Welcome to
Facts:
Formerly known as Gay Head until 1997 when the name was changed to Aquinnah. Aquinnah is Wampanoag for “land under the hill”.
Population: Approximately 315
The town officially incorporated in 1870
Zipcode: 02535
Gay Head Lighthouse
Aquinnah Wampanoag Indian Museum
AQ is the abbreviated town initials and how it is often referred to by locals.
2025 Tax Rate: $6.39
Total area of 40.8 square miles, of which 5.4 square miles is land and 35.4 square miles (86.85%) is water.
Aquinnah was first inhabited by the Wampanoag, a Native American people who spoke the Algonquian language. English colonists arrived in 1669.
Aquinnah is a popular destination for visitors and residents. The cliff overlook offers spectacular views, as does the Aquinnah Shop Restaurant–make a reservation in advance to get a sitting for sunset. The shops along the cliffs are worth a visit and you’ll find things there you won’t find anywhere else on the Island. If you’re there during the day, stop at Cliffhangers Restaurant for awesome food and ice cream.
Learn about Aquinnah Wampanoag History at the Aquinnah Wampanoag Indian Museum.
A short distance from the cliffs is the Outermost Inn and Restaurant, operated by Hugh and Jeanne Taylor. The Restaurant opens at 5 pm, reservations recommended–some make reservations months in advance.
The Gay Head Lighthouse is open for tours from mid-June through mid-October. The Gay Head 10K is an annual run to raise funds to preserve the lighthouse. For more information visit gayheadlight.org
Public beaches are Aquinnah Town Beach and Gay Head public beach. Parking is $15 a day. There are public restrooms nearby.
Interesting facts: Herman Melville’s character Tashtego in Moby-Dick is a Native American harpooner from Aquinnah.
Annual Events:
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Beaches:
Trails:
691 people live in Aquinnah, where the median age is 47 and the average individual income is $70,958. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
Aquinnah has 223 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Aquinnah do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 691 people call Aquinnah home. The population density is 129.65 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
The photography on our site was done by Larry Glick, Bob Gothard, and David Welch.
238 UPPER MAIN ST EDGARTOWN MA 02539Â 205 UPPER MAIN ST EDGARTOWN MA 02539Â
238 UPPER MAIN ST EDGARTOWN MA 02539Â 205 UPPER MAIN ST EDGARTOWN MA 02539Â