Few People Know About This Massachusetts Peninsula Where Seals Haul Out

The Bay State is one of the most beautiful places in the country. So, it comes as no surprise that there are so many natural wonders here. From glacial potholes to the largest tidal flats in North America to a natural bridge, you can find a natural wonder in Massachusetts just about anywhere. But there's one you may not have yet discovered or even heard of yet -- Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Let's explore the natural wonder here.

At 1,117 acres, Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge includes a 390-acre barrier beach made of two long peninsulas off the coast of Nantucket. It is overseen by The Trustees of Reservations.

This natural wonder provides shelter between Nantucket Harbor and Nantucket Sound. And it offers a diverse landscape of beach, forest, and dunes.

It's also home to a wide variety of species including shorebirds, plants, dwarf cedars, barberry, beach plum, and cacti.

Both gray and harbor seals feed in the riptide by the refuge and use the barrier beach as a haul-out.

Just remember that all seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. So if you happen to see seals when visiting Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, you must stay at least 150 away from them.

The beach is accessible via sandy roads that can only be traversed by four-wheel drive, overland vehicles. An Oversand Vehicle Permit must be obtained between the months of May and October.

But if you're able to see and explore this natural wonder, you'll be in absolute awe of its beauty.

Have you visited the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge on Nantucket yet? Tell us in the comments about your experience along with any other natural wonder in Massachusetts you love. And to learn more about Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, visit The Trustees' website and Facebook page.

You can also check out everything else that the island of Nantucket has to offer. It's one of the most beautiful small towns in Massachusetts.