Great Point and the Far North Tip

The island's far north tip is a long sand spit, a place where the land simply runs out into the Atlantic. This is Great Point and the Coskata-Coatue refuge, a stretch of raw coastline that feels a world away from the cobblestones of town or the rose-covered cottages of 'Sconset. It is the day beyond the base for those who want to find the empty end of Nantucket, a quiet expanse reserved for the seals, the light station, and a profound sense of solitude.

Reaching this particular corner of the island is not a matter of a pleasant bicycle ride or a shuttle bus trip. The way to Great Point means driving on soft sand, a terrain that demands a four-wheel-drive vehicle and an over-sand permit from the trustees who manage the refuge. For many visitors, the more sensible approach is to join one of the guided natural-history tours. These tours handle the challenging driving, allowing passengers to focus on the landscape without the worry of getting stuck. This is the one trip on Nantucket that a bicycle simply cannot do.

Once out on the spit, the landscape opens up. The air is clean and carries the salt of the open ocean. Here, the crowds thin to nothing, replaced by the natural rhythms of the coastline. You might spot grey seals hauled out on the sandbars, or watch shorebirds pick their way along the water’s edge. The light station stands sentinel at the very end, a fixed point against the vastness of the sea. It is a stark, elemental beauty, a reminder of the island’s wilder side, far removed from the busy wharves.

This journey is worth the effort for its sheer difference. Nantucket rewards choosing one thing a day and doing it slowly, and a trip to Great Point is that choice in its purest form. It offers a counterpoint to the town’s activity and 'Sconset’s charm, showing another layer of the island’s character. Plan for a half-day or more, bring water and a layer even in July, and let the quiet of the place set your pace. It is a day that stays with you, long after the sand has been brushed from your shoes.