Steps Beach
A beach known for its iconic steps, calm waters, and stunning sunsets, offering unique low-tide sandbar exploration.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Steps Beach
Best Time
Golden hour magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beach known for its iconic steps, calm waters, and stunning sunsets, offering unique low-tide sandbar exploration.
"Witness breathtaking sunsets and walk far into the ocean on the unique sandbar at low tide."
👟 Prepare for the Steps
The 'steps' can be numerous! Wear comfortable shoes for the descent and ascent, especially if carrying gear.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for accessing sea caves and enjoying the sandbar. Low tide is your best friend here!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Famous Steps
Beach Entrance
Descend the iconic steps, a unique entrance to this beautiful beach. The journey down is part of the adventure!

Emerging Sandbar
In the water
At low tide, a sandbar emerges, allowing you to walk far into the ocean. Perfect for wading and shallow exploration.

Sunset Views
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the water, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A truly peaceful end to the day.

Sea Caves (Low Tide Access)
Along the coastline
Explore intriguing sea caves, but only when the tide is low. A hidden world revealed for the adventurous.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Steps
Best Time for Calm Waters & Sunsets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Prepare for the Steps
The 'steps' can be numerous! Wear comfortable shoes for the descent and ascent, especially if carrying gear.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for accessing sea caves and enjoying the sandbar. Low tide is your best friend here!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Pack a blanket and stay for sunset; it's a highlight and offers incredible photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Walk to Jetties Beach
If you need facilities like restrooms or food, Jetties Beach is a short walk away.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Prepare for the Steps
The 'steps' can be numerous! Wear comfortable shoes for the descent and ascent, especially if carrying gear.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Crucial for accessing sea caves and enjoying the sandbar. Low tide is your best friend here!
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Pack a blanket and stay for sunset; it's a highlight and offers incredible photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Walk to Jetties Beach
If you need facilities like restrooms or food, Jetties Beach is a short walk away.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider alternative transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Steps Beach is widely praised for its calm, warm waters and beautiful sunset views, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors love the unique experience of the sandbar at low tide and the scenic approach. However, the significant number of steps can be a challenge for some, and parking can be difficult during peak times.
"Gorgeous calm waters at Steps beach in a beautiful part of Nantucket. Water is warmer on this side of the island."
Andy Rumpelt
"Great spot, close to Town but still feels secluded. Easy to walk down to Jetties beach if you need the bathroom or to get some food."
Robert Groppe
"Steps beach features a whimsical walk through a tunnel of flowering plants. As you beginning your journey to the steps, you turn a corner to the most beautiful views. This beach is perfect for swimming as the waves are very calm and the sand is soft. As low tide approaches you will begin to see the sandbar emerge. This beach gives you the ability to walk 20-40 feet out into the ocean. Ankle deep in some places. Great place for any swimmer. The sandbar is a must see. Childrens Beach is a five minute walk away. The Sandbar restaurant is right behind Children's Beach. A short walk and you can have a delicious meal or bathroom break."
Chelle B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Steps Beach is accessible via a set of stairs. The exact number of steps is debated, with some sources citing around 240 and others claiming up to 1000.
If you're in Laguna Beach, the entrance is often noted as being near 31972 Coast Hwy. On Nantucket, it's located at 23 Lincoln Avenue.Parking can be challenging, especially during busy periods. Some visitors suggest arriving early.
In Laguna Beach, street parking is available, but can be competitive.Due to the significant number of steps, Steps Beach is generally not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. It requires a descent and ascent via stairs.
Steps Beach in Nantucket is located at 23 Lincoln Avenue. Visitors often enjoy a stroll up Cliff Road to reach it, with a short uphill trek to the beach itself.
Yes, in Nantucket, Steps Beach is a short walk from Jetties Beach, which offers restrooms and food options.
The Sandbar restaurant is also nearby, behind Children's Beach.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, Steps Beach does not require tickets for entry. It's a public beach accessible via stairs.
Steps Beach is typically open to the public during daylight hours. There are no official 'closing' times, but it's best to visit when there's natural light for safety and enjoyment.
No, there is no entrance fee to access Steps Beach. It is a public beach.
The main restriction is the access via steps, making it difficult for those with mobility issues. Also, sea cave access is restricted to low tide.
While not officially closed, visiting Steps Beach at night is not recommended due to safety concerns related to the steps and the dark environment.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The sand at Steps Beach is described as soft and clean, making it pleasant for lounging and walking.
Yes, the waves at Steps Beach are generally very calm, making it an excellent spot for swimming and wading, especially for families.
At low tide, a sandbar emerges at Steps Beach, allowing you to walk quite a distance into the ocean in shallow water, sometimes only ankle-deep.
While not as renowned for snorkeling as some other locations, the calm waters and potential for exploring near sea caves at low tide can offer some opportunities.
Its unique features include the challenging descent via steps, the emerging sandbar at low tide, and the opportunity to explore sea caves. It's also praised for its calm waters and beautiful sunset views.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during late afternoon and early evening, offers the most magical lighting for photos, especially for sunsets.
Early mornings can also provide beautiful, serene shots with fewer crowds.The steps themselves, the emerging sandbar at low tide, the sea caves (if accessible), and the panoramic sunset views are all highly photogenic.
Drone regulations vary by location. It's essential to check local ordinances for Nantucket or Laguna Beach before flying a drone. Always fly responsibly and respect privacy.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and the steps. A polarizing filter can enhance sunset colors. For sea cave exploration, a waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable.
The sandbar at low tide offers a unique opportunity to photograph people walking far out into the ocean. The tunnel of flowering plants leading to the steps in Nantucket also provides a picturesque entrance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌅 Sunset Lovers & Photographers
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Steps' Conundrum: How Many Are There Really?
On Nantucket, Massachusetts, the 'steps' are less about a daunting number and more about a charming pathway. Visitors describe a 'whimsical walk through a tunnel of flowering plants' leading to the beach. While the exact number isn't emphasized, the journey is part of the scenic approach. The key takeaway is to wear comfortable footwear and be ready for a bit of a trek, no matter which Steps Beach you visit.
Low Tide Wonders: Sandbars and Sea Caves
Similarly, on Nantucket, Massachusetts, low tide reveals a spectacular sandbar. This phenomenon allows visitors to walk a considerable distance into the ocean, with the water often only reaching ankle-deep. This creates a unique and serene experience, perfect for wading, shallow exploration, and capturing memorable photos. It transforms the beach into a vast, shallow expanse, offering a sense of being able to walk on water.
Nantucket's Coastal Charm: Steps Beach Ambiance
Visitors often highlight the 'golden hour magic' and the 'peaceful way to end a day' by watching the sun melt into the horizon. The journey to the beach itself is part of its charm, with a scenic walk that adds to the overall experience. It's a place where the sound of the water is refreshing, and the clean sand invites relaxation, making it a favorite for both sunrise and sunset viewing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit