1. Children's Beach, Nantucket
© Cavan/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Children’s Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Conveniently located near Steamboat Wharf in the heart of Nantucket, Children’s Beach is a beloved destination for families seeking a safe, playful, and accessible shoreline experience for young kids.Recommended For:
Families with small children, visitors looking for a walkable beach near town, and those interested in seasonal activities and harbor views.What I Love: ♥
The gentle harbor waters, frequent family events, and relaxed energy make this beach a peaceful haven for kids and parents alike.- Paddle in the calm, shallow waters that are ideal for young children.
- Play on the soft sand or at the nearby playground between dips in the sea.
- Enjoy live entertainment and seasonal family activities throughout the summer months.
- Relax with peace of mind knowing the harbor location offers no waves and very safe swimming conditions.
Cost:
Free public access; limited nearby parking.Best time to visit:
Summer season for scheduled family activities and warmer water temperatures.Local tips:
Arrive early to secure a spot and take advantage of playground equipment, public restrooms, and picnic areas nearby. Great for a beach day without leaving town!Distance:
Within walking distance of Nantucket town center and ferry terminals.How to Get to Children’s Beach:
Walk from Steamboat Wharf or Main Street in Nantucket; signage and paths lead directly to the beachfront.2. Nobadeer
© CurtisCPhotos/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Nobadeer Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Located near the island’s airport, Nobadeer Beach—often affectionately called “Brobadeer”—is known for its energetic vibe and popularity among young travelers, especially during spring and summer breaks.Recommended For:
College students, surfers, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a social, upbeat beach day with room to spread out.What I Love: ♥
The loud music, friendly energy, and freedom to drive onto the sand, making it a favorite for beach tailgating and surf culture.- Surf the Atlantic waves or soak up the sun with a backdrop of music and laughter.
- Drive directly onto the beach—Nobadeer is one of the few Nantucket beaches where this is permitted.
- Hang out with groups of college students and travelers enjoying volleyball, frisbee, and beach games.
- Join the lively scene that makes Nobadeer a go-to destination for festive beachgoers.
Cost:
Free public access; vehicle permits required for beach driving.Best time to visit:
Spring and summer break for a vibrant party scene; weekdays for a slightly quieter vibe.Local tips:
Bring your own music and beach gear. If driving on, be sure your vehicle has four-wheel drive and a valid beach permit.Distance:
Less than 10 minutes by car from Nantucket town center; located close to the airport.How to Get to Nobadeer Beach:
Drive south from Nantucket town; accessible by car or bike. Vehicle access allowed with appropriate permit for driving on the sand.Romantic Nantucket Beaches:
3. Siasconset
© Faina Gurevich/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Siasconset Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Tucked away on the island’s eastern shore, Siasconset Beach is perfect for those seeking solitude, sunrise views, and untamed coastal beauty along the Atlantic Ocean.Recommended For:
Solitude seekers, early risers, wildlife watchers, and beachgoers who love rugged, uncrowded shores.What I Love: ♥
The sense of seclusion, the opportunity to watch seals in their natural habitat, and the rewarding sunrise light over the cool Atlantic waters.- Escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet beach day in near solitude.
- Watch the sunrise as morning light stretches across the Atlantic horizon.
- Spot local wildlife such as seals along the shoreline.
- Embrace the power of the ocean with dramatic waves and refreshing breezes.
Cost:
Free public access; no amenities nearby, so bring your own supplies.Best time to visit:
Early morning for sunrise and quietude; weekdays for an even more peaceful experience.Local tips:
Wear sturdy shoes to access the beach, and bring water, snacks, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. There are no facilities here, adding to the remote experience.Distance:
About a 20-minute drive from Nantucket town; located at the far eastern edge of the island.How to Get to Siasconset Beach:
Drive or bike east through the Siasconset village; beach access is available via footpaths and dunes with limited signage.4. Jetties Beach
© Mariia/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Jetties Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Situated on the north shore of Nantucket, Jetties Beach is known for its calm, warm waters protected by the Nantucket Sound. Just a short walk from downtown, it’s one of the island’s most accessible and family-friendly beaches.Recommended For:
Families, swimmers, active travelers, and anyone looking for an easy-to-reach beach with plenty of activities and amenities.What I Love: ♥
The range of recreational options—from volleyball to sailing—and its status as a community hub, especially during the island’s major summer events.- Swim in gentle, warm water ideal for kids and casual swimmers.
- Play beach volleyball, tennis, or take the kids to the on-site playground or skate park.
- Sail with booked tours or take lessons from experienced instructors right at the beach.
- Celebrate during the Boston Pops on Nantucket, one of the island’s largest summer gatherings held right here.
Cost:
Free public beach access; parking and equipment rentals may have additional costs.Best time to visit:
Mid-morning through sunset for maximum amenities; summer for family events and festival energy.Local tips:
Arrive early for public events like Boston Pops. The beach is very walkable from downtown—perfect for a car-free outing.Distance:
Just a 15–20 minute walk from Nantucket town center.How to Get to Jetties Beach:
Walk, bike, or drive north from downtown Nantucket. Parking available near the beach entrance; bike racks provided.Family Nantucket Beaches:
5. Great Point
© alwoodphoto/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Great Point, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Located on the eastern edge of Nantucket off Wauwinet Road, Great Point is home to the iconic Nantucket Lighthouse and offers a dramatic, remote stretch of coastline perfect for photography and adventure.Recommended For:
Fishing enthusiasts, photographers, lighthouse lovers, and anyone seeking a remote and rugged beach experience.What I Love: ♥
The incredible surf fishing, the scenic solitude, and the historic lighthouse standing proudly at the edge of the world—it’s a unique slice of Nantucket.- Fish some of the best surfcasting waters on the island, known for a wide variety of species.
- Photograph the classic Great Point Lighthouse set against sand dunes and sweeping sea views.
- Explore a remote and peaceful area, far from crowds and development.
- Relax with the rhythmic ocean sounds and expansive views of the Atlantic.
Cost:
Access via oversand vehicle requires a permit; lighthouse access may have seasonal or tour-related fees.Best time to visit:
Early mornings for fishing and photography; late spring through fall for full beach access and wildlife activity.Local tips:
A 4WD vehicle with an oversand permit is required for access. Pack essentials—this is a remote area with no facilities.Distance:
Roughly 45–60 minutes from Nantucket town center depending on vehicle access and driving conditions.How to Get to Great Point:
Drive north on Wauwinet Road and continue onto the sand trail with a valid OSV permit. Guided tours are also available for non-drivers.6. Surfside
© Stephen/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Surfside Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Located along the island’s southern shore, Surfside Beach is known for its high waves and strong currents, making it a top destination for surfers and those seeking dramatic coastal views and wide-open space.Recommended For:
Surfers, wave watchers, beachgoers looking for big scenery and space to spread out, and those seeking easy access with amenities.What I Love: ♥
The wide stretch of beach, the sound of crashing waves, and the convenience of restrooms, eateries, and shuttle access—all without losing the raw, natural vibe.- Surf Nantucket’s southern swells in one of the best spots on the island for big waves.
- Spread out on the expansive beach with plenty of space to lounge, picnic, or play.
- View powerful ocean vistas and enjoy the rhythm of the surf even if you’re not riding it.
- Relax with access to clean restrooms, snack stands, and convenient town shuttle service.
Cost:
Free public access; shuttle service and food may carry additional fees.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for surfing; mornings for fewer crowds and cooler weather.Local tips:
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents—stick to the shore and enjoy the surf views. Bring a jacket or layers; it can get breezy!Distance:
About 3 miles south of Nantucket town center; easily reachable via shuttle, bike, or car.How to Get to Surfside Beach:
Take a town-operated shuttle from downtown, bike along Surfside Road, or drive and park near the beach lot.7. Cathcart Beach
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Cathcart Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Tucked between the Shimmo and Monomoy neighborhoods, Cathcart Beach lies along the quiet shore of Nantucket Harbor. This small, out-of-the-way driving beach is a hidden gem perfect for families seeking a peaceful summer escape.Recommended For:
Families with young children, kayakers, and anyone looking for a quiet, warm-water harbor beach experience.What I Love: ♥
The warm, shallow summer waters, ideal kayaking conditions, and scenic views of Nantucket Harbor—all in a secluded setting with minimal crowds.- Kayak along the calm harbor waters, perfect for beginners and children.
- Relax on a peaceful stretch of beach while taking in wide harbor views.
- Wade in warm, shallow water that's ideal for kids and casual beachgoers.
- Explore this quiet corner of Nantucket with minimal foot traffic and natural charm.
Cost:
Free public access; no entrance fee. Parking is limited and fills up quickly in summer.Best time to visit:
Summer months for the best water conditions and warmest weather—arrive early for parking.Local tips:
Bring everything you need with you—there are no permanent amenities aside from seasonal restrooms provided by the Nantucket Land Bank.Distance:
Roughly 10–15 minutes by car from downtown Nantucket.How to Get to Cathcart Beach:
Accessible by car via local roads in Shimmo or Monomoy; limited parking near the beach—4WD recommended if planning to drive onto the sand.8. Cisco Beach, Nantucket (Plus a Map of Nearby Beaches)
© Svitlana/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Cisco Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Located along Nantucket’s south shore, Cisco Beach is one of the island’s top spots for surfing, offering heavy surf and wide open ocean views. It’s a dynamic destination loved by both surfers and sunseekers alike.Recommended For:
Surfers, sunbathers, swimmers with experience in rough water, fishermen, and those looking for a big, beautiful stretch of sand to relax on.What I Love: ♥
The strong, consistent waves, the sandbar at low tide, and the expansive white sand beach that invites hours of lounging, beachcombing, and people-watching.- Surf challenging southern swells—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Wait on the shallow sandbar at low tide between sessions for a unique surfer-friendly feature.
- Relax on the massive white sand beach, perfect for sunbathing and scenic breaks from the water.
- Fish from the shore or enjoy the view while others ride the waves.
Cost:
Free public access; parking available near the dunes.Best time to visit:
Summer and early fall for warm water and peak surf conditions; mornings for lighter winds and fewer crowds.Local tips:
The surf can be strong—caution is advised for inexperienced swimmers. Bring your own gear and supplies, as there are limited services on site.Distance:
Around 15 minutes by car or bike from downtown Nantucket.How to Get to Cisco Beach:
Head south via Hummock Pond Road; parking is available near the beach access path through the dunes.Unique Nantucket Beaches:
9. Dionis Beach
© Christopher Seufert/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Dionis Beach, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Frequently visited by families, locals, and recreational swimmers, Dionis Beach is one of Nantucket’s most idyllic coastal spots. With calm, clear blue waters and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.Recommended For:
Families with young children, casual swimmers, beachgoers seeking a calm environment, and those looking for scenic harbor views.What I Love: ♥
The soft sand, gentle waters perfect for kids, and the scenic sailboats and ferries cruising in and out of Nantucket Harbor.- Swim in shallow, calm waters perfect for young children and leisurely floating.
- Watch sailboats and ferries glide by as you soak up the Nantucket sun.
- Rinse off at convenient water spigots and change in clean restrooms after a day in the sand.
- Snack on drinks and treats from vending machines located along the beach trail.
Cost:
Free public access; no parking fee.Best time to visit:
Summer months for warm water and family-friendly vibes; early afternoon for optimal sun and boat-watching.Local tips:
Bring chairs and shade if staying long—there are no natural trees or cover. The beach is just far enough from town to stay uncrowded even in peak season.Distance:
Approximately 3 miles west of Nantucket town center; about a 10–15 minute drive or bike ride.How to Get to Dionis Beach:
Take Eel Point Road west from town; parking available near the beach path. A short dune trail leads down to the shoreline.10. Smith’s Point
© Christopher Seufert/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Smith’s Point, Nantucket, MassachusettsHighlights:
Formed when Hurricane Esther split the beach in 1961, Smith’s Point—also called Esther’s Island—is a 1.5-mile barrier beach located at the westernmost tip of Nantucket, near Madaket Village. It’s a striking and unique destination shaped by natural forces.Recommended For:
Sunset seekers, off-road enthusiasts, dune hikers, and anyone interested in Nantucket’s geological history and serene landscapes.What I Love: ♥
The dual shoreline separated by windswept dunes, its rare status as a storm-created landscape, and the jaw-dropping views of the famous Madaket Sunset.- Explore both the northern and southern shores by hiking over scenic dunes.
- Drive on the soft sands with a 4WD vehicle—ideal for experienced beach drivers.
- View an unforgettable Madaket Sunset from one of the island’s most remote vantage points.
- Prepare for the drive with essential beach gear like a tow rope, shovel, jack, and jack boards.
Cost:
Free public access; beach driving requires a 4WD permit and proper safety gear.Best time to visit:
Late afternoon into sunset for magical views and cooler temperatures.Local tips:
Sand is extremely soft—only confident 4WD drivers should attempt access. Bring all your own supplies, as there are no amenities on-site.Distance:
Approximately 30 minutes by car from downtown Nantucket, near Madaket Village.How to Get to Smith’s Point:
Drive west through Madaket; beach access is available via off-road trail for permitted 4WD vehicles. Parking available at Madaket for those continuing on foot.Plan Your Trip