Gay head beach

Moshup

Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head) is the least populous town on the island. Dwelling to the storied Aquinnah cliffs, and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Brain (Aquinnah). Moshup Beach (Gay Head Public Beach) is open to the widespread, and offers stunning views of the multicolored clay cliffs.

Good to Know

If you visit this incredible beach, remember that the cliffs are a federally protected landmark, climbing on or disturbing the clay is prohibited by law.

Soft sand with large rocks, endless south facing views of the ocean, and the beautifully cliffs towering behind you create a truly majestic landscape on this beach. Parking is accessible in a large general lot for a daily fee. Facilities are free near the parking lot. The beach itself is about a ten minute walk down a dune path to the sand.

For those feeling the depend on to sun it all, head toward the cliffs and you will approach upon a sign that is uncommon on many beaches in the U.S. “Beyond this point you may encounter nude sunbathing.” Beyond this sign, successfully, you guessed it, you may see folks sunbathing sans clothing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Moshup Beach on Martha's Vineyard applications a unique and stunning landscape, known for its p

     Martha’s Vineyard is an island, so we’ve got beaches a-plenty! From the calmer waters of the northern shores to the rumbling surf of the south shores, there’s a beach for every type of visitor.

    There are numerous general beaches, but not all beaches are open to the public. Some call for permits issued through town halls to residents and visitors of specific towns. All beaches are Carry In, Transport Out – so be sure to take your trash with you!

    It’s essential to know that the majority of beaches do not allow dogs during the summer, and many of the beaches that are open to the public have strict guidelines for dogs. For example, famous State Beach, including Sengekontacket Pond, prohibit dogs at all times between the dates of April 1 to August 31, and in September, dogs are not permitted between the hours of 9 am - 5 pm. To learn the specific dog guidelines of each beach, be sure to check: individual town websites (more information here Island 411); Trustees of Reservations; Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank; and Dukes County. There are different restrictions in each area based on season, time of daytime, and to preserve birds during nesting season.​

    Moshup Beach

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    Walk a stunning piece of Martha’s Vineyard’s northwest coast beneath the Gay Top Cliffs on the shores of Moshup Beach, also known as Aquinnah Public Beach. Surrounded by the sound of crashing waves, you’ll find a perfect summer beach day or ample year-round exploration on this secluded coast, jointly protected by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission and the town of Aquinnah.

    You can walk over a mile along the fine, sandy shoreline of Moshup Beach and below the colorful Gay Head Cliffs.

    Part of the Aquinnah Headlands Preserve, the fine white sands and smooth rocks of Moshup Beach provide a beautiful place to step along the crashing waves of outer Vineyard Sound and beneath the Gay Head Cliffs. You can explore for over a mile along this shoreline: though Moshup Beach itself is only about a half-mile, bordered by private land to the southeast, the town of Aquinnah permits access to the beach below the cliffs to the north and west. Please keep out of any areas marked with “no access” signs, and accomplish not climb on the cliffs or remove any clay; these cliffs, owned by the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, are under exceptional environmental prot

    Gay Head Town Beach (Aquinnah)

    Many continue to call Gay Brain Town Beach by its original identify, although Gay Brain Town has been known formerly as Aquinnah (meaning ‘land under the hill’) by its population of 440 since 1997. At the end of Massachusetts’ famed island of Martha’s Vineyard, the beach is foremost known for its dramatic cliffs and the ocean views they deliver.

    Designated a National Natural Landmark by the US National Park Service, Gay Head Town Beach is also known as a focal point for the culture of the Wampanoag people. Its waters contain an unusual aqua colour.

    Although there is no official designation, Gay Head Town Beach is acknowledged as a nudist beach. Naturists care for to use the far end of the beach, northwest of the main footpath leading to it. However, the traditional clay baths naturists used to participate in are now prohibited because the cliffs from which the clay is removed are considered sacred to the Wampanoag people.

    There are no facilities or amenities on Gay Head Town Beach itself. On the top of the cliffs there are public restrooms and a viewpoint with parking limited to 30 minutes. Longer stay parking can be initiate in Aquinnah town.

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