The Best 5 Beaches in Nantucket
Nantucket translates as “the faraway land” in the language of the original native Wampanoag tribe, which inhabited it before the first settlers arrived in the mid-1600s.
It is a tiny island with a length of 14 miles and a width of fewer than 4 miles, but it has some of the most beautiful beaches and impressive waterfront properties in all of coastal New England.
Thanks to the never-ending efforts and dedication of the local conservation organizations, authorities, and the people of the picturesque island, all of the 20 beaches and the entire coastline are open to the public and free to access and enjoy.
The beaches spread across 80 miles on all coasts of the island. They vary in size, popularity, ease of access, and amenities, as well as water conditions. So, there is, in fact, a suitable beach for everyone in Nantucket.
Some of them on the coast of the Nantucket Sound in the north are more suitable for families with small children. Others on the coast of the open Atlantic are preferred by surfers, adventurers, and youngsters.
There are more remote and peaceful beaches and beaches that are perfect for taking stunning romantic, nature, and vacation photos.
You can even book one of the many available rental properties closest to the beaches of your choice for your vacation there.
Here are five of the best beaches in Nantucket you should put on your itinerary for your next trip to the island.
Steps Beach
It may not be the most popular beach on the island, but Steps Beach is most definitely the most Insta-worthy of all beaches in Nantucket.
At least, this is what the statistics and the number of photos shared on Instagram each season show.
Steps Beach is a hidden gem located in between two of the most popular beaches for families with kids – Dionis and Jetties. The wide beach can be reached only via a steep set of steps. And while the beach itself is beautiful and not as crowded as its famous neighbors, it is the stunning panoramic view from the top of these steps that makes it so incredible.
You can view the Harbor, the Nantucket Sound, and the historic Brant Point Lighthouse from the top of the steps, as well as the yachts, nature, and glamorous waterfront properties.
Due to the multitude of steep steps, it is less crowded and more peaceful than other famous beaches, even at the peak of the summer.
But there are no amenities, so remember to bring some water and snacks for your stay there. It is also difficult to access for people with mobility issues.
Jetties Beach
Jetties Beach is one of the most popular beaches, which is within walking distance from Downtown and is on the coast of the calmer, shallower, and warmer Nantucket Sound. This makes it a top choice for people with children and other vacationers who are staying in town.
Jetties Beach has all the amenities and facilities you need to spend an entire day lounging and having fun on the beach. There is a skate park, a playground, a tennis court, volleyball nets, restrooms, a pavilion, a restaurant, and lifeguards.
And even if you are missing something while spending time at Jetties, you don’t need to worry because it is only 10 minutes away from the town and all of its shops, restaurants, and other venues.
You can enjoy swimming, playing sports, relaxing, and watching the mega yachts and boats from Jetties, or have a nice lunch or snack on one of the tables set up in the beach’s restaurant.
Cisco Beach
Cisco Beach is a preferred spot for surfers, boogie boarders, and other watersports fans and adventurers.
The south coast beach is home to one of the two surf schools – the Nantucket Island School, so you can sign up for some private or group lessons or rent all the equipment and gear you need to enjoy surfing in the crystal clear waters and the sizable waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach itself is vast and beautiful, and there are lifeguards throughout the summer.
But, there are no restaurants or food trucks on Cisco Beach, so make sure to pack a picnic before heading to Cisco Beach.
On your way back to your residence, don’t forget to visit Cisco Brewery, the most popular spot for drinking local beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, eating delicious seafood and snacks while listening to live music, and mingling with other vacationers and locals.
Siasconset (Sconset) Beach
Siasconset, called ‘Sconset for short by the locals, is a picturesque village on the eastern coast of Nantucket, where you can see some of the quaint and iconic weathered grey cedar shake cottages, all covered by crawling pink roses and surrounded with gorgeous gardens.
The best way to get to Siasconset Beach on the east coast of the island is via the Sconset Bluff Walk, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful and romantic walking trails in the country.
The path is only a mile long, and every single step you make offers an Insta-worthy view. It reaches the bluffs, or you can head off to Siasconset Beach, where you can enjoy a nice day or explore the historic Sankaty Head Lighthouse nearby.
On the way, you can enjoy and photograph those beautiful ocean and waterfront views and spot different birds, seals, and other wildlife.
The beach itself is wide and long, with soft white sands and with grassy dunes.
It is the perfect spot to go for a morning or pre-dawn walk or run and watch the sun rising over the ocean.
Madaket Beach
Madaket Beach is best known as a spot for watching mesmerizing sunsets. This is why it is a trendy location for romantic and wedding photos and Instagram-worthy photo ops.
It is on the west coast of Nantucket and is quite remote compared to the more popular beaches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a more peaceful and quiet time, closer to the untouched nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
There are no amenities on the beach itself, so bring some snacks and water for your day at Madaket Beach.
Remember to stay there until sunset to view the stunning sight.
The ocean’s beach currents are rough, so it is suitable for more advanced surfers and swimmers.
