Quidnet Beach
Nantucket, MA
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
Birds you may see: piping plover, least tern, American oystercatcher, willet, osprey, great egret
Things to know
Small lot, walk or bike along Eel Point Road
Allowed on leash; restricted in plover closure zones.
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.
Dogs are allowed at Eel Point Road — Allowed on leash; restricted in plover closure zones.
No — Eel Point Road does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Eel Point Road does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
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).
Eel Point Road is especially good for nature, seclusion, birding and walking.
Anytime — but bring everything; you're committing to remote.
Nantucket, MA

Nantucket, MA

Dennis, MA