Beaches
On Nantucket's beaches, you can find your calm again, decompress, read a novel, catch a tan, learn to surf, dig quahogs, watch rare and endangered shorebirds, see amazing sunsets, surfcast for bluefish and striped bass, play bocci, or barbeque just to name a few beach activities among the myriad of other summer pastimes. We believe this beach guide, presented by the Nantucket Independent, is one of the best around.
Nobadeer
Missed out on spring break at Daytona Beach this year? The Nobadeer Beach experience has got you covered, Nantucket-style. The college and high school crowd owns this beach in the summer. Expect a sandy parking lot of four-wheelers, blasting radios, a virtual mecca of bikinis, hunks and volleyball with an awesome view of planes landing and taking off. Best for: Surfing, beach driving, people watching, and partying. Local wisdom: If parking lot is full, park only on the ocean side of the avenue, don't block driveways.
Surfside
Surfside is a beach in the classic sense of the word. A mixture of families, couples and many, many young singles, Surfside has everything you need in one place, including restrooms with freshwater showers, lifeguards, a great snack bar, and easy access via the Surfside Bike Path and NRTA shuttle bus (summer only). Best for: All beachgoers, early morning and evening fishing, people watching, sunsets and beachcombing. Local wisdom: Some say the best cheeseburger on the island is made here.
Steps Beach
Who wouldn't love this beach? Killer views of Nantucket Sound and the comings and goings of all manner of boats and ships, and you get them in between huge Cliff "cottages" overlooking the water. Best for: Everyone who loves sunsets, skinny dipping at night, and climbing stairs. Local wisdom: Go swimming at night in late August through mid-September to experience the bioluminescent but harmless jellyfish flashing greenish blue that Nantucketers refer to as the "phosphorescence."
Pebble Beach (Tom Nevers)
If you came to fish on Nantucket, include Pebble Beach on your fishing itinerary because all there really is to do here besides sunbathe and swim is to get your line wet and watch the sun set. Best for: Fishing (bluefish and striper heaven) and sunsets.
Madequecham
Excellent out-of-the-way beach for those seeking peace on the shore in a rural setting. Although getting here can be challenging, that is why you're likely to find a nearly empty parking area and a beach all to yourself. Best for: First beach dates, sunsets, quiet picnics, fishing, and solitude.
Madaket Beach
Forget Key West. We can't overstate the imperative for you to see a sunset from Madaket Beach! The sun sets into the water just seven miles from town at the end of Madaket Road. Drive, cycle or get there by bus. Bring a light beach dinner, a blanket, and your camera for this quintessential Nantucket experience. Best for: Sunsets, families, and generally all beachgoers, surfing and fishing early mornings and evenings. Local wisdom: On clear, calm evenings, look for the green flash on the horizon the second the sun sets.
Lady's Beach
The beach formerly known as Fat Lady's Beach where women of a particular shape used to escape from the more crowded, trendy parts of the South Shore is still off the beaten beach path and a beautiful drive or bike ride from town. When Bartlett Farm Road ends, go left, following the dirt road all the way to the beach. Best for: Getting away from it all, fishing, sunsets. Local wisdom: Stop at Bartlett's Farm for your lunch and Cisco Brewers for a cold one heading home.
Jetties Beach
The full beach experience sans crashing surf within walking distance of town is ideal for those without motorized transportation. See the July 4th fireworks here, dine on the beach, and listen to the Boston Pops. Best for: Island visitors without vehicles, families and general beachgoers. Local wisdom: enjoy a meal at Jetties, and rent a sailboat/take a sailing lesson at the Nantucket Community Sailing beach shack. Great jungle gym for kids and tennis courts as well.
Jefferson Lane
A.k.a., the Gaza Strip, coined by the late Gerry Bissinger, a lifelong summer resident of the island, because of this beach's narrow 40-yard strip of public sand between properties owned by the Galley Beach Restaurant and the Cliffside Beach Club. Best for: A quick dip during your lunch hour. Local wisdom: Bring your gold card if you plan to eat lunch at the Galley Beach Restaurant.
Great Point / Coskata / Coatue
If escaping the hordes of the South Shore is your aim, these wildlife refuge barrier beaches are all you'll ever need. Instead of wailing babies 10 feet away, you'll find scenic lighthouse views, nesting shore birds to observe, ideal solitary surf casting spots and beachcombing galore with miles of open beach. However, no dogs are allowed and off-road vehicle permit required. Best for: Families, fishing, bird-watching, clambakes and sunsets. Local wisdom: Always deflate your tires to 12 PSI, don't speed and be at the lighthouse at 1 p.m. to get a special view.
40th Pole
40th Pole is a heaven for those who don't want to fight strong currents to cool off and splash around with their children. However, 40th Pole, which used to be an island secret, has been discovered. Expect one or two rows of vehicles the length of the beach in July and August. Best for: Families with children. Local wisdom: Early birds get the best spots; don't get caught without your town beach sticker.
Eel Point
Eel Point is known for three things: sunsets, fishing and the Bathtubs. The first two are obvious, but the latter is worth a few words. Just north of the fishing area between Eel and North Points are shallow pools in sand filled with relatively warm seawater that are great for lounging in at low tide. Best for: Fishing, digging quahogs, sunset watching and soaking. Local wisdom: Lather up with bug repellent if walking in; obey shorebird nesting area signs and boundaries.
Dionis Beach
It used to be nothing more than a North ShoreMiacomet Beach
Amelding of ocean and pond beach experiences, here again is another great beach for children and their families that is close to town. Miacomet Beach has, like all South Shore beaches, great surf to play in even on calm days and access to Miacomet Pond. Location: At the south ends of Miacomet and West Miacomet Roads. Best for: Families and generally all beachgoers, early morning and evening fishing, sunsets and beachcombing. Local wisdom: Leave the cottage just behind the dunes alone.
Children's Beach
The name says it all. A perfect place to take your children right up to water's edge, if you're strapped for time, or for an afternoon of watching boats in the harbor, Children's Beach couldn't have been placed better in relation to downtown Nantucket. Local wisdom: Makes a great walk at dusk or early in the morning.
Cisco Beach
Now known as End of the Road Beach because the beach end of Hummock Pond Road is literally crumbling into the ocean, Cisco Beach includes the sand at the end of this road and the lifeguarded beach just to the east. Best for: Surfing, families and generally most beachgoers. Local wisdom: Best place on island to surf, and surfing lessons are even offered here. Just don't park on the east side of Hummock Pond Road.
