Best Beaches in Nantucket

Dionis Beach is a picturesque destination located on the northern end of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It is renowned for its soft white sand, tall rolling dunes, and calm waves, making it an ideal spot for families and experienced swimmers alike. The beach offers a stunning view of ferries and sailboats coming and going from Nantucket Harbor. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. The beach is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like Herring and Great Black-Backed Gulls frequenting the area. During the summer months, lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a safe experience for beachgoers.

The beach is accessible by car, although parking can be challenging during peak season. There are restrooms, changing rooms, and vending machines available in the parking area. However, there are no restaurants nearby, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Dionis Beach is a popular spot for shell and sea glass collectors and offers a serene environment for winter walks. It is also known for its shallow sandbar during low tide, which is home to lady crabs. Despite its popularity, the beach maintains a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation.

Brant Point Beach is a picturesque and historic spot on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Located near the heart of Nantucket Town, it offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and bustling harbor activity. The beach is known for its wide sandy strip and calm waters, making it perfect for beachcombing and watching the harbor traffic. The iconic Brant Point Lighthouse, the second oldest in the U.S., adds to its charm. Visitors can enjoy the views of magnificent houses and the lively atmosphere as ferries round the lighthouse. It's a popular spot for morning coffee and is especially noted for its wild roses in June.
The beach is easily accessible by walking or biking from town, making it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists. While it's technically a swimming beach, strong currents and high boat traffic make it more suited for sitting and watching the harbor. Brant Point is also a favorite for wedding photos and ceremonies, though permission from the Coast Guard is required.
Overall, Brant Point Beach offers a tranquil yet engaging experience, combining natural beauty with the vibrant life of Nantucket's harbor.

Steps Beach is a serene and picturesque public beach located on the charming island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, along Nantucket Sound. Known for its dramatic wooden staircase descent, the beach offers a unique and memorable entry that enhances its secluded and natural charm. The beach's gentle surf and soft sand provide an inviting atmosphere ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and long peaceful walks along the shoreline, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking a tranquil retreat.
Its location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sound and surrounding landscapes, attracting photographers and nature lovers who revel in watching spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues. With fewer crowds than other Nantucket beaches, Steps Beach is a perfect spot for quiet picnics, beachcombing, and exploring tide pools filled with diverse marine life. The rustic, unspoiled environment gives visitors a chance to reconnect with nature in a peaceful setting.

Sconset Beach, located at the eastern tip of Nantucket Island, is a picturesque destination known for its wide sandy shores and heavy surf. Originally a fishing village, Siasconset (commonly referred to as 'Sconset) offers a charming blend of modest rose-covered cottages and elegant new homes. The beach is easily accessible by bike or the NRTA shuttle in season, making it a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and often spot seals swimming by. The nearby village provides amenities like restaurants and restrooms, and the 'Sconset Bluff Walk offers stunning ocean views along a scenic trail.
The beach is less crowded than other Nantucket beaches, providing ample space to relax and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. It's a perfect spot for families, with a nearby playground and plenty of room for picnics.
The area's historic charm and natural beauty make it a unique and appealing destination for both locals and tourists.

Jetties Beach, located on the north shore of Nantucket, is a family-friendly destination known for its wide, flat expanse and shallow waters. The beach is named after the large rock jetties that guide ships into Nantucket harbor. It offers a playground, picnic areas, and a seasonal boardwalk, making it accessible for all visitors. The beach hosts several events, including the Boston Pops concert and the Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest. With its calm waters and expansive sandbars, Jetties Beach is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxation.
The beach is easily accessible by car, bike, or seasonal bus service, with ample parking available. It's a popular spot for shell and sea-glass collectors, and fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching striped bass. The beach also features a restaurant and shops nearby, offering a convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Jetties Beach is a hub of summer activities, with volleyball courts and a public tennis court nearby. It's a perfect spot for families and those seeking a tranquil beach experience.

Great Point, located at the northern tip of Nantucket, is a stunning barrier beach known for its pristine natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is home to the iconic Great Point Lighthouse, which has been rebuilt several times due to storms. The area is a haven for bird enthusiasts and offers a variety of environments, including maritime oak forests and rolling red cedar savannahs. Great Point is popular with anglers, who come to catch species like striped bass and bluefish. The beach faces both Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, providing different swimming conditions for various skill levels. However, there are no lifeguards, and swimmers must be cautious. The beach is privately owned by the Trustees of Reservations, and access requires a permit for driving.
The landscape of Great Point is constantly changing due to erosion and storm surges, which reshape the beach and dunes. This dynamic environment supports a rich ecosystem, including endangered birds like piping plovers and marine mammals such as grey seals.
Visitors can explore the area by driving on the beach with a permit or walking, enjoying the unique scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Miacomet Beach, located on the south side of Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a picturesque destination known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. The area is surrounded by tranquil Miacomet Pond and offers access to the Miacomet Golf Course, a popular spot for golf enthusiasts. The beach itself is a favorite among surfers due to its consistent waves, though it can be challenging with strong undertows and rip currents. Families often prefer Miacomet Pond for its safer waters and serene environment.
The beach is part of a larger area that includes walking trails and scenic views, making it a great spot for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat. Nearby attractions like Bartlett's Farm and Cisco Brewery offer convenient dining and entertainment options.
Miacomet Beach is about 3 miles from Nantucket Town, providing a balance of seclusion and accessibility to local amenities.

Cisco Beach, located on the south shore of Nantucket, is renowned for its wide white sands and heavy surf, making it a paradise for surfers. The beach is part of a beautiful area with abundant wildlife, especially during the winter months, and is a popular spot for dog walking in the off-season. It offers stunning sunsets and is accessible via the Hummock Pond Road bike path. The area also features attractions like the Cisco Brewery, known for its live music and local beverages, and Bartlett's Oceanside Farm, which provides fresh produce and homemade treats.

The beach itself is a hub for various beach activities, including surfing, swimming, and fishing. In the summer, it's bustling with people of all ages enjoying these activities. However, the allure of Cisco extends beyond the summer, with year-round residents often enjoying the sunset views from the parking lot.

Despite its popularity, Cisco Beach faces challenges like coastal erosion, which has reshaped the shoreline over time. Efforts are being made to adapt to these changes while maintaining public access to the beach.

Children's Beach in Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a picturesque and family-friendly destination located within the tranquil Nantucket harbor. It offers calm waters ideal for swimming, making it perfect for small children. The beach is surrounded by a playground, a bandstand, and picnic areas, providing a lively atmosphere for families. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of passing ferries and the historic charm of the nearby town. The beach is moderately accessible, with ramps leading to accessible bathrooms and a cafe near the playground.

The area is well-suited for those looking to relax in a peaceful environment, with plenty of amenities such as restrooms, showers, and food services available. The proximity to Nantucket's main town allows for easy exploration of shops, museums, and historic homes.

Children's Beach is a popular spot for summer activities sponsored by the Park & Recreation Commission, adding to its appeal as a vibrant community hub.

Madaket Beach, located on the southwest side of Nantucket, is renowned for its picturesque views and tranquil atmosphere. This long and narrow beach offers a serene escape with its soft sand and stunning sunsets. Visitors can enjoy activities like surfing, kite-flying, and picnicking amidst the beautiful dunes and private cottages along the shoreline. The nearby Madaket Village provides a laid-back ambiance, perfect for those seeking a quieter alternative to Downtown Nantucket.
The area is steeped in history and natural beauty, with attractions like Hither Creek and Smith’s Point offering opportunities for boating and fishing. The beach is accessible by bike, bus, or car, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists.
Madaket Beach is also famous for its connection to Mr. Rogers, adding to its charm and allure.

Nobadeer Beach, located on the south shore of Nantucket, is a popular destination known for its vast sandy expanse and high surf. It's a favorite among young adults and families, offering activities like surfing, surfcasting, and beach games. The beach is near the Nantucket Memorial Airport, providing a unique experience of watching planes land while enjoying the sun. Access to the beach can be challenging due to a steep incline, but it offers a lively atmosphere with occasional food trucks and seasonal lifeguards.
The beach is also known for its seclusion and the ability to drive on the beach with a permit, making it a haven for those seeking a more secluded beach experience. However, parking is limited, and the beach can get crowded during peak season.
Nobadeer Beach is often nicknamed 'Brobadeer' by beachgoers, reflecting its vibrant and eccentric vibe.