Nantucket Beaches With Parking, Restrooms, Lifeguards and Food
An insider’s guide to choosing the right beach for your day
An insider’s guide to choosing the right beach for your day
On an island with 82 miles of pristine coastline, the perfect beach day can take many forms. It might be lunch overlooking Nantucket Sound at Jetties, an afternoon riding the waves at Surfside or a picnic tucked between the dunes at Dionis.
The setting is only part of the decision. Some Nantucket beaches have restaurants, restrooms, changing rooms and generous parking. Others offer little more than a sandy path and a beautiful stretch of ocean. Knowing the difference can save you from carrying too much, arriving too late or discovering that lunch is several miles away.
Here’s what to expect at some of the most popular Nantucket, Massachusetts beaches.
Jetties Beach and Surfside Beach are the island’s easiest choices for a full beach day. Both have substantial parking, seasonal lifeguards, restrooms and food closeby.
Children’s Beach is another convenient option, particularly for families staying in Town. Dionis has restrooms and lifeguards but no restaurant, while Cisco, Madaket, Miacomet and several of the island’s more remote beaches require more planning.
While most amenities are seasonal, lifeguards generally staff designated beaches from late June through Labor Day. Restaurant, concession and restroom schedules can also change as summer winds down. Check current conditions on the official Nantucket government website.
Jetties Beach pairs calm north shore water with more amenities than almost any other beach on Nantucket. Its shallow water and broad sandbars appeal to families, while its proximity to Town makes it an easy choice for visitors without a car.
A large parking lot sits at the end of Bathing Beach Road, additionally, Jetties can also be reached by bicycle or the seasonal Wave bus.
In season, you’ll find:
The Sandbar at Jetties serves seafood, sandwiches, burgers and drinks in an open-air setting overlooking Nantucket Sound. It turns a morning at the beach into a leisurely lunch without requiring anyone to brush off all the sand and head back into Town.
Jetties is one of the best choices for young children, larger, multigenerational groups and anyone who values easy access. Its popularity means the parking lot can become busy on prime summer days, so consider arriving in the morning or use the Wave when possible.
Surfside is one of Nantucket’s classic south shore beaches. The broad shoreline, rolling Atlantic surf and open horizon give it a distinctly different character from the island’s calmer north shore.
A large paved lot offers parking, including designated accessible spaces. The beach is also served by a bike path and seasonal Wave transportation from Town.
Amenities include:
The walk from the parking area crosses a stretch of soft sand, so pack with that in mind. A beach wagon can be useful for families bringing chairs, toys and a cooler.
The Surf at Surfside offers casual and delicious beach food and cold drinks during the summer. Hours can change after Labor Day, so visitors coming later in the season should confirm that it’s open.
Surfside is a favorite for body surfing, boogie boarding and active family beach days. The Atlantic can produce stronger waves and currents, even when the water looks inviting. Stay near a lifeguard and check the day’s posted conditions before swimming.
Children’s Beach sits along Nantucket Harbor, within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and cobblestone streets of Town. Its calm water and compact size make it particularly appealing to families with babies and younger children.
The surrounding park offers:
Parking near Children’s Beach is more limited than at Jetties or Surfside. Families staying in Town or Brant Point often find it easier to walk.
Gypsea Café serves breakfast and lunch on select days during the summer, and the park hosts seasonal concerts and children’s programming. The combination of calm water, food and a playground makes this a good choice when younger beachgoers may not want to spend the entire day out in the sun.
The paved area, restrooms and café have accessible features, though there isn’t a fully accessible route onto the beach itself.
Dionis feels removed from Town without being truly remote. Tall dunes frame a quiet stretch of Nantucket Sound, where the water is generally calmer and warmer than it is along the south shore.
The unpaved parking lot is fairly large, but it can fill during peak summer weeks. Beach access requires a walk along a narrow, soft-sand dune path.
Dionis offers:
There is no restaurant at Dionis, and food options aren’t close enough for a quick walk, so be sure to pick up sandwiches in Town or stop at Something Natural before heading west. Bring plenty of water if you plan to stay through the afternoon.
Dionis suits families looking for gentler water, couples planning a sunset picnic and swimmers who prefer the quieter rhythm of the north shore.
Cisco is one of Nantucket’s best-known surfing beaches. Its south shore waves, wide sand and lively summer atmosphere attract surfers, boogie boarders and beachgoers who prefer a more active day.
A paved bike path leads from Town to the beach, and an unpaved parking lot is available at the end of the road. Parking may become limited on warm summer days.
Cisco has:
Cisco doesn’t have public restrooms. Food truck vendors may appear during the summer, but shouldn’t be counted on. Bring lunch, water and everything else you’ll need.
The drop from the parking area to the beach can be steep, though a seasonal ramp assists with access. Families with very young children may prefer Jetties, Children’s or Dionis because of their calmer water and nearby facilities.
A post-beach pitstop at Cisco Brewers is often a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
Madaket is where Nantucket goes to watch the sun slip below the horizon. The beach sits at the island’s western edge, with open views, rolling waves and sunsets that often draw a crowd on clear evenings.
The public beach area has parking and is typically staffed by seasonal lifeguards. There are no full beach facilities or food concessions at the sand, so bring water, towels and anything you’ll want through sunset.
Millie’s is nearby for tacos, sandwiches and takeout. A favorite local plan is to pick up dinner and bring it to the beach as the light begins to change.
The Wave also serves Madaket seasonally, which removes the issue of finding a parking space during the busiest sunset hours.
Sconset Beach offers Atlantic views within walking distance of the rose-covered cottages, market and cafés of Sconset Village. It feels quieter than Surfside or Cisco, though the ocean can still produce strong surf.
Visitors will find:
The restrooms and restaurants aren’t directly on the beach, but they’re close enough to make a village-and-beach outing easy. Pick up sandwiches at Claudette’s or Sconset Market before walking down to the water.
Parking can be tight in summer. The Wave or a bicycle is often the more relaxed way to arrive.
Miacomet, Ladies and Nobadeer appeal to visitors who prefer the energy and open space of Nantucket’s south shore. All three typically have seasonal lifeguards.
Amenities are limited compared to Jetties and Surfside.
Miacomet has an unpaved parking area and seasonal lifeguards but no permanent restaurant or full restroom facility at the beach.
Ladies Beach offers parking and seasonal lifeguards. It’s a favorite for surfers and beachgoers seeking a less developed setting near Bartlett’s Farm.
Nobadeer is known for surfing, beach driving and the social summer scene. Seasonal portable restrooms may be placed near the beach, but visitors should bring their own food, water and beach supplies.
Parking and access for most of the beaches can change because of erosion, nesting shorebirds and beach conditions. Follow posted signs rather than relying solely on directions from a previous visit.
Jetties is the island’s strongest choice for visitors who need accessible beach facilities. It has accessible parking, restrooms and a long seasonal boardwalk designed to reduce the distance traveled over soft sand.
Beach wheelchairs are available seasonally at Jetties, Children’s and Surfside. Visitors should contact the concessionaire or beach staff upon arrival for assistance.
Beach ramps and boardwalks are installed seasonally and may be affected by storms or erosion. Check the Town of Nantucket’s current beach accessibility information before your visit.
A quiet Nantucket beach rewards a little preparation. For Cisco, Madaket, Miacomet, Ladies, Low Beach and other less-developed locations, pack:
Many William Raveis vacation rentals include beach chairs, towels, umbrellas or coolers. Check the property amenities before bringing your own equipment to the island.
Parking is easiest at Jetties and Surfside because they have larger designated lots. Dionis also has a sizable lot, although its spaces aren’t formally marked.
Children’s Beach, Sconset and several smaller beaches have more limited parking. At remote beaches, lots and access roads may be unpaved.
A few insider tips can make the day easier:
A standard parking lot doesn’t require a beach-driving permit. Driving onto designated beaches is different and requires the correct permit, a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle and attention to current restrictions. See the Nantucket government site for beach driving permit restrictions.
Which Nantucket beaches have restrooms?
Jetties, Surfside, Dionis and Children’s Beach have the island’s main seasonal public restroom facilities. Seasonal or portable facilities may be available at a few other locations, but visitors shouldn’t assume every beach has a bathroom.
Which Nantucket beaches have food?
Jetties, Surfside and Children’s Beach have seasonal food service at or next to the beach. Dionis has vending machines but no restaurant. Food is available in Madaket and Sconset villages near their beaches. Bring a picnic to Cisco, Miacomet, Ladies and more remote beaches.
Which beaches on Nantucket have lifeguards?
The Town currently identifies Children’s, Jetties, Dionis, Madaket, Cisco, Ladies, Miacomet, Surfside, Nobadeer and Sconset as beaches with seasonal lifeguards. Staffing, dates and hours can change, so check the Town’s lifeguard information before swimming.
Which Nantucket beach has the easiest parking?
Jetties and Surfside have two of the island’s largest and easiest-to-find beach parking lots. Both can become busy in peak summer, so morning arrival is still recommended.
What is the best Nantucket beach for families?
Children’s Beach is best for very young children because of its calm harbor water, playground, restrooms and café. Jetties also offers shallow north shore water and more space, while Dionis is a quieter choice for families prepared to bring lunch.
What is the best Nantucket beach for a full day?
Jetties and Surfside are the most convenient all-day beaches. Both have lifeguards, restrooms and food during the main summer season.
Are Nantucket beaches free?
Public beach access generally doesn’t require an admission fee. Parking rules depend on the location. A separate permit is required to drive a vehicle onto designated beaches.
Can you take the bus to Nantucket beaches?
Yes. The Wave provides seasonal service to several popular beaches and island villages, including Jetties, Surfside, Madaket and Sconset. Check the current Wave routes and schedules before leaving.
Do Nantucket beaches have beach chairs and umbrellas?
Public beaches generally don’t provide chairs and umbrellas. Many vacation rentals include beach equipment, and local companies rent chairs, umbrellas, coolers and wagons. Confirm what your rental home provides before packing. See the sidebar to find beach rental companies.
