What Aquinnah is like
Aquinnah is the westernmost town on the Vineyard and the homeland of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Its multicolored clay cliffs, a National Natural Landmark, drop to the Atlantic beneath the red-brick Gay Head Lighthouse.
It is remote, windswept and beautiful, with some of the island’s best sunsets and a deep sense of history. Please respect the cliffs: climbing them and taking clay are not allowed.
Who loves Aquinnah
- Sunsets and big ocean views
- Quiet and seclusion
- History and Wampanoag heritage
- Beach walks below the cliffs
Things to do in Aquinnah
- The Aquinnah Cliffs overlook and the shops and food stands at the top.
- Gay Head Lighthouse, moved back from the eroding cliff edge in 2015.
- The Aquinnah Cultural Center, telling the Wampanoag story.
Aquinnah beaches
- Moshup Beach: public, below the cliffs. Park in the paid town lot and walk down; drop-offs only at the beach.
- Philbin Beach: for Aquinnah residents and renters, with a permit in season.
- Lobsterville Beach: calm Vineyard Sound water, popular for fishing; parking is very limited.
Short-term renters can buy a Philbin parking permit or walk-on pass for the length of their stay with a rental agreement showing the dates. See the Aquinnah beach and parking permit page.
Where to eat in Aquinnah
Wampanoag-owned bakery known for its outdoor wood-fired oven and community pizza nights.
More island-wide picks in our restaurant guide.
Getting to Aquinnah
The far western end of the island: about 35 to 45 minutes by car from the ferries. The VTA runs here too. See getting around.
Staying in Aquinnah
Our Aquinnah homes are for people who want the end of the island to themselves: ocean views, quiet and sunsets. See our Aquinnah vacation rentals.
Questions we hear
Can you go down to the beach below the Aquinnah Cliffs?
Yes, from Moshup Beach. Walk along the shore, but don’t climb the cliffs or take clay; they are protected and fragile.
Updated October 2026. Hours, seasons and rules change: check with each business or town before you go.