Memorial Day weekend on Nantucket brings with it sailors, sailboats, and oh-so-real daydreams of steamy beach days. Whether you picture yourself surrounded by laughing children, or ensconced in the hot sand alone, rest assured, Nantucket can accommodate every sandy whim or wish. Below, find six perfect beaches for any day on the island.
Six Beaches, Six Vibes
- Jetties Beach is the pick for families, with calm water, lifeguards, and on-site amenities.
- Great Point offers privacy and adventure for those with a proper 4WD vehicle and a Trustees of Reservations permit.
- Cisco is the surfer's beach, with lessons available right off the sand.
- Fisherman's rewards anyone looking for a quiet, spread-out stretch of shoreline.
- Madaket is unbeatable for sunsets, especially with a quesadilla from Millie's in hand.
- Surfside is the easiest to reach without a car, and the liveliest for a crowd.
For the whole family: Jetties Beach
Jetties Beach is the perfect haven for the little guys of your troupe. The ocean is calm, patrolled by lifeguards, and kayak and sailing lessons are available on site. The Jetties Restaurant is situated right on the beach and offers family-friendly dining options, changing rooms, restrooms and a hoppin' raw bar if you get a chance. Don't forget to check out the public tennis courts and playground!
For the adventure-seeker: Great Point
Great Point is one of the few places on Nantucket where you can drive onto the beach itself, part of what makes it feel so wild and remote. This spacious, pristine stretch is perfect if you're looking for privacy or eager to explore Nantucket's natural environment, and it's widely considered the best fishing beach on the island. Getting there requires the right setup: a genuine four-wheel-drive vehicle (all-wheel drive doesn't qualify), a separate oversand permit through the Trustees of Reservations, and tires aired down before heading onto the sand. The refuge also closes seasonally in parts to protect nesting shorebirds, so it's worth checking current conditions before making the trip. Once you're set up, load the car with friends, barbecue essentials, and a fishing pole for a true Nantucket beach day.
For the surfer: Cisco Beach
Sun-kissed hair? Check. The perfect tan? Check. Head to Cisco to get the surfer skills to boot. This is arguably the most popular beach with Nantucket's younger crowd, for its fun, relaxed vibe and bigger waves. The Nantucket Surf School, just steps off the beach, offers surf and paddleboard lessons with all equipment included. Take a lesson solo, or sign your gang up for a group lesson.
For the peace-seeker: Fisherman's Beach
Treat yourself to a solo beach day at Fisherman's. Fisherman's is long, wide, and affords plenty of space between parties for privacy and some peace and quiet. Stretch out your towel on the warm sand and fall asleep to the sound of waves breaking.
For the romantic: Madaket Beach
Few would dispute that you can catch the most beautiful Nantucket sunsets from Madaket beach. For an unforgettable evening away from the hustle and bustle of town, grab a famous quesadilla and ice cream cone from Millie's, a delicious island favorite steps from the beach entrance. Indulge there, or bring your booty to the beach and eat as you watch the sun slip under the waves.
For the crowd-lovin' beachgoer: Surfside
No car? No problem. Surfside beach is easily accessible via a bike path and the NRTA Wave bus route that leaves directly from town. If you do have a car, there's a spacious parking lot. This wide, expansive beach is filled with kadima players, footballers, and sunbathers, and is sure to keep even the most energetic entertained all day. At this spot you'll find easy-to-miss conveniences that some other Nantucket beaches lack: restrooms, changing rooms, and a snack shack. Anyone hip on Nantucket will tell you that the classic burgers and dogs at the shack hit the spot every time!
The right beach can shape where you want to be
Part of what makes choosing a Nantucket beach fun is how differently each corner of the island lives, quiet and remote at Great Point, social and easy at Surfside, romantic at Madaket. That same variety shows up in the island's neighborhoods too, and many visitors who fall for a particular stretch of coastline end up drawn to the neighborhood behind it. For more on the island beyond the sand, see things to do on Nantucket, and for a fuller sense of life here year-round, living on Nantucket.
Nantucket beach questions
Nantucket beach questions, answered
What is the best family beach on Nantucket?
Jetties Beach is generally considered the best family beach on Nantucket, with calm, lifeguard-patrolled water, on-site sailing and kayak lessons, a beachfront restaurant, changing rooms, restrooms, and a nearby playground and tennis courts.
Do you need a permit to drive on Nantucket beaches?
Yes. Great Point requires a separate oversand vehicle permit through the Trustees of Reservations, along with a genuine four-wheel-drive vehicle; all-wheel drive does not qualify. The Town of Nantucket issues its own separate beach driving permit for a handful of other beaches. Requirements and seasonal closures can change, so it's worth checking current conditions before heading out.
Which Nantucket beach is best for surfing?
Cisco Beach is Nantucket's most popular spot for surfing, known for bigger waves and a lively, youthful atmosphere. The Nantucket Surf School operates just off the beach, offering lessons and equipment for both individuals and groups.
Can I get to Nantucket beaches without a car?
Yes. Surfside Beach is easily reached by bike path or the NRTA Wave bus from town, making it one of the most accessible beaches for visitors without a vehicle.
Expert Perspective
Discuss Your Nantucket Goals With Bernadette
Falling in love with a Nantucket beach is often the first step toward falling in love with the island itself. Whether you're visiting for the day or thinking about a home nearby, Bernadette can help you find your spot.
