Nantucket has more than eighty miles of shoreline, and its beaches are the main reason many visitors come. Three are especially well loved. Jetties Beach lies on the north shore close to town, with calm water protected by the harbor, a long sandy beach, a playground, a snack stand and a gentle atmosphere that suits families. Surfside Beach, on the south shore, is wide and open, with surf, lifeguards and a classic Atlantic feel. Madaket, on the western end, is known for its sunsets, its waves and its relaxed, remote mood. All are public beaches. Most have lifeguards in the summer season, with facilities and parking varying by site. Bike paths link the town to Jetties and Surfside, which makes them easy to reach without a car, and shuttle buses serve the main beaches in season. The water is Atlantic and bracing, with the warmest swimming in late summer, while the off-season beaches offer long walks and solitude.
Choose your beach by mood. Jetties is the easy one: close to town, calm and good for children and paddling. Surfside is better for those who like waves and big skies, and for a day with a picnic. Madaket is for sunset watchers and surf, with a more rugged feel. Remember that currents and surf can be strong on the open coast, so swim near lifeguards and heed flags and warnings.
Bring everything you need, including sunscreen, water, a hat and an umbrella, as shade is limited. Take rubbish with you, and keep clear of dunes and fenced bird-nesting areas. Parking at the beaches can be limited in summer, so arrive early or use the bike paths. Some beaches have rules about dogs in summer, and there are seasonal restrictions to protect shorebirds.
Good to know
Beach conditions change with weather and tides, and fog can drop quickly. Sunset at Madaket draws a crowd on summer evenings, so arrive early to find a spot. In the off-season, the beaches are quiet and beautiful for walking, but the water is cold and lifeguards are off duty.
Beach-day checklist
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a towel, a windbreaker for the afternoon and a bag for rubbish. Beach umbrellas and chairs are widely rented in town, and many inns lend them to guests. At Jetties, the nearby sailing center and playground make it a good place for children, while Surfside offers more room to spread out.
At Madaket, check the surf conditions and avoid swimming where there are strong currents. In the off-season, bring a thermos and walk the sand at low tide. Whatever the season, remember that the beaches belong to wildlife as well as people, so give nesting birds and seals plenty of space.
Practical notes
Parking at Surfside and Madaket can be limited, so cycle or take the seasonal shuttle if you can. Food is available near Jetties and at some south-shore stops, but not at every beach, so pack a picnic for the others. Bring a bag for rubbish, and respect fenced dunes. Children should wear sun protection and be supervised near the water, where waves and currents can change quickly.
What to expect
The experience
Public beach days at Jetties, Surfside or Madaket, with swimming, walking and sunset watching.
Best time
Late July to early September for swimming; evenings for sunsets at Madaket; the off-season for quiet walks.
How long
2-4 hours
Tips
Swim near lifeguards, bring shade and water and use the bike paths to avoid parking trouble.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sun, sand and sea, with a choice of moods.
- Families
- Jetties Beach is the easiest with children.
- Couples
- Madaket at sunset.
- Pair with
- Cisco Brewers and the Coast-to-Coast audio tour.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Which beach is best for children?+
Jetties Beach, with its calm water, playground and facilities close to town.
Which beach is best for sunsets?+
Madaket on the western end of the island.
Are the beaches free?+
Public beaches are free to use, though parking and facilities vary.
Are there lifeguards?+
Most main beaches have lifeguards in the summer season. Check signs and flags.
Can I get there without a car?+
Yes. Bike paths and seasonal shuttle buses serve the main beaches.