You can finally walk the pristine sands of Jackie Kennedy Onassis's legendary Martha's Vineyard estate, but it's not a casual stroll. For decades, the 323-acre Red Gate Farm in Aquinnah was a heavily guarded private sanctuary where the former first lady escaped the public eye. Today, the property is known as the Squibnocket Pond Reservation, open to anyone willing to put in the effort to get there.
If you're picturing an easy boardwalk or a quick walk from a crowded parking lot, think again. Visiting this newly opened conservation land requires planning, stamina, and respect for a fragile coastal ecosystem.
Getting Past the Gatekeeper Logistics
The biggest mistake visitors make is showing up unannounced. You can't just drive up and park. The Martha's Vineyard Land Bank and the Sheriff's Meadow Foundation manage access strictly to protect the landscape, which means you need an advance parking reservation during the summer season.
Parking slots are painfully limited. There are roughly ten slots for the north trailhead and eleven for the south trailhead each day. Miss out on a reservation, and you'll have to rethink your timeline. Cycling or taking public transit to the trailhead bypasses the parking headache entirely, making your life much easier.
The Reality of the Hike
The property splits into two distinct paths. The north trail guides you toward the sprawling expanse of Squibnocket Pond, while the south trail cuts straight toward the Atlantic Ocean.
The trek to the ocean isn't a paved walk in the park. You'll wade through changing terrain that includes dense scrubland, pockets of oak trees, hidden freshwater wetlands, and steep, windswept dunes. Walking through deep sand and shifting elevation tests your legs and your lungs. Pack light, wear proper hiking footwear, and bring plenty of water because there are no amenities once you step onto the trail.
Exploring the History Left Behind
When Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought the land in 1978 for $1.1 million, it was basically an abandoned sheep farm featuring an old hunting cabin. She brought in renowned horticulturalist Bunny Mellon to shape the landscape and architect Hugh Newell Jacobson to design the main house.
When the family sold a massive portion of the acreage to conservation groups for $27 million, they kept roughly 95 acres in the center, including the main residence. As you hike the marked trails, you're traversing land that harbors rare endangered species, delicate heathlands, and sweeping views that have barely changed in centuries. Stay on the designated paths to protect the native flora and keep the conservation project viable for years to come.
Secure your parking pass online early, pack your hiking gear, and give yourself enough time to experience one of the wildest stretches of coastline left on the island.
A Look Inside Jackie Kennedy Onassis' Massive Martha's Vineyard Estate
This video provides a visual tour of the historic Red Gate Farm property, showing the exact landscape and natural terrain that visitors encounter on the new public trails.
