Four-mile bike ride to end of Hummock Pond Road. Heavy surf; lifeguard (in season). No facilities. Occasionally foggy. Parking. Rip currents can be strong. Soft sand. This beach is very popular with surfers and young adults. Lack of facilities might make it less attractive to families with children, but be careful of undertow and rip tides.
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.
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.
Miacomet Pond is a freshwater pond located on Nantucket’s South Shore. It is noted as a good spot for young children. Parking is available at the pond, though it is limited and shared with Miacomet Beach. There is no lifeguard on duty and no facilities on-site. Visitors should be aware that snapping turtles may be encountered. Avoid entering the pond if an active algal bloom is reported.
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.
