Great Point Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse on Nantucket's wild coast, accessible via an adventurous 4x4 beach drive, offering stunning views and wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for beach access & seal viewing
Great Point Lighthouse
Best Time
Best for beach access & seal viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse on Nantucket's wild coast, accessible via an adventurous 4x4 beach drive, offering stunning views and wildlife encounters.
"This place is amazing. Best of all, it's hard to get to but 100 percent worth it."
🚗 4x4 is a MUST
Essential for soft sand driving. Lower tire pressure to 15 psi max!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No facilities on-site. Enjoy the remote beauty with your own food and drinks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Point Lighthouse
Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge
Iconic rebuilt lighthouse offering stunning coastal views and a sense of remote beauty.
Seal Watching
Beaches near the lighthouse
Observe seals basking on the sand or popping their heads out of the water.
Off-Road Beach Drive
Access road to the lighthouse
An adventurous drive on soft sand, offering a unique way to reach this remote spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
4x4 Vehicle Essential
Respect Wildlife & Tides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 is a MUST
Essential for soft sand driving. Lower tire pressure to 15 psi max!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No facilities on-site. Enjoy the remote beauty with your own food and drinks.
⏰ Check Closing Times
Area closes at dusk. Plan your visit accordingly.
🔭 Wildlife Viewing
Keep a safe distance from seals; they are wild animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 is a MUST
Essential for soft sand driving. Lower tire pressure to 15 psi max!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No facilities on-site. Enjoy the remote beauty with your own food and drinks.
⏰ Check Closing Times
Area closes at dusk. Plan your visit accordingly.
🔭 Wildlife Viewing
Keep a safe distance from seals; they are wild animals.
📸 Photography Tips
Consider lighthouse placement in your shots for dramatic effect.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and remote feel of Great Point Lighthouse, calling the adventurous 4x4 drive to get there '100 percent worth it.' The opportunity to see seals and enjoy the untouched natural landscape are major draws. However, the necessity of a 4x4 vehicle and the lack of amenities are key considerations for planning.
"Must have 4x4, plan for a few hours out here. Pack a lunch have a picnic! You won’t be disappointed!
Check times ~ they do close off the area at dusk."
Dan Loudon
"Took Jeep Wrangler off-road to get there. Great views!"
John Bruno
"This place is a wonderful drive to get to, it's a nice off road drive accessible only in a 4wd vehicle. 15 lbs tire pressure max or you will get stick in the loose sand. Beautiful drive to the Great Point lighthouse with plenty of beach to enjoy."
Rodney Yoswig
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is primarily via a 4x4 off-road drive on the beach. A capable SUV or truck is necessary, and lowering tire pressure to around 15 lbs is crucial to avoid getting stuck in the soft sand.
No, regular cars cannot access Great Point Lighthouse due to the soft sand conditions. A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory.
The drive involves several miles of soft sand. It's recommended to let air out of your tires to improve traction and avoid getting stuck.
While possible, it's a significant distance. Many visitors opt for the 4x4 drive. If walking, be mindful of tides and potential rip currents.
Information on guided tours can vary. It's best to check with local Nantucket tour operators or the Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge for current offerings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no admission fee for the lighthouse itself, but access to the beach road may be restricted or require a permit depending on the season or specific regulations.
The area is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the beach access road is often closed off at dusk, so plan your visit accordingly.
While the lighthouse itself is free to visit, there might be a fee for beach driving permits, especially during peak season. Check with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation or relevant authorities.
The lighthouse and surrounding refuge are generally accessible year-round, but weather conditions, especially in winter, can impact road accessibility.
Yes, visitors must have a 4x4 vehicle for beach access and are advised to respect wildlife and stay on designated paths where applicable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the scenic drive, explore the dunes, watch for seals, and take in the panoramic ocean views. It's a great spot for photography and a picnic.
Typically, the lighthouse itself is not open for climbing. Visitors can admire it from the exterior and explore the surrounding grounds.
The area is a haven for seals, which are often seen basking on the sand or swimming nearby. Birdwatching is also popular.
Absolutely! The lighthouse against the coastal backdrop, especially during golden hour, makes for stunning landscape photography.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand and potentially uneven terrain. Layers are recommended as coastal weather can change quickly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services available at Great Point Lighthouse. It's a remote natural area.
It's highly recommended to pack a picnic lunch, snacks, and plenty of water, as you'll be spending a few hours in a natural setting.
Dining options are available back in Nantucket town or other villages on the island. Plan to eat before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but the starkness can also be appealing. Consider the weather for dramatic shots.
For general lighthouse shots, a tripod is recommended for stability. Experiment with aperture for depth of field and shutter speed for capturing wave motion.
You can photograph the lighthouse from various angles along the beach. Consider framing it with the dunes or the ocean for a more dynamic composition.
Popular shots include the lighthouse itself, the expansive coastline, seals, and the 4x4 vehicles navigating the sand.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in wildlife refuges. Always check current FAA and local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Road Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sands: The 4x4 Experience
Beyond the technical requirements, the off-road drive offers a unique perspective of Nantucket's wilder side. It's a chance to experience the island's natural beauty firsthand, with expansive beaches and dunes stretching out before you. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself, providing a sense of accomplishment and a memorable start to your visit.
Remember to check tide charts if you plan on extensive beach exploration, as strong rip currents can be a factor. The drive is often described as 'hard to get to but 100 percent worth it,' underscoring the rewarding nature of this adventurous access.
Wildlife Encounters at the Refuge
Beyond seals, the refuge is also a significant area for birdwatching. Depending on the season, you might spot various shorebirds, migratory species, and other coastal avian life. The untouched nature of the area provides a crucial habitat for these creatures, making it a valuable ecological site.
Encounters with marine life, such as sharks preying on seals, have also been documented near Great Point, highlighting the dynamic nature of this coastal environment.
While these sightings are rare and should be observed from a safe distance, they underscore the wild and untamed character of the area. Always be aware of your surroundings and respect the natural behaviors of the wildlife you encounter. Photography Opportunities
The surrounding environment provides ample opportunities for landscape photography. The expansive beaches, rolling dunes, and the ever-changing ocean create a sense of scale and natural beauty. Capturing the interplay of light and shadow, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, can yield breathtaking results.
Don't forget to incorporate the unique elements of the location into your shots. The 4x4 vehicles navigating the sand can add a sense of adventure, while the seals offer opportunities for wildlife photography. The remote and rugged nature of Great Point Lighthouse makes it a rewarding destination for photographers seeking both iconic landmarks and natural beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit