The Best Nantucket Neighborhoods for Families With Kids
Compare family-friendly neighborhoods based on beaches, playgrounds, bike paths, restaurants, and quiet evenings.
Compare family-friendly neighborhoods based on beaches, playgrounds, bike paths, restaurants, and quiet evenings.
There’s a reason generations of families keep coming back to Nantucket. It’s not only quaint and charming, but it’s also perfect for family members of all ages. However, choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions when planning a Nantucket family vacation. While the island is relatively small, each neighborhood offers its own unique experience when it comes to beach access, bike paths, dining convenience, and family-friendly amenities.
Some families prioritize walkability and easy access to restaurants. While others want quiet streets, calm beaches, and plenty of outdoor space for kids to explore. The good news is that Nantucket has a neighborhood that fits every type of family.
If you're wondering where to book your Nantucket rental, here are some of the best neighborhoods for families with kids.
Best For:
For families who want to be in the center of the action, Nantucket’s downtown or Town is hard to beat.
Many restaurants, ice cream shops, toy stores, and attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to entertain children without constantly getting in the car. Children's Beach is nearby and offers calm harbor waters, a playground, and summer programming that appeals to younger kids.
Town is especially convenient for families arriving by ferry who prefer not to bring a vehicle.
Family Highlights
Things to Consider
Town tends to be busier during July and August, and homes are often situated closer together than in other neighborhoods.
Best For:
Naushop is one of Nantucket's most family-oriented neighborhoods.
Built around a strong sense of community, the neighborhood offers amenities that many families appreciate, including a community pool, tennis courts, and open green spaces. The streets are quiet and ideal for bike rides, walks, and outdoor play.
Its central location also makes it easy to reach Town, beaches, and grocery stores.
Family Highlights
Things to Consider
While convenient, Naushop does not offer direct beach access, so families will typically bike or drive to the shore.
Best For:
If your ideal family vacation revolves around the beach, Surfside is one of Nantucket's most popular choices.
The neighborhood offers easy access to Surfside Beach, one of the island's most beloved family beaches. A dedicated bike path connects Surfside to Town, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Families often appreciate the neighborhood's laid-back atmosphere and proximity to outdoor activities.
Family Highlights
Things to Consider
Surfside Beach sometimes experiences stronger surf conditions than some north shore beaches, so parents with younger children may want to visit one of the beaches with calmer waters on certain days. However, since Surfside Beach is one of the more active beaches, it has life guards during the summer season.
Best For:
Cisco combines beach days, bike rides, and some of Nantucket's most iconic attractions.
Families can spend mornings at Cisco Beach, afternoons exploring Bartlett's Farm, and evenings enjoying live music and food trucks at Cisco Brewers. The area feels energetic and outdoors-focused while still maintaining a relaxed Nantucket atmosphere.
Family Highlights
Things to Consider
The surf at Cisco Beach can be stronger than other beaches on the island, making it especially popular with surfers and older children.
Best For:
Brant Point offers one of the best combinations of beach access and proximity to Town.
Families can walk to Jetties Beach, enjoy calm harbor waters, and still reach restaurants and shopping within minutes. The neighborhood feels quieter than Town while maintaining many of the same conveniences.
Family Highlights
Things to Consider
Brant Point is a highly sought after rental area, so inventory, particularly during peak summer weeks, can be scarce.
Best For:
Cliff is a favorite among families looking for a more residential setting while remaining close to Town.
Tree-lined streets, larger properties, and proximity to Steps Beach create a peaceful environment that appeals to parents and children alike. Many families enjoy biking between Cliff and Town throughout their stay.
Family Highlights
Things to Consider
The neighborhood tends to attract families seeking a more upscale and tranquil Nantucket experience.
Best For:
For families who want to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed side of Nantucket, Madaket is one of the island's most appealing neighborhoods.
Located on Nantucket's western shore, Madaket offers a peaceful atmosphere, wide-open spaces, and some of the island's most spectacular sunsets. Children have room to explore, families can enjoy quieter beach days than those often found closer to Town, and evenings naturally revolve around sunset walks and outdoor dinners.
Many visitors choose Madaket specifically because it feels more removed while still offering easy access to beaches, bike rides, and outdoor adventures.
Family Highlights
Things to Consider
Madaket is farther from Town, restaurants, and shopping, so most families prefer having a car or planning ahead for daily excursions.
First-time visitors: Town, Brant Point
No car needed: Town, Brant Point
Community amenities: Naushop
Beach access: Surfside, Cisco, Brant Point, Madaket
Calm waters: Brant Point, Town
Bike paths: Surfside, Cisco, Cliff
Quiet nights: Naushop, Cliff, Madaket
Active families: Surfside, Cisco
Younger children: Town, Brant Point, Naushop
Older kids and teens: Cisco, Surfside
Quieter family atmosphere: Madaket, Naushop, Cliff
Luxury family or multi-generational: Cliff, Brant Point, Madaket
Every family experiences Nantucket differently. Some want to walk everywhere, while others prefer beach days, bike rides, and quiet evenings away from the hustle and bustle.
The best Nantucket neighborhood for your family can depend on your ages and stages in life, but it ultimately depends on how you plan to spend your time on the island. Also, just because a certain neighborhood didn't make our list does not mean it might not be perfect for your family's vaction.
At William Raveis Nantucket, our team helps families find rental homes that match their vacation style, whether that means beachfront convenience, community amenities, walkability, or peaceful island living.
