Although Nantucket's regal lighthouses were originally constructed to stand as a beacon of light for sailors to safely navigate their boats to shore; nowadays, Nantucket's lighthouses mainly serve as historic landmarks and beautiful attractions. On the island, there are three lighthouses you should absolutely throw on your itinerary whether you're vacationing on Nantucket for just the weekend or planning to move here permanently.
(Photograph from nantucket.net)
Brant Point Lighthouse
The first lighthouse you must visit when on Nantucket is located on Easton Street, and it's even visible when arriving to the island via ferry. Built in 1746, Brant Point Lighthouse welcomes you to Nantucket and is often a spot where visitors and residents alike go to watch ferries and other boats enter and leave the harbor. Brant Point Lighthouse is also America’s second oldest lighthouse; although, it's not entirely in its original form due to fires that destroyed various parts of the wooden structure. I recommend making a trip to Brant Point Lighthouse, walking along the water, and taking a picture to capture the lighthouse's beauty.
(Photograph from nantucket.net)
Great Point Lighthouse
Next up is Great Point Lighthouse, which is located at the northernmost point of Nantucket in the Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Standing over 60 feet tall, Great Point Lighthouse was first built using wood in 1784, but similar to Brant Point Lighthouse, it fell victim to a fire and had to be reconstructed in 1986. If you're feeling adventurous, you can access Great Point Lighthouse by walking seven miles in the sand, but if that feels a little too daunting, you can schedule a guided tour with a member from The Trustees of Reservations. Either way, it's a majestic structure that sits on acres of gorgeous land.
(Photograph from nantucket.net)
Sankaty Lighthouse
Next up is Great Point Lighthouse, which is located at the northernmost point of Nantucket in the Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Standing over 60 feet tall, Great Point Lighthouse was first built using wood in 1784, but similar to Brant Point Lighthouse, it fell victim to a fire and had to be reconstructed in 1986. If you're feeling adventurous, you can access Great Point Lighthouse by walking seven miles in the sand, but if that feels a little too daunting, you can schedule a guided tour with a member from The Trustees of Reservations. Either way, it's a majestic structure that sits on acres of gorgeous land.
A visit to Nantucket isn't complete until you've experienced the beauty of its three historic, distinctive lighthouses. Each one is significant to the island for its own reasons, and each one is well worth photographing, walking around, and simply marveling at.
If you're interested in purchasing a home on Nantucket or renting a vacation house so you can visit the island's lighthouses and enjoy all of its other perks, feel free to contact me at 917.513.8199 or visit my new website to learn how to start touring your dream property.