• How many people live on Nantucket year-round?
    • Barely 10,000 people live on Nantucket year-round, but tens of thousands more are drawn to the island when the weather gets warm to bask in the sun and relax on the sandy shores.
  • What types of beaches can visitors find on Nantucket?
    • No matter what kind of beach you're looking for—whether it's a family-friendly location for kids to do some paddling or a party atmosphere beach for college kids and tourists looking for fun—you will find many amazing options to choose from on the island of Nantucket.

Best Time to Visit Nantucket Beaches

  • June to September – Best overall time with warm weather, swimmable waters, and classic coastal charm.
  • July & August – Peak summer season with lively beaches, festivals, and ideal conditions for sunbathing and swimming.
  • May & October – Pleasant temps and fewer crowds—perfect for beach walks and relaxed exploration.
  • April & November – Cooler and quieter, great for scenic strolls and peaceful shoreline views.
  • December to March – Off-season with brisk weather, empty beaches, and serene island vibes.

1.Children's Beach, Nantucket

Play on calm Nantucket shores and enjoy kids-friendly amenities near downtown Nantucket.

Children's Beach, Nantucket

© Cavan/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Children's Beach located?
    • Children’s Beach is located not far from Steamboat Wharf in Nantucket, making it a convenient and accessible destination for families.
  • Why is Children's Beach a great choice for families?
    • This beach is aptly named because it is the perfect spot for kids. Families visiting Nantucket will find it an ideal location for paddling, playing, and enjoying a safe beach environment.
  • What activities are available at Children's Beach?
    • The beach offers many family-friendly activities organized throughout the season, along with live entertainment for visitors to enjoy.
  • Is Children's Beach safe for swimming?
    • Yes! The waters are protected due to the harbor, resulting in almost no waves and very safe conditions, making it an excellent choice for young swimmers.

2.Nobadeer

Watch planes land and ride waves on this exciting south shore stretch.

Nobadeer

© CurtisCPhotos/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Nobadeer Beach known for?
    • Also nicknamed 'Brobadeer' by some beach-goers, this Nantucket beach isn't far from the island's airport and has traditionally been one of the main party beaches for spring and summer break students and other young travelers.
  • What kind of atmosphere can visitors expect at Nobadeer Beach?
    • If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, this is the place to be. It's not uncommon to hear a lot of music and hear a lot of chatter on this beach as groups of young people enjoy themselves and do some surfing.
  • Can you drive on Nobadeer Beach?
    • This is one of the only beaches on Nantucket that is suitable for driving too, which is another advantage of Nobadeer.

3.Siasconset

Walk along bluff paths and admire charming cottages on a romantic coastal stroll.

Siasconset

© Faina Gurevich/stock.adobe.com

  • Why is Siasconset Beach ideal for solitude seekers?
    • If you're the sort of person who loves to feel like you have a beach all to yourself, Siasconset is the place for you.
  • Where is Siasconset Beach located?
    • This is an eastern shore beach looking out onto the vast Atlantic Ocean with very big waves and cool waters.
  • Why is Siasconset Beach not crowded?
    • It's quite tricky to access, meaning few people actually take the time to visit it, which results in very low numbers of beach-goers and a whole lot of privacy for the folks who do take the time to head down there.
  • When is the best time to visit Siasconset Beach?
    • Due to its east-facing nature, this is a lovely beach to visit in the mornings and watch the sunrise.
  • Can you see wildlife at Siasconset Beach?
    • Yes! It's also a super spot to catch a glimpse of local wildlife like seals.

4.Jetties Beach

Swim in gentle surf and enjoy family picnics with nearby food and rentals.

Jetties Beach

© Mariia/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Jetties Beach located?
    • Located on the north shore, which tends to have the calmest and warmest waters due to the protection offered by the nearby Nantucket Sound, Jetties Beach is one of the most accessible beaches, just a short walk from town.
  • Is Jetties Beach popular with locals?
    • Yes! It's a popular place with the locals and has a lot of cool features to appeal to families and active beach-goers of all ages.
  • What activities and facilities are available at Jetties Beach?
    • Visitors can enjoy volleyball courts, tennis courts, a skate park, and a play area for the kids. You can also book sailing tours or lessons here, and the water is just right for swimming too.
  • What major event is held at Jetties Beach?
    • The Boston Pops on Nantucket annual summer event is held here and is one of the biggest occasions of the year for the island.

5.Great Point

Drive on sand and see the lighthouse during a remote trip north.

Great Point

© alwoodphoto/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Great Point located?
    • Situated on the eastern side of the island off Wauwinet Road, Great Point is home to the Nantucket Lighthouse, which is a lovely little landmark to snap some photos of.
  • Why is Great Point popular with fishermen?
    • Great Point is known for providing the best fishing conditions of any Nantucket beach. All kinds of species can be caught here, making it a top spot for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Is Great Point worth visiting for non-fishermen?
    • Yes! Even if you don't care about fishing, Great Point is a super spot to visit to check out the lighthouse and enjoy the unique views offered by this beach.

6.Surfside

Catch waves or walk the shore on a sunny summer day.

Surfside

© Stephen/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Surfside Beach located?
    • Down on the southern shore of the island, where the waves tend to get highest and the currents are quite rough, Surfside is an ideal spot for surfers.
  • Is Surfside Beach good for swimming?
    • The water here is cooler and the conditions are just right for surfing, but swimming isn't really recommended.
  • Is Surfside Beach worth visiting for non-surfers?
    • Yes! Even if you're not a surfer, you can still find a lot to love about this beach. It offers some beautiful views and there's a lot of space for everyone to spread out.
  • What amenities are available at Surfside Beach?
    • There are good amenities like restrooms and eateries.
  • How can visitors get to Surfside Beach?
    • Shuttle services run to and from this beach from the town as well.

7.Cathcart Beach

Relax in solitude and enjoy this unusual, less-traveled Nantucket escape.

Cathcart Beach

© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Cathcart Beach located?
    • Nestled along the shore of Nantucket Harbor, Cathcart Beach is a hidden gem. This small and out-of-the-way driving beach is located between the Shimmo and Monomoy areas of Nantucket.
  • Why is Cathcart Beach great for families?
    • Cathcart Beach is the perfect beach to visit for an afternoon of kayaking with kids. During the summer, the water is shallow, calm, and warm – perfect for families coming by with young children.
  • What makes Cathcart Beach special in the summer?
    • Cathcart Beach is arguably at its best during the summer as the water conditions are ideal for families. Visitors can also enjoy a great view of the harbor while relaxing on the beach or in the water.
  • Is parking available at Cathcart Beach?
    • Visitors should arrive early if visiting in the summer, as parking can get tricky.
  • Are there amenities at Cathcart Beach?
    • It’s important for visitors to note that there are no nearby amenities at the beach other than seasonal restrooms cared for by the Nantucket Land Bank.

8.Cisco Beach, Nantucket (Plus a Map of Nearby Beaches)

Go surfing or watch the sunset at this weekend favorite.

Cisco Beach, Nantucket (Plus a Map of Nearby Beaches)

© Svitlana/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Cisco Beach located?
    • Situated along Nantucket’s south shore, Cisco Beach is a favorite amongst surfing enthusiasts thanks to its heavy surf.
  • Why is Cisco Beach popular with surfers?
    • In addition to its heavy surf, the beach has a shallow sand bar at low tide, which is perfect for surfers to hang around while waiting to head back out and catch a new wave.
  • Is Cisco Beach only for surfers?
    • No! Just because it’s got a heavy surf doesn’t mean only surfers are welcome. Cisco Beach is also home to a huge white beach that is frequented by swimmers, fishermen, and beachgoers who want nothing more than to soak up the sun while relaxing on the sand.

9.Dionis Beach

Visit calm waters and look at dunes on an easy beach outing.

Dionis Beach

© Christopher Seufert/stock.adobe.com

  • What makes Dionis Beach special?
    • One of Nantucket’s most idyllic and beloved beaches is undeniably Dionis Beach. Visited frequently by just about anybody, it features calm and clear blue waters that are perfect for families with young children and recreational swimmers.
  • What views can visitors enjoy from Dionis Beach?
    • From Dionis Beach, guests can get a gorgeous view of the many sailboats and ferries that travel to and from Nantucket Harbor, all while enjoying the relaxing sun, surf, and sand.
  • What amenities are available at Dionis Beach?
    • Visitors to Dionis Beach can make use of well-kept amenities such as restrooms, changing rooms, and even water spigots that are perfect for quickly washing sand off your body.
  • Are food and drinks available at Dionis Beach?
    • For visitors who get hungry, there are several vending machines located along the shoreline with a variety of drinks and snacks.

10.Smith’s Point

Cross the sandbar and explore attractions on the island’s western edge.

Smith’s Point

© Christopher Seufert/stock.adobe.com

  • How was Smith’s Point created?
    • When Hurricane Esther hit Nantucket in 1961, it split the beach in two and created Smith’s Point. As a result, the beach is sometimes referred to as Esther’s Island.
  • Where is Smith’s Point located?
    • Featuring 1.5 miles of beautiful barrier beach, Smith’s Point is situated on the westernmost end of Nantucket, just a stone’s throw from Madaket Village.
  • What makes Smith’s Point unique?
    • The beach has a northern and southern shoreline separated by idyllic dunes, from which visitors can get an unbeatable view of the stunning and popular Madaket Sunset.
  • Can visitors drive on Smith’s Point Beach?
    • Four-wheel drive vehicles are welcome to visit the beach, provided they are experienced, as the sand on the beach is soft.
  • What should visitors bring for beach driving?
    • For guests who intend to enjoy beach driving, it is advisable to bring along a tow rope, a jack, jack boards, and a shovel for safety purposes.

Plan Your Trip


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