North Shore Beaches Nantucket - Insider's Guide to Nantucket

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North Shore Beaches

Calm harbor waters, family friendly shores, and some of Nantucket’s most relaxed beach days.

Protected by Nantucket Sound, the North Shore beaches are known for gentler surf, warmer water, and relaxed shoreline conditions that make them especially popular with families and casual swimmers.

Many of the island’s most accessible beaches are found along the North Shore, including beaches close to town, harbor facing stretches with scenic views, and quieter areas ideal for long afternoons by the water.

Whether you are planning a full beach day with children, searching for calmer swimming conditions, or simply looking for a peaceful place to watch the boats cross the harbor, the North Shore remains one of Nantucket’s most approachable coastal experiences.

40th Pole

No lifeguard on duty

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.

Brant Point Beach

No lifeguard on duty

1 Review

Brant Point Beach is located near Brant Point Lighthouse at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. The beach offers views of boats entering and leaving the harbor along with views of the lighthouse and surrounding shoreline. Located close to town, the beach is within walking distance from downtown Nantucket and is one of the more accessible beach areas near the harbor.

Children’s Beach

Seasonal lifeguards only | No lifeguard on duty

Children’s Beach is located on Nantucket Harbor a short walk from downtown. The beach has calm harbor water along with seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, a playground area, and a café. A large grass yard has a few shade trees and picnic tables. Events, concerts, and activities are held at the beach bandstand during the summer season.

Dionis Beach

Seasonal lifeguards only | No lifeguard on duty

1 Review

Dionis Beach is a north shore beach on Nantucket with calmer water and views across Nantucket Sound. The beach has dunes, seasonal restrooms, and areas for fishing and beach access. Dionis Beach is accessed by Dionis Beach Road and is located away from the more heavily traveled beach areas on the island.

Francis Street Beach

No lifeguard on duty

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).

Jetties Beach

Seasonal lifeguards only | No lifeguard on duty

Jetties Beach is a north shore beach on Nantucket with calm water and a wide stretch of sand. The beach has seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, and a playground area. Dining is available at Sandbar at Jetties Beach. The beach is accessible by NRTA shuttle and has nearby parking, making it one of the more accessible beach areas on Nantucket.

Steps Beach

No lifeguard on duty

1 Review

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.

Washing Pond Beach

No lifeguard on duty

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).