Nantucket’s wildlife takes full advantage of the natural beach in this area, especially during the winter months. Small songbirds like the Snow Bunting gather here in small flocks to forage on the beach, alongside Sanderlings and other Sandpipers. Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls loaf on the shore, and deer browse through the tall dunes and often come on the beach. Throughout the year the Northern Harrier,  also known as “Marsh hawk”, “Hen harrier”, or even as “Grey ghost,” can be spotted cruising low over the dune in search of rodents or birds to prey upon. Spring and summer bring a variety of tern species, most notably the endangered Least and Common tern. The fall season brings an influx of migratory bird species like the Peregrine Falcon and its smaller relatives, the Merlin and American Kestrel.

Cisco Beach is located along the south shore several miles out of town. It is characterized by a wide white beach and heavy surf popular with surfers. There is a sizeable dirt parking lot however the beach can be very busy during the summer months and parking may be limited. There is a steep dropoff from the parking area to the beach, and a seasonal aluminum ramp provides access to the beach. There are no restrooms available at Cisco Beach. There may be seasonal mobile concessions stands. Cisco is located in a beautiful area of the island and there is a well-paved bike path leading straight to the parking lot, so visiting this beach while out biking is a good idea. There are seasonal lifeguards stationed at Cisco beach, however, the strong surf and bustle of sports activities mean this beach is a little less popular with families with young children. 

Heading from the rotary or town, make your way via Sparks Avenue or Prospect Street to the intersection by the high school of Atlantic Avenue, Sparks Avenue, and Prospect Street. Turn left onto Prospect Street and follow it until you reach the intersection of Prospect Street, Hummock Pond Road, Madaket Road, and Milk Street. Turn left onto Hummock Pond Road and follow it for approximately 3 miles. Shortly before the road ends, there is a left-hand turn onto a dirt road. Take this turn and follow it to the end to reach the unpaved parking lot of Cisco Beach. 

The Mothball Pines hotspot is located at a parking lot for Cisco Beach near the intersection of Hummock Pond Road and Mothball Way.