Aquinnah

Aquinnah sits at the western tip of Martha's Vineyard and features striking red clay cliffs that rise sharply above the Atlantic Ocean. The town spreads across rolling terrain with ocean views and a setting dominated by natural coastal features.

The settlement was founded in 1669 as Gay Head and officially renamed Aquinnah in 1997 to acknowledge its Native American roots. This change reflected a shift in how the community chose to represent itself and its heritage.

The Wampanoag people have shaped this place for generations and remain central to community life today. Their traditions and perspectives influence how locals and visitors experience the area.

The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are most accessible and views are clearest. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is rolling and paths to the cliffs can be uneven in places.

A famous lighthouse was moved inland in 2015 to save it from cliff erosion that threatens the shoreline. This unusual engineering effort shows how locals work to preserve their heritage against nature's ongoing changes.

Location: Dukes County

Inception: 1669

Elevation above the sea: 30 m

Website: http://aquinnah-ma.gov

GPS coordinates: 41.33444,-70.79583

Latest update: December 20, 2025 03:03