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Heads up

  • Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
Bay / CalmFree & OpenHidden gemBest in September

Eel Point Road

Nantucket, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound / Madaket Harbor

Nantucket's wildest north-shore spit — birds, dunes, and silence

A remote north shore beach requiring a sandy road walk to access. The spit of land at Eel Point is a prime birding spot where Nantucket Sound meets the open harbor. Pristine and wild.

Eel Point is one of the wildest places left on Nantucket — a long, narrow spit of sand and beach grass reaching west from the north shore into Madaket Harbor. You park at a small dirt pull-off and walk in along a sandy track for about half a mile through scrub and dune. There's no beach infrastructure of any kind, no lifeguards, no restrooms, no concessions — just a remarkable stretch of bird habitat and one of the best low-tide flats on the island. Piping plovers, least terns, oystercatchers, and willets all nest here; the area is closed seasonally through July to protect them. Bring binoculars, bring water, bring a tide chart, and don't bring a crowd.

Photo spot

Low-tide sandbar curving out toward Madaket Harbor

Arrive
Anytime — but bring everything
Crowds
Low
Dogs
Welcome
Sunsets
Great spot

Best for

NatureSeclusionBirdingWalking

The beach

Lay of the land

Orientation
Northwest-facing (sunset)
Length
~1.5 mi
Tide flat
~300 yd at low tide
Backshore
Dune / flat
Sand
Fine soft sand backed by beach grass and scrub
Shade
none

Wildlife

Birds you may see: piping plover, least tern, American oystercatcher, willet, osprey, great egret

TidepoolsEelgrass beds

Things to know

  • Occasional seal haul-outs nearby — a shark factor on outer-Cape waters.
  • Jellyfish more likely July–August.
  • Greenhead flies are intense in late July through mid-August on calm, humid days.

Plan your visit

Parking & fees

Lot size
Small
Enforcement
Free; small dirt pull-off only.

Small lot, walk or bike along Eel Point Road

Getting there

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

Accessibility

Beach wheelchair
Not available
Mobi Mat
No
Path from parking
long walk

Dogs

Allowed on leash; restricted in plover closure zones.

Pairs well with

Rules & activities

What’s allowed

UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking

Activities

Unofficial SUP/kayak launchFishing · surfcastingFishing · fly

Safety & stewardship

Significant plover closures

Today

Water59°F
Sunrise5:08 AM
Sunset8:17 PM

Conditions

WavesCalm water
Water65–70°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~1.5 mi
Open in Google MapsOfficial town page

Ratings updated 4 days ago

Eel Point Road — good to know

How much does parking cost at Eel Point Road?

Parking at Eel 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 Eel Point Road?

Dogs are allowed at Eel Point Road — Allowed on leash; restricted in plover closure zones.

Does Eel Point Road have lifeguards?

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

Are there restrooms at Eel Point Road?

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

What is the water like at Eel Point Road?

Eel Point Road is a calm, bay-side beach on Nantucket Sound / Madaket Harbor. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 65–70°F (July–Aug).

What is Eel Point Road best for?

Eel Point Road is especially good for nature, seclusion, birding and walking.

When is the best time to visit Eel Point Road?

Anytime — but bring everything; you're committing to remote.

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