If there’s one thing every Bay Stater knows, it’s that Massachusetts is overflowing with hidden natural wonders, lush greenery, rocky, breathtaking overlooks, and stunning ocean views. Every nook and cranny of our state offers an incredible blend of history of beauty!
One of our state’s most iconic views is also surprisingly underrated, however: the Aquinnah/Gay Head Cliffs on Martha’s Vineyard. While these multicolored gems create a dramatic coastal scene that beckons photographers and sea-lovers alike, they’re also surprisingly overlooked as a viewpoint. But for the savvy, curious visitor, these stunning landmarks not only offer one of a kind jewel-toned views of the Atlantic from their unique white sand shoreline – they also offer pristine birds-eye vistas from a number of quaint trails and lookout points. Check it out!
The Aquinnah Cliffs – also commonly known as Gay Head cliffs – are one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most-beloved and photographed destinations.
Custom Trip/TripAdvisor This special corner of the island has also repeatedly been named the most beautiful place in Massachusetts. And for good reason!
The epic rainbow clay formations rise over 100 feet above the Atlantic Coast, and were carved by ancient glaciers. But their magnificent origins are just the start.
Bart Hanlon/Flickr These magnificent formations are also home to fossils of pre-historic sea monsters, giant clams, crabs, and more. For the curious visitor, the legend of the giant, Moshup, is also worth a read!
Visitors can sunbathe along and explore the beach at the foot of the cliffs to see them up close and personal, or take the preserve trails at the top to capture even more jaw-dropping views.
lucygilbert/TripAdvisor While many visitors boat and bus in to snap an iconic photo of the clay cliffs jutting out into the waves or to lounge on the beach, savvy explorers know that this one-of-a-kind landmark offers plenty of other vistas that are bucket list must-sees.
Be sure to visit the Gay Head Light, for a unique panoramic view of the turquoise and teal waters…
Gerald/TripAdvisor
Bob P.B./Flickr
Or take a stroll along the overlooks to look out over the waves and see nearby Elizabeth Islands and Buzzards Bay.
D Allen/Flickr
Gerald/TripAdvisor
Or, gaze out at the sailboats skipping gently through the waves as they lap against the rocks, all from the comfort of the white, sandy shores.
Earnest McGray, Jr/Flickr
Talk about paradise!
DyanBryson/CC/Pixabay
Take note, though; the Aquinnah/Gay Head Cliffs are also part of the Martha’s Vineyard’s Wampanoag reservation, and jointly protected by multiple organizations as a national landmark.
Xiaodong Cao/Google
D.Theodora/CC/Pixabay Keep watch for signs noting off-limits areas, and definitely practice leave-no-trace principles!
Massachusetts is full of gorgeous places to enjoy views of the ocean, but we think the Aquinnah Cliffs offer something truly special, no matter the season.
slack12/Flickr
Fortunately, even if you can’t make a day of wave-watching, catching a sunset here simply can’t be beat.
iheartpandas/Flickr
The Aquinnah Cliffs can be found on the southwest end of the island, to the west of Gay Head Light. There is also a public bus service that runs to The Cliffs hourly during the on-season. The bus schedule can be found on the VTA website.
Custom Trip/TripAdvisor
This special corner of the island has also repeatedly been named the most beautiful place in Massachusetts. And for good reason!
Bart Hanlon/Flickr
These magnificent formations are also home to fossils of pre-historic sea monsters, giant clams, crabs, and more. For the curious visitor, the legend of the giant, Moshup, is also worth a read!
lucygilbert/TripAdvisor
While many visitors boat and bus in to snap an iconic photo of the clay cliffs jutting out into the waves or to lounge on the beach, savvy explorers know that this one-of-a-kind landmark offers plenty of other vistas that are bucket list must-sees.
Gerald/TripAdvisor
Bob P.B./Flickr
D Allen/Flickr
Earnest McGray, Jr/Flickr
DyanBryson/CC/Pixabay
Xiaodong Cao/Google
D.Theodora/CC/Pixabay
Keep watch for signs noting off-limits areas, and definitely practice leave-no-trace principles!
slack12/Flickr
iheartpandas/Flickr
Have you crossed the Aquinnah Cliffs off of your bucket list? We would love to hear about it! Where are some of your other favorite ocean views in MA?
For more breathtaking overlooks in the Bay State, check out our list here.
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Address: 31 Aquinnah Cir, Aquinnah, MA 02535, USA
