Miacomet Pond

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.

Western Avenue Beach is located across from what used to be the Youth Hostel and is maintained by the Nantucket Land Bank. There extremely limited parking, though it is possible to park at Surfside Beach and walk to this beach access. The Land Bank has updated the entry to this beach, adding a small accessible park with seating. However, getting to this beach and shoreline requires going down a long set of gradual stairs and a long walk over a sand path.

Miacomet Beach is located at the end of Miacomet Road on Nantucket’s south shore. Paved road gives way to narrow sand roads, and parking is limited. Beach driving is prohibited. Surf and rip currents can be dangerous: lifeguards are on duty in-season. This beach is another good spot to watch the sun set. There are no restrooms and no food service at this beach. Families with young children may prefer nearby Miacomet Pond.

Nobadeer Beach is near Nantucket’s airport and is popular with youth, offering surfing, surfcasting, and views of planes landing and taking off. Surfboard and wetsuit rentals and surf lessons are available during the summer months. A lifeguard is on duty in-season. Beach access involves a steep incline, but no stairs. Hazards include rip currents, high surf, and sudden drop-offs. There is a small parking lot; beach driving requires a 4WD vehicle and a permit.