The cliffs are breathtaking and the beaches are beautiful. I can’t wait to return!

The local bus is the cheapest way to go and you have to change a few times but the trip is worth it! The views are amazing and the history is cool also. A few shops and a spot to eat are there so take some cash. Also it costs 50 cents to use the rest room. Then walk ho to the lighthouse. Free unless you go in it's 5$.

The view from above the cliffs is beautiful. Hard to take a bad photo. But if you want to really want to see the cliffs, park in the dirt parking lot just below the public restrooms and walk the short path to the beach. The view of the lighthouse from below is even better than from above. The smooth rocks and boulders make a great setting for a family photo or foreground scene for a sunset.

Well worth the half hour drive from Edgarton to see these cliffs, beautiful scenery and it was a lovely clear September day which was a bonus. We were fortunate as there was one free hour parking space and it's only a 3 minute walk past a few little shops. It's 50cents to visit the loo, but clean so worth it.

During the third week of September I took the following pictures of the Acquinnah Cliffs between 8:30 - 10:30 am which show vibrant red, orange, yellow, ochre and white clays. The walk on the Moshup beach provides beautiful views looking up at the 150 foot tall cliffs. The quality of early morning or early evening light saturates the clays' colors. During our visit we had the beach to ourselves and were able to feel the peace, quiet and "specialness" of this place.

We were last out to the cliffs 5 years ago and they still looked pretty good. We went out this time for the Wampanoag Festival. While it's still a beautiful and peaceful place, there has been a noticeable change in the cliffs due to erosion. What was once colored in reds and oranges is now mostly white and gray. The lighthouse is now in danger of collapsing, so there's an effort to move it back from the cliffs. I've added photos to show the change.

Aquinnah may be far from where you are staying on the island, but it is definitely worth the car ride, bus ride, or even bike ride out there. The cliffs are beautiful and the view that you get is amazing. This is definitely a great place to go on MV.

I visited the island in August of 2012. This was the best beach and the most memorable part of the whole visit.

My only must-see for a day trip to the vineyard. Worth the hike. Friendly and informative staff at the lighthouse were available to answer questions or take a photo.

With the sun beginning to set, and the lighthouse in the background, this was a photographer's dream. Stunning. A "must-see."

The walk up to the "view point" has a few souvenir shops which have a few nice things to look at.A few information boards were up and also made for interesting reading but it's not very well set up for proper viewing of the cliffs (which were pretty average to be honest). Maybe I was expecting more I guess, we did however have a walk to the light house which was not as "touristy" as the cliff view point and at least the lighthouse has some real old town charm and history.You could also go up into the lighthouse to get that real feel and also contribute to the save the lighthouse fund which is a great initiative.

We attended a wedding at the Lighthouse at Aquinnah and behind the lighthouse is the panorama that includes the cliffs. This is a breathtaking scene that won't disappoint. One can climb the lighthouse and it is close to beaches that are great.There is food and some small shops nearby so one can get refreshed on a hot day. There are breezes though and the wedding we attended there was beautiful.If you go to the Vineyard, you would have to stop at the Lighthouse and view the cliffs and surroundings.

We have been to the Vineyard a few times before but never actually experienced the beach at Aquinnah.We would have to say it is the most natural and beautiful place we have seen on the island. We arrived early 9am and parked at the parking lot at base of cliff that has the path access to the beach. The parking fee is 15.00 but worth it. The trail down to beach is about 10 minute walk but very peaceful and enjoyable. There were very few people there that early. It gave you a feeling of your own private beach with a spectacular view of the red clay cliffs. However the undertow that day strong was and not safe for children. The further you walk to left of the trail entry point there is less rocks and tidal pools for kids to wade in. Worth the trip to up island.