It is the closest point on the Isle of Man to Great Britain, being 16 miles (26 km) south of Burrow Head in Scotland.

Strong currents offshore cause an ever-changing build-up of shingle, so that the beach changes shape with each tide.

A tidal range at the Point of Ayre provides excellent fishing from the beach.

Visitors are attracted by the gorse and heather which surrounds the lighthouse and merges with sand dunes stretching to the south-west, providing cover for rare wild flowers and forming part of a Manx National Heritage Nature Reserve.

A variety of land and sea birds visit the area throughout the year, as do a number of grey seals.