Brant Point Beach
Nantucket, MA
Brant Point Beach is the small strip of sand beside Brant Point Light at the mouth of Nantucket Harbor. Boats slide past just offshore, and the lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots on the island. It is a short walk from downtown.
A picturesque lighthouse spot close to town, though currents and boat traffic limit swimming.
How we score beachesCurrents near the harbor mouth can be strong, so treat it as a place to sit and watch. Sunrise and early evening are the best times.
Parking is limited near the point, and walking from downtown is easiest.
A short flat walk leads to the sand. There are no built facilities.
Summer is best, and the harbor mouth is busy with boats.
More Atlantic Coast beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Eastham, MA · Atlantic Coast
A National Seashore beach backed by grassy dunes and a tidal marsh, with clean Atlantic surf and one of the Cape's most scenic approaches on foot from the parking area.
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, MA · Atlantic Coast
Open Atlantic swell and a wide sandy shoreline about three miles from Nantucket town, popular with locals for its bodysurfing waves and quieter, less commercial feel.
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY · Atlantic Coast
A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.