Beach Driving Guide

Where You Can Drive

Nantucket offers several designated areas for oversand vehicle access. Each location requires specific permits and offers unique experiences.

Great Point (Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge)

The crown jewel of Nantucket beach driving, Great Point extends 7 miles north from Wauwinet to the iconic Great Point Lighthouse. This pristine barrier beach is managed by The Trustees of Reservations and offers exceptional fishing, seal watching, and solitude. The drive itself is an adventure, with stunning views of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Smith's Point

Located on the island's southwest corner, Smith's Point provides access to excellent surf fishing and beautiful sunset views. The beach here faces Madaket Harbor and the open Atlantic, making it popular with anglers pursuing striped bass and bluefish. Town oversand permits are required.

Eel Point

A favorite among locals, Eel Point offers a more intimate beach driving experience on the island's western shore. The area is known for its calm waters, excellent clamming, and spectacular sunsets over Madaket. Access requires a town permit and careful attention to posted restrictions.

Surfside (Limited Areas)

While most of Surfside Beach is pedestrian-only, there are limited seasonal access points for oversand vehicles. Check current regulations as access can change based on beach conditions and wildlife nesting activity.

Permit Requirements

Beach driving on Nantucket requires proper permits, and requirements vary by location. Plan ahead as permits can sell out during peak season.

Trustees of Reservations Permit (Great Point)

Required for access to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Great Point. This permit is separate from the town permit and is required in addition to it for Great Point access.

• Cost: Approximately $180-$300 depending on membership status and permit type
• Where to Purchase: The Trustees gatehouse at Wauwinet or online at thetrustees.org
• Season: Permits typically valid May through October
• Member Discount: Trustees members receive significant discounts on permits

Town Oversand Vehicle Permit

Required for Smith's Point, Eel Point, and other town-managed beach areas. This permit is also required as a prerequisite for the Trustees permit.

• Cost: Approximately $150-$200 for the season
• Where to Purchase: Town of Nantucket Parks and Recreation Department or Town Building
• Requirements: Valid registration, proof of insurance, and vehicle inspection

Vehicle Requirements

Proper vehicle preparation is essential for safe beach driving. Under-prepared vehicles are the primary cause of beach strandings.

Mandatory Requirements

• 4WD Vehicle: Four-wheel drive is absolutely mandatory. AWD crossovers and SUVs often lack the ground clearance and low-range gearing needed for soft sand.
• Air Down Tires: Reduce tire pressure to 12-15 PSI before entering the sand. This dramatically increases your tire footprint and floatation. Never skip this step.
• Full-Size Spare: A compact spare is insufficient for sand driving. Carry a full-size spare tire, properly inflated for road use.

Recommended Equipment

• Shovel: A flat-blade shovel for digging out if stuck
• Tow Strap: A recovery strap rated for your vehicle weight
• Jack Board: A piece of plywood (at least 12"x12") to prevent your jack from sinking
• Portable Air Compressor: Essential for re-inflating tires before returning to paved roads
• Tire Pressure Gauge: Accurate low-pressure gauge (0-30 PSI range)

Rules and Regulations

Following the rules protects Nantucket's fragile ecosystem and ensures beach driving remains available for future generations.

Driving Guidelines

• Stay on Designated Tracks: Never create new paths or drive on dunes. Stick to established vehicle corridors.
• Speed Limits: Maximum 15 MPH on all beach areas. Slower is safer and causes less erosion.
• Right of Way: Pedestrians always have the right of way. Slow down and give walkers wide berth.
• No Night Driving: Most areas prohibit driving after dark during nesting season.

Wildlife Protection

• Nesting Closures: Piping plovers, least terns, and American oystercatchers nest on Nantucket beaches from April through August. Areas with active nests are closed to vehicles.
• Symbolic Fencing: String fencing marks protected areas. Never enter these zones.
• Seasonal Closures: Some areas close entirely during peak nesting season. Check current status before your trip.
• Keep Distance: Stay at least 50 yards from seals and nesting birds.

Safety Tips

Beach driving can be challenging, especially for first-timers. These tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Before You Go

• Check Tide Schedules: Know the tide times. Some areas become impassable at high tide, and you don't want to be caught off-guard.
• Weather Conditions: Avoid driving during or immediately after heavy rain. Wet sand behaves differently than dry sand.
• Tell Someone: Let someone know your plans, especially if heading to remote areas like Great Point.

On the Beach

• Don't Drive Alone: If you're inexperienced, go with someone who knows the terrain or follow another vehicle.
• Maintain Momentum: Keep a steady speed in soft sand. Don't stop unnecessarily in low-traction areas.
• Avoid Wet Sand at Water's Edge: Despite appearances, the wet sand near the water can be deceptively soft.

If You Get Stuck

• Stay Calm: Getting stuck happens to everyone, even experienced drivers.
• Don't Spin Wheels: This only digs you deeper. Stop immediately when you lose traction.
• Check Tire Pressure: You may need to air down further (but never below 10 PSI).
• Dig and Add Traction: Clear sand from around tires and place floor mats or traction boards if available.
• Ask for Help: Other beach drivers are usually happy to assist with a tow.