Harbor Beach, an easy walk from town down So. Beach Street and off Harbor View Way. Flotation devices are not permitted within the guarded area. Ideal for small children; park, playground, and bandstand; lifeguard, restrooms, showers, food service, picnic tables. Food, playground and rest room are all accessible. Activities sponsored by Park & Recreation Commission are often held at this beach during the summer months.
Sometimes called “Water Tower Beach.” Tide pools, few waves, nice beach for children. No stairs, but must trek up and down dune path to reach the beach. No lifeguard; no facilities. Beach ends at a retaining wall. Good shelling. Parking for about 25 vehicles, partial bike path accessibility (right off of Cliff Road).
Steps Beach is located below “The Cliff” and is accessed by a path between mansions and a tall staircase leading down the bluff to the beach. This beach has soft, white sand, calm water along Nantucket Sound, and is a spot for swimming and relaxing by the shore. At low tide, there are wide sandbars within easy swimming distance. Watch your toes for the occasional grumpy crab.
Francis Street Beach is located on Nantucket Harbor a few blocks from downtown Nantucket. This small beach has calm harbor water and views across the harbor and shoreline. Known as a great launch point for kayaking. There is no parking at this beach. Takeout food is available at nearby establishments (not at the beach).
40th Pole is a north shore beach on Nantucket with shallow, clear water and calm surf. The beach is popular with families, young children, and for surfcasting. Seasonal restrooms are available, though there are no lifeguards or other amenities. Access is available by 4WD vehicle (with proper permit sticker) via Eel Point Road, and the beach is open for beach driving year-round unless closed for nesting shorebirds.
