Sitting here thinking about what topic would be appropriate for my inaugural post, I considered all sorts of things. And places. And restaurants. I will--eventually--get to all of them. But, at the end of the day, Nantucket is about the beach. The ocean. ACK (secret code language for Nantucket--more on this in another blog post!) is an island after all...
I would rather be up against a firing squad than have to demarcate "The Best Nantucket Beach." As if any of them were
bad? So, I am going to pick
my favorite beach since this is
my Nantucket blog :)
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Steps Beach is undoubtedly one of the island's finest, highlighted with stunning views of Nantucket Sound |
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I think this one is worth a million. Steps Beach is not only my favorite beach, it's one of my absolute favorite places anywhere on the island. This is Nantucket at her best: ocean views, sand dunes, boat traffic, attractive architecture, beach roses, and serenity. Especially stunning at dawn and dusk, Steps Beach is a must-see for any Nantucket initiate.
Located on top of "The Cliff", Steps Beach is in close proximity to the heart of Town. Marked by a "Welcome to Steps Beach" boulder, this lovely spot is reached via Lincoln Circle. From Town, take Cliff Road west and make a right onto Highland Avenue, followed by a left onto Lincoln. Just look for the boulder. Oh, and about two dozen bicycles! Surf here is minimal which is a plus since Steps Beach is unguarded. There are no bathrooms or concessions here. However, Jetties Beach has all of those things and is just a few hundred yard-walk along the shore to the northeast (walk towards...you guessed it...the jetty). So in summary, Steps Beach is highly recommended--especially in June when your descent down the staircase will be perfumed with roses.
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This boulder on Lincoln Circle marks the entrance to the beach pathway |
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Typical summer scene at Steps Beach |
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Steps Beach and the adjacent dunes and bluffs are loaded with Rosa rugosa bushes: wild "beach roses" that perfume the air with their cinnamon-like scent. Rugosas are in full-bloom for the entire month of June and bloom intermittently all summer thereafter. |
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Some of Nantucket's choicest real estate is located on Lincoln Circle at the top of Steps Beach |
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Looking west |
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THAT is why it's called Steps Beach! |
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