Gay Head Town Beach (Aquinnah)

Many continue to call Gay Head Town Beach by its original name, although Gay Head 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 best 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 have an unusual aqua colour.

Although there is no official designation, Gay Head Town Beach is known as a nudist beach. Naturists tend 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 found in Aquinnah town.