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.

The unspoiled charm of Martha’s Vineyard is probably best exemplified by its scenic beaches. Beaches vary from protected, shallow, clear-water stretches on the northern and eastern sides of the Island to expanses of rumbling surf along the south side.

Some beaches are open to the public without restriction, while others are reserved for residents and summer visitors who are staying in the towns where the beaches are located. To use these town beaches, one needs a parking and/or beach permit. Permits can be obtained through the local town hall.

BEACH INFO FOR PETS

Dukes County Beach Rules and Regulations:

January 1-March 31: No restrictions;

April 1-May 14: Dogs and pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitat by federal and state regulation;

May 15-August 30: Dogs and pets are prohibited within 100 yards of posted nesting habitat by federal and state regulation; dogs and pets are prohibited on all beaches between 9 am and 5 pm;

September 1-September 15: Dogs and pets are prohibited on all beaches between 9 am and 5 pm;

September 16-December 31: No restrictions.

Dog and pet excrement must be picked up and disposed of properly. There is a $50 fine for violations.

AQUINNAH

Gay Head Cliffs and Beach

Off-limits. The Gay Head Cliffs are a national landmark and are seriously endangered by climbing on the cliffs and removal of clay.

Aquinnah Public Beach (Moshup Beach)

Surf beach off Moshup Trail. The beach is approximately a ten-minute walk from the parking lot on a cleared trail. There is a $15 parking fee in summer.

Lobsterville Beach

Two miles of beautiful Vineyard Sound beach and dune land along Lobsterville Road. Includes a seagull nesting area, and is a favorite fishing spot. The beach is open to all, but parking is prohibited on Lobsterville Road.

Philbin Beach

Surf beach off Moshup Trail. Aquinnah residents only.

CHILMARK

Lucy Vincent Beach

Chilmark section of south shore. Open to Chilmark residents and renters only.

Menemsha Public Beach

Next to Menemsha Harbor, a gentle beach with the clear, bright water. Open to all.

Squibnocket Beach

Chilmark section of south shore, a surf beach. Open to Chilmark residents and renters only.

EDGARTOWN

East Beach (Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation)

One of our best located on Chappaquiddick Island. Open to all; however, subject to regulations of The Trustees of Reservations.

Fuller Street Beach

At the end of Fuller Street near Lighthouse Beach. Open to all.

Katama Beach (South Beach)

Three miles of barrier beach on the south shore at the end of Katama Road. Fine surf on one side, protected salt-pond on the other. Open to all. Vehicles with permits allowed on marked trails.

Lighthouse Beach

A harbor beach at Starbuck’s Neck, off North Water Street near the center of town. Open to all.

OAK BLUFFS

Eastville Beach

At the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Open to all.

Oak Bluffs Town Beach

Calm, shallow water. The beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and terminates at the first jetty heading toward Edgartown, at the end of the breakwater, marked by a fence. The beach continues again about one mile southeast of the small inlet flowing into Sengekontacket Pond, and ends at Joseph Sylvia State Beach. Open to all.

Joseph Sylvia State Beach

Two miles of clear, mild beach along Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. (The section in Edgartown is called Bend-in-the-Road Beach.) Accessible by bicycle path. Open to all.

VINEYARD HAVEN

Lake Tashmoo Town Beach

At Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo. Open to all.

Owen Park Beach

A harbor beach off Main Street, near the center of town. Open to all.

Tisbury Town Beach

End of Owen Little Way, next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. Open to all.

WEST TISBURY

Lambert’s Cove Beach

Considered by many to have the finest sand and clearest water on the north shore. West Tisbury residents and renters only.

Long Point Beach (at Wildlife Refuge)

Offers swimming in Long Point Pond and at south beach. Summer access via Waldron’s Bottom Road. Trustees of Reservations. Admission fee.