The Sconset Bluff Walk: How to Explore This Nantucket Treasure

The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk is a public path along the eastern edge of the island. It’s an absolute treasure, providing breathtaking cliff views of the ocean, beach, and classic Nantucket cottages.

Looking for a way to experience more of the gorgeous Nantucket scenery including seaside cliffs, beaches, and stunning cottages? Look no further than the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk!

This public path is one of the best-kept secrets of the island. It’s a roughly one-mile trail that traverses along a cliff on the eastern edge of the island.

Finding the path can be a bit tricky, however, but once you do, you’ll be grateful you did. It’s an absolute treat to stroll down this path on a bright sunny day – taking in everything unique and special about Nantucket.

Where is the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk and how can I find it?

The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk is on the easternmost edge of Nantucket – a short stroll north of the village’s roundabout and the Siaconset Market.

‘Sconset is short for Siaconset, one of the many villages you’ll find on the island. And truly the most picturesque area of the island outside of Main Town.

Here, you’ll find some of the most adorable clapboard cottages you’ve ever seen, paired with a beautiful expansive beach, a nostalgic market (a great place to pick up lunch to go!), a small cafe, and a village center that exudes charm.

No matter how you travel to Siaconset, you’ll likely arrive at the village roundabout. This charming space, with a flag pole in the center, is effectively the center of the village. This is where the island bus drops passengers and most taxis will arrive here as well.

From this point, you’ll want to head to the left of the roundabout when facing the storefronts. Soon, you’ll pass Siaconset Market (also called Sconset Market) – a delightful store that feels a bit like stepping back in time and is also a great place to pick up a bite to eat.

Walk past the market to the end of Main Street with Larson Park on your right. From here, turn left down Broadway and keep going for a few hundred feet until you reach North Gully Road. Be sure to soak in the ambiance of the lovely Nantucket cottages along the way!

After turning right on North Gully, turn left on Front Street and, almost immediately, turn right down a paved walking path between two homes. From here, the path will take you around a bend. At this point, keep your eyes peeled for a sign on a small grassy hill to your left. This is the entrance of the Sconset Bluffs Walk. If you find yourself on a road heading toward the ocean, you’ve gone too far!

It may feel a bit strange at first as you begin your journey – as if you’re trespassing on private property. But do not fear! This is a public path and pedestrians are permitted to walk here, even when the path converges with a home’s backyard.

You’ll also immediately notice just how narrow the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk is. Note that bikes are not permitted along the trail, but dogs are (of course, keep them leashed and clean up any mess).

As you continue along the path, it doesn’t take long to encounter sweeping ocean views from the bluffs with Nantucket’s gorgeous white sand beach in the foreground.

While the Sconset Bluff Walk is open to the public, respect the private property it crosses. Most staircases down to the beach are private, and try to be as discreet as possible as you traverse through backyards.

In total, from start to finish, the Bluffs Walk is about one mile. The northern exit (or entrance) of the path leads to Baxter Road. If you’re up for even more adventure at this point, turn right, heading north down Baxter to arrive at Sankaty Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the island!

If you choose to extend your journey to see this picturesque lighthouse, just know it’s about another half-mile walk. That’s one more mile round trip, plus the additional mile south on the Bluffs Trail. If you’re up for the exercise, the views are worth it!

Taking time to walk along the Sconset Bluff Walk is worth it. There’s so much to see and take in along the path that is so quintessentially Nantucket you’ll instantly wish you could spend your whole summer on this spectacular island.