The Best Nantucket Beaches by Vacation Style
Explore top Nantucket beaches for families, surfing, dogs, and more.
Explore top Nantucket beaches for families, surfing, dogs, and more.
With more than 80 miles of coastline, Nantucket offers a beach for nearly every kind of beach day and vacationer.
Some beaches are ideal for families with calm water and easy access. While others are known for surfing, sunsets, or long quiet stretches of sand far from the summer crowds. Choosing the right beach often depends less on what is considered “the best” and more on the type of Nantucket experience you’re looking for.
Below is our William Raveis Nantucket agents’ guide to the best Nantucket beaches based on vacation style, from family-friendly favorites to surf beaches and hidden coastal gems.
Located just outside Town, Children’s Beach is known as one of the most family-friendly beaches on Nantucket.
Calm harbor waters, a playground, nearby restrooms, and easy walkability make it especially popular for families with younger children. During the summer, activities like concerts and children’s programming add to the appeal.
Best For
Jetties offers gentle surf, soft sand, and convenient amenities close to Town.
Its calm north shore waters make it one of the better swimming beaches on the island, while nearby dining and beach facilities make it easy to spend an entire afternoon there. Many visitors also consider it one of the better dog-friendly beaches during permitted hours.
Best For
Cisco Beach is Nantucket’s most iconic surf beach.
Located on the south shore, Cisco is known for stronger waves, a lively beach culture, and a more energetic atmosphere than many of the island’s calmer beaches. Surfers, boogie boarders, and younger beachgoers gather here throughout the summer.
Its proximity to Cisco Brewers and Bartlett’s Farm also makes it one of the most quintessential summer destinations on Nantucket.
Best For
Surfside Beach combines accessibility with stronger surf conditions.
Popular with both families and active beachgoers, Surfside offers wide sandy beaches and waves perfect for body surfing and skimboarding. Bike path access makes it especially convenient. Surfside also features a food stand, The Surf at Surfside Beach, that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner during the summer, making an all-day beach day an effortless experience.
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Dionis Beach, located on Nantucket Sound, is known for its calm water and quieter atmosphere.
The gentler surf and softer conditions make it especially appealing for swimming, floating, and relaxed beach days away from the busier south shore beaches.
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Brant Point offers calm harbor water and beautiful views near Town.
Because of its location close to the harbor entrance, it is often one of the first beaches visitors experience arriving on the island.
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Madaket is arguably the most famous sunset beach on Nantucket.
Located on the western side of the island, the beach is known for dramatic skies, wide-open views, and a slower pace that feels far removed from Town. Sunset gatherings here become part of the rhythm of summer.
Best For
Located near Cliff, Steps Beach offers beautiful north shore sunset views in a quieter residential setting.
The iconic staircase leading down to the beach only adds to its Nantucket charm.
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Cisco remains a favorite among dog owners because of its open space and active beach atmosphere.
Dogs are permitted during designated hours depending on the season, making early mornings and evenings especially popular for dog walks.
For a more adventurous beach experience, Coatue offers one of the most scenic and remote stretches of shoreline on Nantucket.
Part of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, the area feels wild and untouched, with dunes, seals, and expansive beach landscapes. During permitted seasons, it can be an incredible place to explore with dogs.
Best For
Great Point feels completely different from many of Nantucket’s beaches.
Located at the far end of the island, the beach offers stunning natural beauty, fishing, wildlife, and the iconic Great Point Lighthouse. Reaching it requires planning, and often four-wheel drive access, but many visitors consider it one of the island’s most unforgettable destinations.
Best For
Cliff Beach offers a quieter north shore experience close to some of Nantucket’s most beautiful residential neighborhoods.
The calmer waters and less crowded atmosphere make it ideal for relaxed afternoons and evening swims.
Best For
Families with Kids
Children’s Beach, Jetties, Dionis
Surfing and Waves
Cisco, Surfside
Calm Waters
Dionis, Brant Point, Cliff Beach
Sunsets
Madaket, Steps Beach
Dog-Friendly
Cisco, Coatue, Jetties
Quiet and Scenic
Great Point, Coatue, Cliff Beach
Adventure Seekers
Cisco, Great Point, Coatue
Walkability
Jetties, Children’s Beach, Brant Point
Nature Lovers
Coatue, Great Point, Madaket
