Martha's Vinyard Hotels, Restaraunts & Night life listings

You may already know this beach on the western tip of Martha’s Vineyard as Gay Head, a name first coined by British sailors in the 17th century. Alternatively, you may know it as Moshup Beach. Recently, however, its long-standing Native American name has become the official moniker: Aquinnah Beach.

Whatever you call it, this is one splendid stretch of coastline — and that’s official. Aquinnah Beach was recently picked as one of the top walking beaches in the United States by beach expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman at Florida International University (there’s a job to kill for). You’ll see why, once you’re there, whether you count yourself an expert or not. Aquinnah offers hard-packed sand and a gentle slope down to the water, making it perfect for those romantic walks through toe-depth surf.

There are a numerous private beaches in the area, so be careful you don’t wander on to one by accident and get caught for trespassing. The public beach stretches from Philbin Beach up to Aquinnah Cliffs, a tourist attraction in its own right. Towering 150 feet over the sands, the cliffs are formed of a red, striated clay which early European settlers used to make bricks. Now an endangered national landmark, however, the Aquinnah Cliffs are strictly off-limits to everyone except members of the local Wampanoag tribe, who use the clay to make various crafts.

Amenities: Public restrooms are available near the parking lot.

Added Attractions: Atop the cliffs at Aquinnah is the Gay Head Lighthouse, built in 1844 to replace an older wooden structure. It keeps watch over the treacherous Devil’s Bridge shoals, where colliding tidal currents have caught and wrecked many a ship.

Admission and Parking: There’s a $15 parking fee during the summer months; the off-season is free.

Where to Eat: Take a two mile drive to The Bite — most islanders agree that for fried clams, this is the only place to go.

Lifeguard on Duty: No lifeguards – swim at your own risk.

Fido-Friendly?: Not pets are allowed on the beach.

Insider Info: Be warned! Some private beaches in the area are notoriously lax about enforcing the island’s ”no nude bathing” policy. Mind that your eyes don’t wander where they shouldn’t.