High atop the beautiful cliffs of Gay Head rests an equally magnificent lighthouse. A lighthouse has operated on this site since 1799, with the current 51-foot structure holding court since its construction in 1856. The site is generally closed to the public due to problems with erosion but tours of the lighthouse are given by the historical society by appointment. The lookout in Gay Head offers a good view of the lighthouse, and you can see the original fresnel lens at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown.