Gay head beach

Take a walk along an eye-catching part of Martha's Vineyard's northwestern coast just beneath the Gay Head Cliffs on the shores of Moshup Beach, also known as Aquinnah Public Beach. Surrounded by the auditory sensation of crashing waves, a quintessential summer beach outing awaits, or savor ample year-round exploration along this remote coastline, cooperatively safeguarded by the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission alongside the town of Aquinnah.

As a portion of the Aquinnah Headlands Preserve, Moshup Beach, with its delicate white sands as well as sleek rocks, is a delightful location for strolls adjacent to the crashing waves coming from outer Vineyard Sound and underneath the Gay Head Cliffs. It is possible to explore along this shoreline for more than one mile: while Moshup Beach itself is approximately a half-mile, bordered by private land on its southeastern side, the town of Aquinnah grants admittance to the beach under the cliffs to both the north and west. Please remain clear of any sections designated by "no access" signs, and refrain from climbing on the cliffs or extracting any clay; these particular cliffs, belonging to the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, benefit from specified environmental safeguards intended to avert erosion.

It's recommended to pack a picnic, and allocate a whole day to fully appreciate this coastal stretch. Partake in some physical activity with a lengthy run or stroll down the coast, keeping watch for the multitude of intriguing shells coupled with pieces of driftwood that the waters of Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay deposit. The prevalent waves tend to be more substantial compared to elsewhere on the island, thus furnishing enjoyable opportunities for body-surfing in addition to boogie-boarding. When conditions are calmer, anglers can anticipate superb fishing opportunities targeting bluefish and striped bass from the shoreline.

Regardless of your chosen activity on Moshup Beach, you'll discover it to be an ideal location to relish some coastal peace; by virtue of its remoteness from the energetic town centers situated on the Vineyard's western portion, Moshup Beach is typically quieter with fewer people compared to other beaches on the island. Moreover, just to ensure transparency, it is worth noting for visitors that Moshup Beach is recognized by some as the Vineyard's unofficial "clothing optional" beach.

Entry to Moshup Beach is provided via a relatively short trail originating from the designated dropoff area found along Moshup Trail. One may similarly reach the beach through traversing the South Head Loop included within the Aquinnah Headlands Preserve.

The colors present within the sandstones and clays constituting Gay Head Cliffs find their origins during the age of dinosaurs, at the time when the sandstones and clays currently observed were situated at the base of a shallow tropical sea. While appreciating the intricate swirls exhibiting deep purple, orange, brick red, in addition to mustard yellow hues upon the cliffs' facade, you are essentially peering into the past!

The vicinity encompassing Gay Head constitutes a superb stopover site designated for avian species that are migrating down the eastern seaboard, thereby rendering it an excellent location to potentially observe unusual species. On virtually any given day gulls and shorebirds can be anticipated, yet fortunate birdwatchers may likewise spot infrequent overwintering species, such as harlequin ducks and razorbills.

Size: Seventeen acres

Hours: From dawn until dusk

Parking: Substantial paved parking space located on Aquinnah Circle

Cost: In-season parking (June 15 - September 14) costs $20 daily

Dogs: No

Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Benches, Restrooms (available seasonally)

Boat Ramp: No

Lifeguards: No

ADA Accessible: No

Thirteen wonderful locations for experiencing social distancing

Thirteen excellent spots for exploration while practicing social distancing

Mar 17, 2020

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Since it's your Bay, venture outside and appreciate it! Be it trekking and cycling or angling and paddling, discovering Buzzards Bay is possible at countless parks, trails, along with beaches close to you. Whatever appeals to you can be discovered right here at Buzzards Bay.

With the recurring alteration of the tide, water streams from Buzzards Bay to Vineyard Sound, then back again, coursing through Woods Hole, Robinson's Hole, Quicks Hole, as well as Canapatsit Channel. This specific linkage intertwines the well-being - along with the prospects - of both Buzzards Bay plus Vineyard Sound, thus explaining why the Coalition initiated monitoring efforts here back in 2013. The degree of health present in Vineyard Sound is excellent, and it stands out among the most flourishing bodies of water that we currently scrutinize.