Nantucket is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a wide range of outdoor experiences across its beautiful landscapes, protected natural areas and diverse ecosystems. From its beaches and dunes to its walking trails and bird sanctuaries, the island is a haven for those seeking to connect with nature.
Beaches
Nantucket is home to over 80 miles of coastline, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For nature lovers, visiting the less crowded beaches can be the best option, allowing for peaceful walks, wildlife observation, and the enjoyment of the island's natural beauty.
Madaket Beach: Known for spectacular sunsets.
Madequecham Beach: One of the more remote and rugged beaches on Nantucket’s southern coast, accessible by dirt roads.
Eel Point: A more secluded beach known for its beautiful dunes and marshes.
Dionis Beach: Located on the calmer north shore, Dionis is more secluded than other nearby beaches. Its gentle waves make it great for swimming.
40th Pole Beach: Also known as the Bathtub because of its warm, shallow, calmer waters, is a great spot for kids, fishing and bird watching.
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
This remote refuge, managed by The Trustees of Reservations, is a nature lover’s dream. Located on the northeast tip of the island, the refuge features miles of sandy trails, salt marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. It’s a prime spot for birdwatching, seal spotting, and experiencing untouched nature. Visitors can also explore Great Point Lighthouse, accessible via an off-road vehicle.
Sanctuaries and Wildlife Reserves
Squam Swamp: An inland sanctuary with unique forested wetlands, perfect for quiet hikes and wildlife observation. Visitors can walk through woods filled with black tupelo trees and lush plant life.
Mass Audubon’s Sesachacha Heathlands Wildlife Sanctuary: A coastal heathland, rare in the U.S., offering trails that pass through a habitat for many rare birds, butterflies, and plants. The trails provide sweeping views of the heathland and adjacent water bodies like Sesachacha Pond.
Birdwatching
Nantucket is a renowned bird watching destination due to its varied habitats that attract migratory and rare species. Nature lovers can explore areas like:
Nantucket Conservation Foundation Properties: These include bird-rich areas like Sanford Farm, Ram Pasture, and Norwood Farm, where you can observe species like osprey, piping plovers, and snowy owls in the winter.
Smith’s Point: At the western tip of the island, it’s a great spot for shorebirds and seabirds, particularly during migration seasons.
Walking and Hiking Trails
Sanford Farm and Ram Pasture: This 780-acre conservation area offers several miles of trails through open meadows, woods, and along the ocean. It’s a great place to spot wildlife, enjoy wildflowers, and appreciate panoramic views of the island’s natural beauty.
Tupancy Links: A former golf course turned conservation area, it features grassy trails and expansive views of the ocean. It's an easy walk and a great spot to watch seabirds and take in the coastal scenery.
Altar Rock: One of the highest points on the island, Altar Rock offers sweeping views of the moors and heathlands of Nantucket. It’s accessible by a scenic hike and is especially beautiful during the fall when the heathlands are in full bloom.
Surfing and Watersports
For nature lovers who enjoy water activities, Nantucket’s beaches offer plenty of opportunities for surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Check out Cisco Beach and Surfside for some of the islands biggest and most consistent waves.
Whale Watching and Seal Tours
Nantucket’s rich maritime heritage extends to its surrounding waters, which are teeming with wildlife. During the summer and early fall, visitors can take whale-watching tours to spot humpback whales, fin whales, and sometimes even blue whales off the coast.
Seal Tours: These boat tours take visitors to see the large seal populations that inhabit Nantucket’s shores, particularly around Great Point.
