Great Point Beach Nantucket - Image 1
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Great Point Beach Nantucket

4.8
·26 reviews·Nantucket, United States

Remote Nantucket beach with a historic lighthouse, abundant seals, and thrilling 4WD driving opportunities.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, prime seal viewing

CrowdLow
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Great Point Beach Nantucket - Image 1

Great Point Beach Nantucket

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, prime seal viewing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Remote Nantucket beach with a historic lighthouse, abundant seals, and thrilling 4WD driving opportunities.

4.8
(26 reviews)

"If you do not love this beach your heart is empty."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 4WD & Permit Needed

Ensure you have a 4WD vehicle and a permit to drive on the beach. Deflate tires for easier travel.

🦭 Seal Watching Etiquette

Observe seals from a distance and avoid disturbing them. They are a highlight of the beach!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Great Point Lighthouse

Great Point Lighthouse

Tip of the peninsula

Iconic lighthouse offering stunning views and a picturesque backdrop for photos.

Instagram
Seal Colony

Seal Colony

Along the shoreline

Witness dozens of seals basking on the sand and swimming in the clear waters.

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Beach Driving Adventure

Beach Driving Adventure

Accessible via sandy tracks

Experience the thrill of driving on sand dunes to reach this remote and beautiful stretch of coast.

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Planning Your Visit

4WD & Permits Essential

Driving to Great Point Beach requires a 4WD vehicle and a permit, obtainable at the gatehouse. Deflating tires is crucial for navigating soft sand and avoiding getting stuck. Instagram

Seal Spotting & Solitude

This remote beach is a haven for seals and offers a peaceful escape. Visit during off-peak times for maximum solitude. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, prime seal viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, peaceful
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

tag someone who 🫶🏻 nantucket #nantucket #nantucketisland #nantucketsummer #nantucketthings #nantucketlife #ack #nantucketaesthetic #eastcoastsummer #eastcoastlifestyle #coastalgrandmother #coastalgranddaughter
@charlottedrinkwater
253.2K likes • 1.7M views

🚗 4WD & Permit Needed

Ensure you have a 4WD vehicle and a permit to drive on the beach. Deflate tires for easier travel. Instagram

🦭 Seal Watching Etiquette

Observe seals from a distance and avoid disturbing them. They are a highlight of the beach! Instagram

Hydrangeas make me feel alive🪻 #nantucket #hydrangeas #newengland #nantucketsummer #pinterestaesthetic #nancymeyers
@claudia.harrington
141.6K likes • 1.1M views
🦈 🍽 😳 A great white shark was having an absolute BUFFET at Great Point, Nantucket on Sunday hunting for seals (⚠️ warning for the mortal wound to the one seal that makes it back to the beach). It was just the latest great white shark sighting at Great Point, following others in May. Carolyn Zimmer shared this incredible video with the Current of the predation event in Nantucket waters, which she...
nantucketcurrent
2.7K likes • 98.9K views

☀️ Pack for Solitude

Bring snacks, water, and beach essentials as amenities are scarce. Enjoy the peace. Reddit

📸 Lighthouse Views

The Great Point Lighthouse is a must-see. Perfect for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. Instagram

We had a great day with friends driving on Great Point Beach in Nantucket! It’s remote and peaceful, with seals lounging on the beach and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. You’ll need a 4-wheel drive, a permit (available at the gatehouse), and a tire pressure gauge for the adventure, as you’ll be driving on rutted roads and along the beach. Pack a picnic, grab your beach chairs, and spend ...
drmahua
0 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 4WD & Permit Needed

Ensure you have a 4WD vehicle and a permit to drive on the beach. Deflate tires for easier travel. Instagram

🦭 Seal Watching Etiquette

Observe seals from a distance and avoid disturbing them. They are a highlight of the beach! Instagram

☀️ Pack for Solitude

Bring snacks, water, and beach essentials as amenities are scarce. Enjoy the peace. Reddit

📸 Lighthouse Views

The Great Point Lighthouse is a must-see. Perfect for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. Instagram

⚠️ Sand Driving Skills

Driving on soft sand requires skill. Be prepared for potential challenges and consider deflating tires. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Great Point Beach for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and abundant seal population. The remote and peaceful atmosphere offers a true escape. While the 4WD driving can be challenging, it's considered part of the unique adventure. Some note the lack of amenities and the need for preparedness.

"Really amazing stretch of Beach in Nantucket.
The water was crystal clear, it was a warm summers day in July .You have to have a permit to drive on the sand and need to deflate the tires on your 4 wheel drive . Some skills needed to drive out to the tip as the sand gets very soft.
If you want a quite beach and some solitude this is your go to beach."

Vijay Patel

"This beach is so so pretty and full of seals!! Loved watching them swim around it was adorable.

Definitely stop by the lighthouse it is so beautiful!"

Nevaeh Diane

"Someone put a marker at 147 Wauwinet Road and claimed that it marks "Great Point Beach." It doesn't. Great Point Beach is not in Wauwinet. It is miles away -- past Coskata, near Great Point."

Shawn McHale

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Abundant seals
Peaceful solitude

What People Dislike

Challenging 4WD driving
Lack of amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Accessing Great Point Beach involves driving on sandy terrain. You'll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle and a permit, which can be purchased at the gatehouse. It's recommended to deflate your tires to navigate the soft sand more easily. Instagram+1

No, regular cars are not suitable for Great Point Beach due to the soft sand and rutted roads. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is essential for safe passage. Instagram

Permits for driving on Great Point Beach are available at the gatehouse. Ensure you have this before attempting to drive onto the beach. Instagram

To drive on the sand at Great Point, it's crucial to deflate your tires to a lower pressure. This increases the tire's surface area, helping to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck in the soft sand. Instagram

Great Point Beach is located on the northeastern tip of Nantucket, several miles from Nantucket town. The drive itself is part of the adventure, taking you across sandy tracks. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While you don't need a permit to walk onto Great Point Beach, a permit is required if you plan to drive your vehicle on the sand. These can be obtained at the gatehouse. Instagram

There isn't a direct entrance fee for walking onto the beach, but the permit for driving on the sand has a cost associated with it. Instagram

Great Point Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local conditions and tide charts before your visit, especially if driving. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, guided tours might be available through local Nantucket tour operators. It's worth checking with local tourism services for options. Instagram

Absolutely! Great Point Beach is a fantastic destination for a day trip, offering unique driving experiences, wildlife viewing, and beautiful scenery. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

At Great Point Beach, you can enjoy beach driving, wildlife spotting (especially seals!), visiting the historic lighthouse, and soaking in the remote, peaceful atmosphere. Instagram+2

Yes, Great Point Beach is renowned for its large seal population. You can often see dozens of seals lounging on the sand and swimming near the shore. Instagram+1

While the water can be clear and inviting, swimming at Great Point Beach should be done with caution due to strong currents and the presence of marine life, including sharks. Instagram

Bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and beach gear. If you plan to drive, ensure your 4WD is in good condition and you have a tire pressure gauge. Instagram

Great Point Beach is generally less crowded than other Nantucket beaches due to its remote location and the requirement for 4WD. Weekday mornings offer the most solitude. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or food services directly at Great Point Beach. It's a remote area, so it's best to pack your own food and drinks for the day. Instagram

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at Great Point Beach. Many visitors enjoy grilling out on the beach or simply enjoying a packed meal with a view. Instagram

The closest dining options would be back in Nantucket town or in the Wauwinet area, which is a few miles away. Plan accordingly for meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Great Point Lighthouse, the abundant seals, the rugged coastal landscape, and the experience of driving on the sand all offer fantastic photography opportunities. Instagram+1

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for the lighthouse and the beach. Midday can be harsh but is excellent for capturing seal activity. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Nantucket Land Bank for current rules regarding drone usage in protected areas like Great Point. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for capturing seals from a distance. A sturdy tripod can help with lighthouse shots, especially in lower light. Instagram

Yes, photographing the seals is a major draw. Remember to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Great Point Beach offers a unique adventure for families, but requires careful planning. The 4WD driving experience can be exciting for older children, but ensure you have the necessary permits and vehicle capabilities. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. The seal spotting is a guaranteed hit with kids, offering a memorable wildlife encounter. Instagram+1

Supervise children closely, especially near the water, as currents can be strong. The remote nature means you'll have more space to yourselves, allowing kids to explore safely. Consider bringing beach toys and a picnic for a full day of family fun. Instagram

🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Road Enthusiasts

For those who crave adventure, Great Point Beach is your playground. The 4WD beach driving is the main draw, offering a thrilling experience navigating sandy tracks and dunes. Obtaining the necessary permit and properly preparing your vehicle (deflating tires!) is key to a successful and enjoyable adventure. Instagram+1

This is an opportunity to explore a rugged and less-traveled part of Nantucket. The journey to the lighthouse and the expansive beach views are well worth the effort. Be prepared for a more primitive experience, embracing the wild beauty of the island's tip. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

Great Point Beach is a photographer's paradise, offering diverse subjects from the historic lighthouse to the abundant wildlife. The dramatic coastal landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset, provide stunning opportunities for landscape photography. Instagram+1

Wildlife photographers will be thrilled with the close-up views of seals, and birdwatchers will find plenty to observe. The unique experience of 4WD beach driving also makes for compelling action shots. Remember to pack appropriate gear for varying light conditions and to maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Great Point Beach: The 4WD Experience

Reaching Great Point Beach is an adventure in itself, requiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle and a permit. Visitors often share stories of the thrill and challenge of driving on the soft sand. It's essential to deflate your tires to a lower pressure to increase traction and prevent getting stuck. Many travelers recommend carrying a tire pressure gauge and a way to reinflate them if needed. Instagram+2

The drive can be rutted and requires some skill, especially for those unfamiliar with off-road conditions. However, the reward is access to a truly remote and unspoiled stretch of coastline. The journey through the dunes and along the beach offers a unique perspective of Nantucket's wilder side. Instagram+1

Pro Tip: Always check tide charts before heading out, as high tide can significantly reduce the drivable area and increase the risk of getting stuck. Some visitors have shared experiences of needing assistance to get their vehicles unstuck from the sand. Instagram+1

Wildlife Wonders: Seals and More

Great Point Beach is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts, most notably for its abundant seal population. Visitors frequently rave about the opportunity to see dozens of seals lounging on the sand and swimming in the clear waters. It's a truly captivating sight and a highlight for many who visit. Instagram+1

Beyond the seals, the area is a haven for various bird species and marine life. The remote nature of the beach means you're more likely to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep an eye out for different types of seabirds and other coastal creatures. Instagram

Important Note: While the wildlife is a major attraction, it's crucial to observe from a respectful distance. Avoid approaching or disturbing the seals or other animals to ensure their well-being and your safety. Instagram+1

The Iconic Great Point Lighthouse

Standing sentinel at the northeastern tip of Nantucket, the Great Point Lighthouse is a historic and picturesque landmark. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. Many visitors make the trek specifically to see this iconic structure. Instagram

The lighthouse itself is a beautiful subject for photography, especially during the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset when the light casts a warm glow. Its presence adds a sense of history and grandeur to the wild landscape of Great Point Beach. Instagram

While you can admire the lighthouse from the exterior, access inside may be limited. Regardless, its visual appeal and historical significance make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Great Point Beach. Instagram