A remote, drive-on beach on the harbor side of Nantucket's west end, reached by nearly a mile of dirt road off Eel Point Road. The surf is small and the sand packs firm, which is why families and surfcasters favor it over the ocean-side beaches nearby.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Nantucket lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day, roughly 9am to 5pm, and vehicles are barred from the lifeguarded beaches during those hours. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
From late JuneDogs
Leashed and licensed dogs are allowed; dogs and owners may not enter dune vegetation, marsh grass, or fenced wildlife areas
Managed by
Natural Resources Department
508-228-7230 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostfreeStickertown beach vehicle permit required to drive on sand; not required to park and walk in
40th Pole dirt lot
Details unconfirmed
40th Pole dirt lot
CostfreeSpacesunconfirmed
Reached via the dirt continuation of Eel Point Road
Access points along this beach
Access 45
Main vehicle access point onto the beach
Access 45A / 46
Return route off the beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Seasonal restroom near the parking area; no other amenities
Worth knowing
- 40th Pole is a popular surfcasting spot for bluefish, which follow bait fish along this stretch of harbor shoreline
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at 40th Pole by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Water °F | 39° | 38° | 42° | 50° | 57° | 67° | 76° | 75° | 69° | 61° | 51° | 42° |
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Monthly averages from NOAA, Nantucket Island (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is 40th Pole in Nantucket open today?
40th Pole is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Do I need four-wheel drive to get here?
Yes. The last stretch is soft sand road, and the town's own guidance says not to attempt it in a low-clearance vehicle.
Leashed, licensed dogs are welcome, just keep them out of the dune grass and any fenced-off nesting areas.
Is there parking at 40th Pole, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). 40th Pole dirt lot
Are there restrooms at 40th Pole?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at 40th Pole?
Water at 40th Pole averages about 38°F in February and 76°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Nantucket Island from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at 40th Pole?
Beach driving here can close on short notice for nesting shorebirds; check current status before heading out. No alcohol, glass, or smoking on Town-owned beaches; violations carry a $300 fine.
Can you swim at 40th Pole?
There is no MA DPH swim status for 40th Pole off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Is there an entry fee at 40th Pole?
No, entry is free.