At the northeastern end of Nantucket, a long finger of sand, dunes and salt marsh curls into the sea. This is the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, protected and managed by The Trustees, and it ends at Great Point Light, the lighthouse that watches over the meeting of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic. The refuge is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Massachusetts, a place of shifting sand, big skies and wildlife, including shorebirds, ospreys and seals that haul out on the beaches in the colder months. Great Point Light has a particular story. The original lighthouse was destroyed in a storm in 1984, and a replacement was rebuilt on the site in the late 1980s, closely following the original design. It stands at the tip of the point, accessible by an oversand drive or a long walk, and the light is a symbol of the island's maritime heritage. A day here feels very different from the busy town and the manicured beaches.
Reaching Great Point takes planning. Much of the refuge is reached by an oversand route that requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, an oversand permit and a knowledge of tides, so many visitors take a guided natural-history tour offered by the managing organization. You can also walk the trails in the Coskata area, where sandy paths wind through woods, marsh and dunes. Distances to the point are long on foot, so go prepared with water and sun protection.
Respect the wildlife. Parts of the beach are closed in spring and summer for nesting shorebirds, and seals should be left alone and viewed from a distance. Weather is a major factor: wind and cold can be harsh, and storms can reshape the beach. Check conditions and any access restrictions before you set out, and make sure you have a plan for the tide.
Good to know
Fees for parking or oversand permits are charged, and the guided tours are popular and should be booked ahead. Dogs have rules that vary by season, so check before bringing them. The refuge offers superb photography at sunrise and sunset, and the off-season brings fewer people and the chance to watch seals.
Tides and timing
The oversand route changes with the tide and the season, and parts of the beach may be impassable at high water or closed for nesting birds. Guided tours handle those details, and they often include commentary on geology, history and wildlife. If you walk, start early, carry more water than you think you need and allow time for the return, because the sand slows you down.
Binoculars are valuable for spotting seals, oystercatchers and terns. The light is particularly lovely in the late afternoon, so many visitors time their trip to arrive at Great Point for the golden hour. Check conditions and any alerts from the managing organization before you leave town.
Practical notes
There are no shops or services at the point, so bring food, water and a first-aid kit. Mobile coverage is unreliable, and tides can strand vehicles, so do not attempt the oversand route without experience. Wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and layers. Dogs are subject to seasonal rules, and drones and fires are usually restricted. Stay on marked trails in the Coskata area, and keep well away from nesting areas and seals.
What to expect
The experience
A walk or guided natural-history tour through dunes, marsh and beach to Great Point Light at the island's northeastern tip.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon on a calm day, or in the cooler months for seal watching.
How long
Half to full day
Tips
Check oversand rules and tides, book guided tours ahead and bring water, layers and sun protection.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers who want wild beaches and a remote lighthouse.
- Families
- A guided tour is the easiest way to bring children safely.
- Couples
- Sunset at the point is unforgettable.
- Pair with
- Lunch in Wauwinet or a stop at Polpis.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
How do I get to Great Point?+
By a permitted four-wheel-drive vehicle on the oversand route, on a guided tour, or by a long walk on the beach.
Do I need a permit?+
Driving on the beach requires an oversand permit and suitable vehicle. Check the managing organization's rules.
Can I see seals?+
Seals are commonly seen on the beaches, especially in the cooler months. Keep your distance.
Are there restrictions in summer?+
Parts of the beach are closed for nesting shorebirds in the nesting season.
Can I climb the lighthouse?+
Great Point Light is normally appreciated from outside. Check current access with the managing organization.