Stone’s Beaches has the dunes, dune grass, and the surf that beachgoers on the south side of Nantucket love. small parking lot, so bike or walk to the beach is ideal. Steep steps lead down to the beach. Stone’s Beach has a Little Free Library for trading favorites, with a small look out and bench just right of the steps leading to the beach.
No lifeguards, no bathrooms, no food service. Surf can be rough, and watch out for undertow.
Low Beach is between ‘Sconset and Tom Nevers, nearly 7 miles from Nantucket town, with an expansive dune system. One of the quietest beaches on-island, it offers sweeping views and is a good spot for picnicking, fishing, and bird watching. Seals can often be seen in the surf. Surf can be heavy with strong currents; swimming is recommended for experienced swimmers only. No lifeguards. Beach driving is permitted, but watch for soft sand.
Surfside Beach is one of Nantucket’s busiest beaches and is family friendly, though surf here can get heavy. The wide beach is good for picnics and beach games, and this beach is popular for early morning shelling and evening surfcasting. Dogs are permitted here as long as they are leashed and licensed. Restrooms with a diaper changing station, showers, and a food concession are on-site. Bonfires are not permitted. Lifeguards on duty in-season. Located at the end of Surfside Road with parking.
Tom Nevers Beach, also known as “Pebble Beach,” is a rarely crowded south shore beach on Nantucket with very coarse sand and heavy surf. Beach access can be difficult, and the area is sometimes foggy. It is an excellent spot for surfcasting. There is no lifeguard on duty and no facilities on site. Parking is limited.
Madaket Beach is at Nantucket’s far western end, known as one of the best spots on the island for watching sunsets. Strong surf draws surfers and bodyboarders. Some lifeguards are on duty in season, though not the full beach length. Restrooms are on site; no food service — bring a picnic. Some parking is available, and the beach is reachable via a 5.5-mile paved bike path or the seasonal NRTA shuttle. Hazards include rip currents, high surf, and sudden drop-offs.