From the northeastern shore of Coatue to the western tip of Madaket, Nantucket has some of the finest beaches in the northeastern United States. The north shore beaches are protected by Nantucket Sound and generally have few waves. The south shore beaches, open to the ocean have large waves and strong currents. There are however times when a strong wind from the north causes the waves to be large on the north shore which also causes the south shore waves to decrease significantly. While this is a rare occurrence, it does happen. Check the prevailing winds before choosing your beach for the day.

Beach Permit Information

Town of Nantucket Beach Permit
This is the Town of Nantucket Beach Permit sticker shown on the left. It is required to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle on the beaches of Nantucket. The permit is valid from January 1 to December 31 and can be purchased during the day at the Police Department. When you purchase a permit, you will be given rules, regulations, and a map of beaches that are open to driving. During the summer months, beach driving is more restrictive because of people on the beaches. Also, parts of beaches often close because of Piping Plover nesting and beach erosion.

Nantucket beach permit fees:
As of June 1, 2003, the Nantucket Beach Permit sticker will cost $100 per vehicle per year. There is no limit to the number of passes issued each year.

Coatue Wildlife Reserve Oversand Vehicle Permit
This sticker, shown on the left, is required to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle on the beaches of this reserve. This is where Great Point Lighthouse is located. Beware of the sand as it is very soft in some areas.

Oversand vehicle permit fees:
Non-members — $125 if vehicle is NOT registered on Nantucket; $100 if vehicle IS registered on Nantucket. Trustees family level or higher members receive the following discounted fees - $65 if vehicle IS NOT registered on Nantucket; $40 if vehicle IS registered on Nantucket. Permit is valid April 1 to March 31 and can be purchased daily at the gatehouse (near The Wauwinet) (9am to 6pm) or patrolling ranger (6 to 10pm) May 30 to October 15.

Brant Point Beach — Located right at the Brant Point Lighthouse, this is not really a beach that you can swim at. There is some sand but the currents are very strong with lots of boat traffic and no lifeguards or restrooms. This is a nice place to sit and watch the boats go by or the artists painting the lighthouse, but swimming is not recommended.

Children's Beach — Located right on the harbor, this is the most wave free beach you can find on Nantucket. There is a playground and bandstand nearby. This beach has lifeguards and restrooms.

Jetties Beach — Just a short walk from town, this beach has tennis courts, a skateboard park, and a playground. Being on the north shore, the waves are not that large. It is a nice family beach. The annual Boston Pops concert is held on Jetties. This beach has lifeguards and restrooms.

Dionis Beach — Located on the western side of the north shore, Dionis beach is more remote than Jetties. This beach is loaded with seashells (and seaweed). Waves are generally small and the beach is very long. Many families like this beach.

Cisco Beach — Located on the western side of the south shore at the end of Hummock Pond Road, this beach is known for surfers and soft sand, very soft sand. The surf is very strong and there are limited lifeguards and restrooms.

Miacomet Beach — Located at the end of Miacomet Road or South Shore Drive, this beach has very heavy surf and very strong currents. It is a long beach with a lifeguard in one area. There are no restrooms.

Surfside Beach — Located at the end of Surfside Road, this is a very popular beach with the younger crowd. It is easily reached by bus or bike. The surf can be heavy. Food, restrooms and lifeguards are at this beach.

Tom Nevers Beach — Located at the end of Tom Nevers Road, this beach has very coarse sand. The surf can be heavy and there are no lifeguards or restrooms available.

Eel Point Beach — This beach is very remote being on the most western end of the North shore and is also subject to tidal flooding. It is possible to get stranded out there if the conditions are right. There is lots of sea grass which is great for eels, hence the name of the beach. Eel Point is the best beach on Nantucket for collecting seashells. You can walk all around the point and find some shells that you won't find on any of the other beaches. Bring a bucket to fill with shells. There are no lifeguards or restrooms on this beach. You are on your own. Eel Point is also a great place to watch the sunsets. Not as nice as Madaket, but a very close second.

Madaket Beach — This is a huge beach and is THE beach for watching the sunsets. The western most tip of the beach is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. There are some lifeguards and restrooms but not on the entire length of the beach. The surf is very heavy.

Siasconset Beach — Located at the end of Milestone Road, this beach has heavy surf. There are lifeguards but no food or restrooms.

Great Point Beach — This beach is very, very long. There are no lifeguards and it is part of the Coatue Wildlife Refuge. To access it by four-wheel drive vehicle, you need a special pass, which is $125.00 for the season (see above).