The town's main public beach beneath the multicolored Gay Head Cliffs, reached by a short dune path from the parking lot off Moshup Trail. Sand gives way to large rocks near the cliff base, and the far end under the clay bluffs runs clothing-optional beyond the posted signs. Also called Aquinnah Public Beach or Gay Head Town Beach.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Accessibility
Not step-free; the walk from the lot crosses dune terrain with no paved path
Dogs
Dogs must be leashed or otherwise restrained whenever off the owner's premises, under Chapter XVI of Aquinnah's General By-laws. Fines are $5 for a first offence, $10 for a second and $25 thereafter.
Managed by
Town of Aquinnah Beach Department
508-645-2300 · WebsiteGetting in
Access points along this beach
Moshup Trail parking lot / dune footpath
main lot and path down to the beach, sometimes signed as Aquinnah Public Beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
at the town parking lot
Info kiosk
restrooms and basic facilities are at the parking lot, not on the beach
Worth knowing
- The remote stretch of beach directly beneath the cliffs runs clothing-optional beyond posted signage, an informal local norm rather than a town-posted rule.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Moshup Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Water °F | 39° | 37° | 41° | 48° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 74° | 70° | 62° | 54° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Woods Hole (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Moshup Beach in Aquinnah open today?
Moshup Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Are there restrooms at Moshup Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Moshup Beach?
Water at Moshup Beach averages about 37°F in February and 74°F in August, based on NOAA readings at Woods Hole from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
Can you swim at Moshup Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Moshup Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Moshup Beach?
Dogs must be leashed or otherwise restrained whenever off the owner's premises, under Chapter XVI of Aquinnah's General By-laws. Fines are $5 for a first offence, $10 for a second and $25 thereafter.