Heads up

Strong channel currents at the harbor mouth; not a safe swim beach.

HarborFree & OpenBest in August

Brant Point Road

Nantucket, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound

Nantucket's postcard view — lighthouse, ferries, harbor entrance

Home to the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse — the second-oldest lighthouse in America. Watch ferries glide in and out of the harbor. Calm water, easy walk from town, and a Nantucket must-see.

Brant Point sits at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor, with the squat red-roofed lighthouse — the second-oldest in America — anchoring the spit of sand where every arriving Steamship Authority ferry slows for the channel. The beach is small, the water is calm, and the entertainment is constant: ferries, sailboats, the harbormaster's launch, an endless rotation of boat traffic just yards offshore. There are no facilities here and no real swim beach — the channel currents at the harbor mouth are strong — but Brant Point is the postcard view of the island, and a fifteen-minute walk from downtown makes it the easiest beach visit on Nantucket.

History

Brant Point Light, first established in 1746, is the second-oldest lighthouse station in the United States after Boston Light.

Photo spot

Lighthouse with a ferry passing in the background at sunset

Arrive

Late afternoon for ferry watching and lighthouse photos

Crowds

Moderate

Dogs

Welcome

Sunsets

Great spot

Best for

FamiliesLighthouse

The beach

Lay of the land

Orientation: North-facing
Length: ~0.3 mi
Backshore: Dune / flat
Sand: Fine harbor sand
Shade: none

Wildlife

Birds you may see: common tern, herring gull, double-crested cormorant, osprey

Things to know

Piping plover closures typically run April–June — dunes may be roped off in those months.
Occasional seal haul-outs nearby — a shark factor on outer-Cape waters.
Jellyfish more likely in August.

Plan your visit

Parking & fees

Lot size: Small
Enforcement: Limited on-street parking; walk or bike from town.

Walk or bike from town

Getting there

Ferry: 60 min from Hyannis · Steamship Authority (fast ferry)
Cell signal: good

Accessibility

Beach wheelchair: Not available
Mobi Mat: No
Path from parking: short walk

Dogs

Allowed on leash off-season; restricted in summer swim areas.

Pairs well with

Childrens Beach

Rules & activities

What’s allowed

UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking

Activities

Unofficial SUP/kayak launch

Safety & stewardship

Partial plover closure (seasonal)

Today

Water73°F

Next low3:01 PM(0.7 ft)

Sunrise5:30 AM

Sunset8:02 PM

Conditions

WavesCalm water

Water66–70°F (July–Aug)

TidesModerate

SharksLow risk

Jellyfishlow

Length~0.3 mi

Facilities

Bike rack

Walk to downtown Nantucket (~0.5mi) for everything

Open in Google Maps Official town page

Ratings updated 28 days ago

Brant Point Road — good to know

How much does parking cost at Brant Point Road?

Parking at Brant Point Road is free and open to the public, but lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before about 10am for the best chance of a spot.

Are dogs allowed at Brant Point Road?

Dogs are allowed at Brant Point Road — Allowed on leash off-season; restricted in summer swim areas.

Does Brant Point Road have lifeguards?

No — Brant Point Road does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.

Are there restrooms at Brant Point Road?

Brant Point Road does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.

What is the water like at Brant Point Road?

Brant Point Road is a sheltered harbor beach on Nantucket Sound. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 66–70°F (July–Aug).

What is Brant Point Road best for?

Brant Point Road is especially good for families and lighthouse.

When is the best time to visit Brant Point Road?

Late afternoon for ferry watching and lighthouse photos.