Steps Beach - A wooden walkway leading to the beach with the ocean in the background
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Steps Beach

4.8
·203 reviews·Nantucket, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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Steps Beach - A wooden walkway leading to the beach with the ocean in the background

Steps Beach

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(203 reviews)

"Witness breathtaking sunsets and walk far into the ocean on the unique sandbar at low tide."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Famous Steps

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

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

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)

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Steps

While called 'Steps Beach,' the actual number of steps varies. Some sources say around 240, others claim 1000. Be prepared for a descent and ascent, especially if you're carrying beach gear. Check tide times for accessing sea caves, as they're only accessible at low tide. TikTok+2

Best Time for Calm Waters & Sunsets

For the calmest waters and a magical sunset experience, aim for late afternoon or early evening. This is when the beach truly shines, offering a peaceful ambiance and stunning golden hour views. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Low tide
Why
Sandbar & sea cave access
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Peaceful sunrise views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Discover California's Hidden Gems! Things to do in Laguna Beach California 📍Hidden Pool Laguna Beach. How to get there : First go to 1000 steps beach and walk down few hundreds steps ( not 1000 😂). Once at bottom keep going towards your left to sea caves. Keep in mind YOU CAN ONLY ACCESS thru this save cave when low tide. If high tide, then unfortunately you can’t make it to the pool. Walk thru t...
@discoveringcalifornia
10K likes • 223K views

👟 Prepare for the Steps

The 'steps' can be numerous! Wear comfortable shoes for the descent and ascent, especially if carrying gear. TikTok+1

🌊 Check Tide Times

Crucial for accessing sea caves and enjoying the sandbar. Low tide is your best friend here! TikTok

1000 steps beach🌊 31972 Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 #beachbeutiful#1000stepsbeach#californiaadventure
@xonniaa
8.3K likes • 206.4K views
Golden hour magic on Nantucket ✨ Watching the sun melt into the horizon from Steps Beach might just be the most peaceful way to end a day on the island. 🌅 With its soft white sand, calm waters, and sweeping views of the Sound, this hidden gem is one of the best spots for a Nantucket sunset. 📍 Steps Beach 23 Lincoln Avenue Nantucket, MA ✅ Make sure to follow @travelikealocalma for special pl...
travelikealocalma
429 likes • 19.9K views

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Pack a blanket and stay for sunset; it's a highlight and offers incredible photo opportunities. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Jetties Beach

If you need facilities like restrooms or food, Jetties Beach is a short walk away. Reddit

SLOW…We brake for hydrangeas! A stroll up Cliff to Steps is always a good idea. If you’ve never been, be sure to take the short uphill trek to Steps Beach and take a break on the way bACK at @somethingnaturalack It’s so worth the view and the snacks! 🤗☀️😋🥪🍪 🔥🔥🔥 FLASH CANDLE SALE CONTINUES! 🔥🔥🔥 ACK⚓️4170 Salt. Sand. Sea. ACK4170.com
ack4170
293 likes • 0 views

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. TikTok+1

🌊 Check Tide Times

Crucial for accessing sea caves and enjoying the sandbar. Low tide is your best friend here! TikTok

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Pack a blanket and stay for sunset; it's a highlight and offers incredible photo opportunities. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Jetties Beach

If you need facilities like restrooms or food, Jetties Beach is a short walk away. Reddit

🚗 Parking Considerations

Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider alternative transport. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(203 reviews)

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

Calm, warm waters
Beautiful sunsets
Emerging sandbar

What People Dislike

Numerous steps
Limited parking

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. TikTok+1 If you're in Laguna Beach, the entrance is often noted as being near 31972 Coast Hwy. TikTok On Nantucket, it's located at 23 Lincoln Avenue. Instagram

Parking can be challenging, especially during busy periods. Some visitors suggest arriving early. Instagram In Laguna Beach, street parking is available, but can be competitive. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram+1

Yes, in Nantucket, Steps Beach is a short walk from Jetties Beach, which offers restrooms and food options. Reddit The Sandbar restaurant is also nearby, behind Children's Beach. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, Steps Beach does not require tickets for entry. It's a public beach accessible via stairs. TikTok

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. TikTok

No, there is no entrance fee to access Steps Beach. It is a public beach. TikTok

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. TikTok

While not officially closed, visiting Steps Beach at night is not recommended due to safety concerns related to the steps and the dark environment. TikTok

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

The sand at Steps Beach is described as soft and clean, making it pleasant for lounging and walking. Reddit

Yes, the waves at Steps Beach are generally very calm, making it an excellent spot for swimming and wading, especially for families. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, during late afternoon and early evening, offers the most magical lighting for photos, especially for sunsets. Instagram Early mornings can also provide beautiful, serene shots with fewer crowds. Reddit

The steps themselves, the emerging sandbar at low tide, the sea caves (if accessible), and the panoramic sunset views are all highly photogenic. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Steps Beach offers a fantastic experience for families, particularly due to its calm waters. The gentle waves make it safe for children to swim and play without worry. Reddit The emerging sandbar at low tide is a huge hit with kids, allowing them to explore far out into the ocean in shallow water. Reddit However, parents should be mindful of the steps involved in accessing the beach; carrying younger children or a lot of gear might be challenging. Consider visiting when you have extra hands or packing light. TikTok

🌅 Sunset Lovers & Photographers

For those chasing the perfect sunset, Steps Beach is a must-visit. The 'golden hour magic' is renowned, with the sun dipping below the horizon in a spectacular display of colors. Instagram Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture stunning shots of the beach, the water, and the vibrant sky. Reddit Arrive in the late afternoon to secure a good spot and witness the transformation of the light. The calm waters also provide beautiful reflections, adding to the photographic appeal. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers

If you enjoy a bit of an adventure, the 'steps' themselves are a key part of the experience. Be prepared for a significant descent and ascent, which can be a good workout. TikTok+1 For those interested in exploring coastal features, the sea caves (accessible only at low tide) offer a unique discovery. TikTok The ability to walk far out on the sandbar at low tide also provides an extended area for exploration and wading. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Steps' Conundrum: How Many Are There Really?

The name 'Steps Beach' is a bit of a misnomer, as the actual number of steps can be a surprise to visitors. In Laguna Beach, California, one TikTok creator noted approximately 240 steps, humorously pointing out it's not quite 1000. TikTok However, another video claims there are indeed 1000 steps, emphasizing the effort involved. TikTok Regardless of the exact count, the descent and ascent are a significant part of the experience, so be prepared for a workout, especially if you're carrying beach essentials. Some residents even have roller coasters to bypass the walk! TikTok

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. Reddit 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

The magic of Steps Beach is often amplified by the ebb and flow of the tide. In Laguna Beach, California, the sea caves are a major draw, but their accessibility is entirely dependent on low tide. TikTok If the tide is high, these intriguing formations remain hidden. Planning your visit around the low tide schedule is crucial if you want to explore these natural wonders. TikTok

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. Reddit 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

Steps Beach on Nantucket is celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque setting. Described as a 'hidden gem,' it offers soft white sand and calm waters, making it ideal for a peaceful end to the day. Instagram The beach provides sweeping views of the Sound, and its location, while close to town, still manages to feel secluded. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the 'golden hour magic' and the 'peaceful way to end a day' by watching the sun melt into the horizon. Instagram The journey to the beach itself is part of its charm, with a scenic walk that adds to the overall experience. Instagram 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. Reddit

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