Where To Beach

With miles and miles of beautiful sandy coast, it’s no surprise that Nantucket offers an abundance of beaches to choose from. Whether you’re looking to surf, sunbathe, or dip your toes into calm waters, there’s a little something for everyone. We’ve broken down our Nantucket beaches by shore and characteristics, so you can make the decision more easily. 

North Shore

CALMER WATERS

1 | Jetties Beach | Close to town with parking, a playground and the Sandbar restaurant.

2 | Brant Point | Scenic lighthouse, and the best place to watch the boats and ferries ‘round the point.

3 | Children’s Beach | Closest beach to town, ideal for children with a playground, stage and snack bar, The Hungry Minnow.

4 | Steps Beach | Picturesque beach between Dionis and Jetties Beach with views of the Nantucket Sound and Great Point. 

5 | Dionis | Calm waters and peaceful beach, restrooms, parking and a 3-mile bike ride from town.

6 | 40th Pole | A local favorite, with drive-on access, calm water with views of Smith’s Point and the Cape. Permit required.

The South Shore

SURF BEACHES

7 | Tom Nevers | Big parking lot, baseball fields and new playground coming soon.

8 | Nobadeer | Popular drive-on beach with larger waves. Permit required.

9 | Surfside | Family-friendly beach with shuttle services, restrooms, parking, bike racks and The Surf snack bar.

10 | Miacomet | Less busy South Shore beach 2.5 miles from town, and close to Bartlett’s Farm.

11 | Cisco | Very popular beach with a surf school on-site and can have various food carts on-site. 

12 | Madaket | Famous sunset destination down the street from Millie’s Restaurant & Millie’s Market. 

The Eastern Shore

MODERATE SURF BEACHES

13 | ‘Sconset | NRTA shuttle or a 6-mile bike ride. Food nearby in ‘Sconset Village. 

14 | Quidnet | Typically a calmer water beach that borders Sesachacha Pond. No facilities or lifeguards. 

15 | Pocomo | Warm water, great for kayaking. 

16 | Great Point Beach | Permit, or day pass, and 4-wheel drive required.