Dukes County, Massachusetts
Moshup Beach
Moshup Beach sits below the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah, at the western tip of Martha's Vineyard — one of the most dramatically sited beaches in New England.
- Day use
- Island
- Scenic
About this place
Moshup Beach sits below the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah, at the western tip of Martha's Vineyard — one of the most dramatically sited beaches in New England. The cliffs rise 150 feet above the beach in bands of red, orange, white, and grey clay, formed over millions of years of glacial and marine deposition. They're an official National Natural Landmark and among the most photographed landscapes on the Vineyard. The beach below them, named for the Wampanoag culture hero Moshup, is managed by the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe.
The clothing-optional tradition is on the stretch of beach west of the main swimming area, away from the cliff-viewing crowds. The walk from the Gay Head Lighthouse parking area takes you down a steep path to the base of the cliffs, then west along the beach. The C/O area begins roughly a quarter-mile west of the main beach access.
Aquinnah is the Vineyard's most remote town, accessible by a long drive from the ferry terminals at Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs or by bike on the island's mixed-terrain trails. The beach faces southwest into Vineyard Sound and the Atlantic, with strong currents on the Sound side and better swimming conditions in calmer weather. The combination of the cliffs, the tribal history, and the isolated western beach makes this one of the more memorable naturist spots on the East Coast.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Mix of Vineyard regulars making the trek to the island's western end, cliff-viewing tourists who continue along the beach, and naturists who know the tradition. Less crowded than Lucy Vincent; the longer walk keeps it quieter.
How to find it
Ferry to Martha's Vineyard (Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs from Woods Hole). Drive or take the island bus to Aquinnah/Gay Head. Park at the Gay Head Lighthouse lot (fee in summer). Walk the path down to the beach and continue west — the C/O section begins a quarter-mile or more from the stairs.
Things to watch out for
Parking at the Gay Head lot fills by mid-morning in July and August. The path down to the beach is steep. Currents can be strong in the channel; check conditions. The tribal management means access policies could change — check current Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe guidance.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
Informal C/O convention — walk well west of the main beach crowds before disrobing. The cliffs draw many visitors who aren't there for the nude beach; be aware of the tourist traffic near the stairs. No climbing on the clay cliffs.
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