Cape Cod Beach Guide


Nantucket Beaches ~ Cape Cod & Islands

Brant Point Lighthouse
Easton St
Nantucket, MA 02554
Brant Point Lighthouse
Brant Point Lighthouse is located at Easton St, Nantucket, MA 02554. This scenic 1901 tower is the 9th light station built at this historic site since colonial times and has a rating of 4.8 stars. This beach is also close to town and is located right on the harbor channel. Brant Point Lighthouse and the constant Nantucket Harbor boat traffic make this a very picturesque beach. The rocks near the Lighthouse are a good place to cast for Stripped Bass. There are no facilities, but, Jetties Beach is nearby.

Brant Point Lighthouse Parking:

  • No dedicated parking lot: There is no specific parking lot at Brant Point Lighthouse itself.
  • Park elsewhere and walk: You'll need to park in nearby public parking areas and then walk to the lighthouse. The walk to the point involves trekking through loose sand for about a tenth of a mile.
  • Near town: The lighthouse is a short walk from the ferry dock and near downtown Nantucket.
  • Easton Street/Hulbert Avenue: You can often find parking spaces at the intersection of Easton Street and Hulbert Avenue, and then walk to the lighthouse from there.

General Nantucket Beach Parking:

Nantucket has different rules for regular beach parking and for oversand vehicle (OSV) access (driving on certain beaches).

For Regular Beach Parking (no driving on the sand):

  • Many public beaches have free parking: Many public beaches on Nantucket offer free parking, and beach access itself is generally free.
  • Specific free parking beaches include: Pleasant Street Beach, Forest Beach (though limited), Oyster Pond Beach, and Jackknife Harbor Beach.
  • Jetties Beach and Children's Beach: These family-friendly beaches near town have parking lots. Jetties Beach also has NRTA shuttle service in-season.
  • Francis Street Beach: This small harbor beach near downtown has no parking available.

For Beach Vehicle Permits (Oversand Vehicle - OSV Access):

If you want to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle on certain Nantucket beaches, you'll need specific permits:

  • Town of Nantucket Beach Vehicle Permit:
  • Access: Allows vehicle access to beaches like 40th Pole, Eel Point, Nobadeer Beach, Smith's Point, Point of Breakers/South Shore, Cathcart Beach, and Low Beach/'Sconset.
  • Cost (as of latest info): $50 for Nantucket-registered vehicles (if purchased by May 31), $100 for Nantucket-registered vehicles (if purchased on or after June 1), $100 for off-island registered vehicles (if purchased by June 30), $150 for off-island registered vehicles (if purchased on or after July 1).
  • Duration: Valid for the calendar year (January 1 - December 31).
  • Purchase: Can be purchased online via City Hall Systems or in-person at the Public Safety Facility (4 Fairgrounds Road). You'll need your car registration.
  • Sticker Display: Permits need to be placed on the front and back bumpers.
  • Requirements: All vehicles must be four-wheel drive, properly registered, and operated by a licensed driver. Drivers must air down tires to 12-15 p.s.i. before driving on the sand.
  • The Trustees Over Sand Vehicle Permit:
  • Access: Gives you access to Great Point and the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.
  • Cost: $160 for a seasonal permit (valid April 1 to March 31, includes a complimentary Family-level Trustees Membership). Daily passes are also available (e.g., $50 for a day pass, plus $10 for each additional day for rental vehicles).
  • Purchase: Can be purchased online or at the Trustees' Wauwinet gatehouse (opens for OSV permit distribution on May 17, 2025).
  • Rental Vehicles: Many island rental car companies equip their 4x4 vehicles with both the Town and Trustees permits. However, for Great Point/Coskata-Coatue, renters of these vehicles still need to purchase a day pass.

Important Considerations for OSV Access:

  • Beach Conditions: Conditions vary throughout the year due to coastal flooding and nesting shorebirds, leading to potential closures and restrictions. Always check with the Town of Nantucket and The Trustees for the latest updates.
  • Rules & Regulations: Review the complete list of rules and regulations for driving on Nantucket beaches, as failure to comply or properly display stickers can result in significant fines.
  • Privilege, Not a Right: Driving on the beach is considered a privilege, and you must adhere to designated access points and avoid driving on dunes or below the high-water mark.

For the most accurate and current information, especially regarding fees and specific regulations, it's highly recommended to visit the official Town of Nantucket website (https://nantucket-ma.gov) and The Trustees of Reservations website (Nantucket OSV Permits - The Trustees of Reservations).