Name and Location

The Gay Head Light is located at 13 Aquinnah Cir, Aquinnah, MA 02535, USA, situated on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Construction and History

The Gay Head Light was built in 1850. Its historic structure has been preserved, making it a significant landmark in the area.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed from rubblestone with a granite base, topped with a cast-iron lantern room. The original architecture has been preserved.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic of the Gay Head Light is Al.Fl (Alternating Flash every 15 seconds), with a white and red color scheme. The exhibition period is 24 hours, and the range of the light is approximately 20 nautical miles. The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, operated by the United States Coast Guard.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the surrounding landscape, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the island's picturesque coastline. However, the lighthouse itself is currently not open to the public for guided tours or on-site facilities.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Gay Head Light is situated near the Gay Head Cliffs, a unique geological formation with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged coastline, scenic beaches, and lush vegetation.

Technical and Operational Details

Although no longer manually tended, the lighthouse remains an important part of maritime safety in the region. It has been recognized as an important historical landmark, holding a significant place in the history of maritime navigation on Martha's Vineyard.

Further Information

• For more information about the Gay Head Light, please refer to the Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS), the U.S. Coast Guard Light List 2019, Volume 1, and https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightlists.