Guides

Which Nantucket Wildlife Refuge is Right for You?

With rolling dunes, sandy beaches, and coastal wildlife, Nantucket is a breathtaking island. Did you know that it’s home to a collection of fascinating wildlife refuges and parks? Keep reading to learn about the picturesque Nantucket wildlife refuge you should visit the next time you visit the Grey Lady.

VISIT THESE NANTUCKET WILDLIFE REFUGES

It’s always the best time to visit Nantucket! Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, get outside and explore the beautiful Nantucket wildlife refuges.

FOR THE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER: NANTUCKET NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

This refuge is a 24-hour range, established in 1973, is an environment for migratory birds. Most of the Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge is barrier beach dunes, including the beach, berm, and dune system. This protected land is home to the Piping plover and Roseate tern, and various gull species. You’ll also find gray and harbor seals hanging out throughout the refuge.

FOR THE BEACH LOVER: COSKATA-COATUE WILDLIFE REFUGE GATEHOUSE

The breathtaking Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse encompasses miles of picturesque beaches, the most extensive red cedar woodland in New England, and the Great Point Lighthouse. This area is only accessible via boat or sand vehicle, which the Trustees of Reservations offers. The park has miles of trails for you to explore, and the rare Eastern prickly pear cactus grows in a few places.

FOR THE BIRD WATCHER: MASS AUDUBON’S SESACHACHA HEATHLANDS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

At Mass Audubon’s Sesachacha Heathlands Wildlife Sanctuary, you can explore two of Massachusetts’s rarest habitats—coastal heathland and sandplain grassland. The sanctuary is home to Sesachacha Pond, the largest body of brackish water on the island. The pond is home to over 300 bird species and is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can only access the refuge via narrow, soft sand roads that require four-drive vehicles.

STAY WITH US AT GREYDON HOUSE

Greydon House provides the charm and comfort of a village inn paired with a modern hotel’s upscale amenities. We offer 20 luxurious rooms and suites and an internationally inspired on-site restaurant, Via Mare. Stay at our convenient location to be close to the island’s best restaurants, beaches, and more.


Related Stories