BEACHES > MASSACHUSETTS
Boston
Address: Department of Conservation and Recreation
Phone: 617.626.1250
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/metroboston.htm
The DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) manages almost all the beach areas within Boston's city limits. Lifeguards are on duty during beach hours from late June through early September. Open year-round. See separate listings for the Boston Harbor Islands and Castle Island.
— Carson Beach, South Boston. By subway, take the Red Line to JFK/UMass.
— City Point, M Street Beach, and Pleasure Bay, Day Blvd, South Boston. By subway, take the Red Line to Broadway Station, then take City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk to the right across Marine Park.
— Malibu and Savin Hill Beaches, Morrissey Blvd, Dorchester. By subway, take the Red Line to Savin Hill, then follow Savin Hill Ave..
— Tenean Beach, Conley St (off Tenean St), Dorchester. By subway, take Red Line to Savin Hill, then take #20 bus. Facilities include tennis and basketball courts and a playground area.
Boston Harbor Islands
Address: Boston Harbor Island Partnership
Phone: 617.223.8666
Email: boha_information@nps.gov
Web: www.bostonislands.com
Swimming is allowed at island beaches on Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, and Lovells islands. Lifeguards on duty only at Lovells Island, which has long beaches, rocky tide pools, sand dunes, and the remains of a fort. It also offers camping, picnic tables, and hiking trails. Open daily from 9 am to sunset. Check online or call for ferry schedule and cost. No docking for private boats. The Boston Harbor Islands are now an official National Recreation Area under management of the National Park Service.
Castle Island
Address: Day Blvd, South Boston, MA
Phone: 617.727.5290
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/castle.htm
This popular 22-acre urban park isn’t really an island, but rather the eastern point of the peninsula that juts into Boston Harbor. Castle Island is dominated by Fort Independence, a five-bastioned granite structure built between 1834 and 1851, but it also offers a supervised swimming area, fishing, picnic tables, a tot lot, restrooms, and concession stands. Open year-round. Fort Independence is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Limited parking available.
Revere Beach Reservation
Address: Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA
Phone: 781.289.0769
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/revere.htm
By subway, take the Blue Line to Revere Beach or Wonderland. Revere has been an oasis to city dwellers for more than 100 years. It offers fishing, a band shell, a tot lot, and plenty of fast-food restaurants (including the legendary Kelly’s). Lifeguards are on duty beginning in late June. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Wollaston Beach
Address: Quincy Shore Dr (off Rte 3A), Quincy, MA
Phone: 617.727.5290
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/quincyshore.htm
By subway, take the Braintree Red Line to Wollaston station, then walk to Hancock St, turn right, and walk one block to Beach St.. This 2.3-mile beach features Moswetuset Hummock, an historic Native American camping ground, at its northern end. On the southern end, the 15-acre Caddy Park offers a playground area, an observational tower, and picnic tables. There are also jogging and bicycling trails. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with the bathhouse open from July to Sept..
Crane Beach
Address: Argilla Rd (off Rte 133), Ipswich, MA
Phone: 978.356.4354
Email: castlehill@ttor.org
Web: www.thetrustees.org/pages/294_crane_beach.cfm
Take exit 20A off Rte 128 North and follow to Rte 133 East. Then take Northgate Rd to Argilla Rd.. The popular four-mile beach abuts the grounds of the Great House on Castle Hill (the Crane Mansion), where rolling green lawns are open to the public. Toilets (appropriately), a bathhouse (ditto), a picnic area, and a snack bar are available. Bring insect repellent — the greenheads, especially in late July, bite hard. The beach and grounds are both open year-round from 8 am to sunset. Come early, as the parking lot often fills up by 11 am. Parking $22 on weekends, $15 on weekdays. Admission for bikers and hikers $2. Admission halved after 3 pm.
Gloucester
Address: Parks and Recreation Department
Phone: 978.281.9785
Web: www.bostoncentral.com/activities/beaches/p870.php
Gloucester beaches are off the far northern reaches of Rte 128. Another way to get there is to take a ferry or train to the North Shore and then hop a Cape Ann Transportation Authority bus to East Gloucester. Parking may be limited to those with stickers. For information about beach stickers contact Department of Public Works, Beach and Parks Department at 978.281.9785. No alcohol, pets, or littering.
— Good Harbor Beach, Thatcher Road (Rte 127A) on the Atlantic Ocean, features a bathhouse and snack bar. Limited parking, $20 weekdays, $25 weekends.
— Half Moon Beach and Cressy’s Beach, at Stage Fort Park, are on Gloucester Harbor. They share a bathhouse, snack bar, and parking lot. Half Moon Beach is smaller and great for families, while Cressy's is a more natural, rocky beach. Visitors can bring a grill for beach barbecues. Parking $10.
— Wingaersheek Beach, on Atlantic Street, is on the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. It has interesting tide pools to investigate and kid-safe rocks to climb, and downtown Gloucester is within walking distance. Snack bar, bathhouse, and parking lot available. Limited parking, $25 weekends, $20 weekdays.
Lynn Shores and Nahant Beach Reservation
Address: Lynn Shore Dr, Lynn, MA
Phone: 781.485.2803
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/lynnshores.htm
A promenade near the edge of Nahant Bay is open year-round for walking, jogging, and bicycling. A mile-long range of sand dunes runs parallel to Long Beach, and tide pools at Red Rock Park teem with marine life. Ball fields, racquetball courts, and tennis courts are available near the Nahant Rotary. The park headquarters at Ward Bathhouse offers a tot lot and restrooms. Lifeguards supervise parts of Long Beach during July and August. Beach open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Parking fees assessed between 8 am and 5 pm from May through Sept..
Plum Island
Address: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (off I-95 and Rte 1A South), Newburyport, MA
Phone: 978.465.5753
Email: fw5rw_prnwr@fws.gov
Web: www.newburyportchamber.org/plum_island.shtml
Plum Island offers miles of long sandy beach with fishing holes and a strong surf. Refuge beach closed at least until July to protect the nesting piping plovers. Until then, there are hiking trails through marshes and dunes, observation towers, and other areas for bird watching. Bring insect repellent and arrive early — the parking lots can fill up by 8 am and the gates reopen only every two hours. Parking available for a fee at Sandy Point and the Wildlife Refuge. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Rockport
Address: Cape Ann Peninsula, MA
Phone: 978.546.6575
Email: info@rockportusa.com
Web: www.rockportusa.com/beaches.cfm
Rockport is no longer a dry town, having lifted its ban on the purchase and serving of alcohol in April 2005. Rockport beaches can be found past Gloucester on Rte 127A. Artists and tourists abound here. Lifeguards are on duty in the more popular swimming areas from 9 am to 5 pm. Surfing is generally permitted at other times. Parking fees may apply. Parking meters are enforced 7 days/week on many Rockport streets.
— Front Beach and Back Beach are the only Rockport beaches that do not require a parking sticker. Both are located on Sandy Bay, in the center of Rockport, with metered parking, restaurants, toilets, and the Rockport Commuter Rail Station within walking distance.
— Cape Hedge Beach, on South Street, is on the ocean and far from town. Severely limited parking.
— Long Beach, off Thatcher Road, is on the ocean. There are toilets, but parking is limited.
— Old Garden Beach, on Sandy Bay, is secluded and residential but within walking distance from downtown. Parking is severely limited.
— Pebble Beach, on Penzance Rd, is on the ocean and aptly named for the smooth stones that cover it. Limited parking.
Salisbury State Beach
Address: Off Rtes 1A and 110, Salisbury, MA
Phone: 978.462.4481
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/salb.htm
Salisbury has close to four miles of ocean beach. Facilities include handicapped-accessible bathhouses with showers and toilets, a public-access boat ramp, and campgrounds. Swimming and fishing are also available. Lifeguards on duty. Parking is available for a fee.
Singing Beach
Address: Off Rte 127, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Phone: 978.526.2019
Email: caspariusm@manchester.ma.us
Web: www.manchester.ma.us
This beautiful beach is named after its singing sands and breezy tide. The parking lot is small and fills up quickly; non-residents can only park there Mon-Thurs, for $25 per day, but the Manchester Station on the Rockport Commuter Rail is a half-mile walk to the beach. The area boasts a recently renovated bathhouse and snack bar. Lifeguard on duty. Open May 28 through Sept 3, Mon through Thurs from 9 am to 5 pm, and Fri through Sun from 9 am to 7 pm. Regulations against alcohol, nudity, and pets are strictly enforced.
Demarest Lloyd State Park
Address: Barney’s Joy Rd, South Dartmouth, MA
Phone: 508.636.3298
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/deml.htm
From I-95, take Exit 12 south. This 1800-foot beach offers fishing, bicycling, walking, riding, and picnicking. The tame waters of Buzzards Bay make it ideal for families with children. Bathrooms and cold showers available. Open through mid Sept, Mon through Fri from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sat and Sun from 8 am to 6 pm. No pets allowed.
Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation
Address: Green St, Fairhaven, MA
Phone: 508.992.4524
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/ftph.htm
From I-95, take Rte 240 south to Rte 6 west. The 23-acre beach park offers swimming in Buzzards Bay, scenic views, basketball and tennis courts, picnicking, and a gazebo. No lifeguards on duty. Fort Phoenix was the site of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War, on May 14, 1775. The Elizabeth Islands are visible from the shore. Limited restrooms available. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Free parking.
Horseneck State Beach
Address: Rte 88, Westport Point, MA
Phone: 508.636.8816
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/hbch.htm
This two-mile beach is located at the western end of Buzzards Bay. A bathhouse with toilets and showers, a public boat ramp, and picnic tables are available. The breezy locale makes for excellent wind surfing, and fishing, bird watching, and bicycling are also options. Walk-in camping is available this season only from May 22 through June 19; reservations required from June 20 through Oct. 12. Lifeguards on duty. Open daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Parking $7 per day.
Nantasket Beach Reservation
Address: Nantasket Ave (Rte 3A), Hull, MA
Phone: 617.727.5290
Email: mass.parks@state.ma.us
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/nantask.htm
Luring tourists for almost two centuries, Nantasket is one of Boston's oldest beach reservations. Paragon Park, an old-fashioned amusement park, once drew teenagers from all over metropolitan Boston. Its carousel still stands, along with a bandstand and food concessions. Typical summer events include concerts and public dancing lessons. Restrooms and outside showers are also available. Lifeguards on duty from late June through early Sept.. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Plymouth Beach
Address: Warren Ave (Rte 3A), Plymouth, MA
Phone: 508.830.4045
Web: pilgrims.net/plymouth/beaches.htm
The original site of Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims allegedly landed in 1620, this beach is located about three miles south of Plymouth Center and draws a mostly local crowd. Restrooms, a bathhouse, and a snack bar are available. An ice-cream truck makes regular visits. Parking $5 weekdays, $8 weekends.
Scusset Beach State Reservation
Address: 140 Scusset Beach Rd, Sagamore Beach, MA
Phone: 508.888.0859
Web: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/scus.htm
Located in Sandwich at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal (near the tunnel entrance), this 380-acre beach park offers swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, and camping. Bathhouse, toilets, and a snack bar available.
Barnstable/Hyannis
Address: Hawes Ave, Barnstable Recreation Division, Hyannis, MA
Phone: 508.775.9695
Web: www.hyannis.com/Beaches.asp
All beaches are accessible from Rte 28. Listed below are sites with parking available for nonresidents. All are handicapped-accessible. Lifeguards are on duty daily from late June through Labor Day between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. Restrooms close at 4:30 pm. Parking areas open from 9 am to 9 pm, and fees are collected until 3:30 pm. Parking at Sandy Neck is $12 on weekdays, $15 on weekends and holidays, $40 per week, $200 seasonal. Parking at all other beaches is $12 per day, $40 per week. Fishing licenses required.
— Craigville Beach, on Craigville Rd in Centerville, has a snack bar and restrooms. Known for muscle builders. Moped rentals available.
— Kalmus Park, off Ocean St in Hyannis, has a bathhouse, a snack bar, a picnic area, and restrooms. Popular with windsurfers. Short walk from downtown Hyannis.
— Orrin Keyes Beach (a/k/a Sea Street Beach), on Sea St in Hyannis, is a quiet beach at the end of a residential street and attracts a local crowd. It has a bathhouse, grills, a snack bar, a picnic area, and a volleyball area.
— Sandy Neck Beach, off Rte 6A in West Barnstable, gets its name from its six-mile shoreline. It offers a bathhouse, a snack bar, and restrooms. Popular for snorkling and diving. Admission $10.
— Veterans Park, off Ocean St in Hyannis, has a bathhouse, a snack bar, grills, a playground, a volleyball area, and toilets. Family friendly.
Brewster
Address: Rte 6A, Brewster
Phone: 508.896.4511
Web: www.brewstercapecod.org/information/whattodo/beaches
Brewster's seven public beaches are accessible from the historic Kings Highway, Rte 6A. No lifeguards at town beaches. A few portable toilets, but otherwise no facilities. Parking permits cost $15 and are required from June 14 through Labor Day. They can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center on Main Street, from 9 am to 3 pm daily. Beaches close at 10 pm nightly.
Chatham
Address: 549 Main St, Chatham, MA
Phone: 508.945.5175
Web: www.town.chatham.ma.us
Chatham beaches face Nantucket Sound and are accessible from Rte 28. Exit at Cockle Cove Rd, Ridgevale Rd, or Harding Beach Rd, and you’ll find gentle surf within walking distance of restrooms and a snack bar. The beach areas in the eastern part of town tend to have a stronger current, so check surf advisory beforehand. Lifeguards on duty from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Children under 10 must be supervised. Parking passes are available at the beach, but only cash is accepted. Parking by permit $15 per day, $60 per week, $125 for season.
Dennis
Address: Rtes. 6A and 28, Dennis
Phone: 508.760.6159
Web: www.dennischamber.com
Dennis beaches face either Cape Cod Bay (those off Rte 6A) or Nantucket Sound (those off Rte 28). Both sides have restrooms, lifeguards, snack bars, first-aid stations, and swimming areas with tame waters. The town’s only bathhouse is located at West Dennis Beach, on Nantucket Sound. Parking $15 per day, $55 per week, and $130 per season.
Eastham
Address: Rte 6, Eastham
Phone: 508.240.7211
Web: www.easthamchamber.com
Eastham has two National Seashore beaches, Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean side off Rte 6. Coast Guard Beach is known for its great surf, and Nauset Lighthouse is a famous Cape Cod landmark. Both have restrooms and a snack bar. Parking is $15 per day and $45 per week.
Falmouth
Address: Rte 28, Falmouth, MA
Phone: 508.548.8623
Email: beach@town.falmouth.ma.us
Web: www.town.falmouth.ma.us/deppage.php?number=9
Falmouth beaches are accessible from Rte 28. All provide handicap access and beach wheelchairs. Lifeguards on duty. No dogs allowed.
— Old Silver Beach, on Quaker Road in North Falmouth, faces Buzzards Bay. Considered the softest shore in Falmouth. Bathhouse, snack bar, and restrooms available. Parking $20.
— Menauhant Beach, on Menauhant Road in East Falmouth, faces Nantucket Sound. A snack bar, a bathhouse, and portable toilets available. Parking $10.
— Surf Drive Beach, on Surf Drive in Central Falmouth, faces Nantucket Sound. A snack bar, a bathhouse, and restrooms available. Parking $10.
Harwich
Address: Parks and Recreation, 100 Oak St, Harwich, MA
Phone: 508.430.7553
Email: info@harwichrecreation.com
Web: www.harwichrecreation.com/index.cfm?locate=beaches
Red River Beach off Rte 28 in South Harwich, is located on the Nantucket Sound. Restrooms and mobile concessions available. Parking $15 per day, $55 per week.
Orleans
Address: Rte 6A, Orleans, MA
Phone: 508.240.3775
Email: info@capecod-orleans.com
Web: www.capecod-orleans.com
Town parking passes for temporary residents $50 weekly, $110 for the season. Available at Nauset Beach administration building. Public parking $15 per day.
— Nauset Beach, on Beach Road (off Rte 6), on the Atlantic coast, offers a bathhouse, outdoor showers, restrooms, lifeguards, and a snack bar. A great area for surfing. Off-roading allowed. Mostly handicap-accessible.
— Skaket Beach, on Skaket Beach Rd (off Rte 6A), is on the bay side near the town center and offers restrooms, lifeguard, and a snack bar.
Provincetown
Address: Rte. 6A, Provincetown, MA
Phone: 508.349.3785
Web: www.nps.gov/caco
Provincetown beaches are part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and are accessible from Rte 6. An alternative to the $15 daily parking fee is the Provincetown shuttle bus, which travels 6A every 20 minutes and costs $1.
— Herring Cove has a bathhouse, lifeguards, toilets, and a snack bar. The near left section of the beach is predominantly lesbian, the far left predominantly gay, and if you wander even further left, you enter the nude beach area.
— Race Point Beach faces the ocean. But for the flying fishing lines, it is considered one of the most tranquil beaches on the Cape. Bathhouse and toilets are available, as well as handicap access.
Truro
Address: Rte 6A, Truro, MA
Phone: 508.349.3635
Web: www.trurocapecod.com/beaches.htm
Truro beaches are accessible from Rte 6A. Beach stickers can be purchased from the Beach Office at 36 Shore Rd.
— Corn Hill Beach, on Corn Hill Rd, facing Cape Cod Bay, has toilets but no other facilities. No lifeguard on duty. Handicapped-accessible. Admission fee.
— Head of the Meadow Beach, on Head of the Meadow Rd, facing the Atlantic, has toilets but no other facilities. Lifeguards on duty. Admission fee.
— Longnook Beach, on Longnook Rd, is located at the base of a sizable dune, providing a great elevated view of the ocean. Arrive early because parking can be tricky.
Wellfleet
Address: Rte 6, Wellfleet, MA
Phone: 508.349.9818
Web: www.wellfleetchamber.com/BeachesHarbors.html
Wellfleet beaches are accessible from Rte 6. Except for Mayo Beach, parking is $15 per day, $60 per week, $100 per two weeks, and $200 for a seasonal pass.
— Cahoon Hollow, off Ocean View Dr, faces the Atlantic. It’s the site of a popular restaurant/bar, the Beachcomber, which attracts a young and single crowd, but walk 150 feet in either direction for an empty beach. Portable toilets. Parking available, but get there by 11 am for a spot.
— Marconi Beach, off Marconi Beach Rd in South Wellfleet, faces the Atlantic and is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Like the waves, the bluffs are quite high here, so it’s not ideal for sunbathing. Lifeguards on duty. It has a bathhouse and restrooms.
— Mayo Beach, off Kendrick Ave, faces Wellfleet Harbor on Cape Cod Bay. It’s calm and the water’s warm, so expect a lot of families and kids. There are public toilets and nearby restaurants. Free parking.
— White Crest Beach, off Ocean View Dr, faces the Atlantic. It’s popular with surfers and, at off-peak hours, hang-gliders. There are restrooms available and a snack bar. Lifeguards on duty.
Yarmouth
Address: Rte 28, Yarmouth, MA
Phone: 508.398.2231
Web: www.capecodyarmouth.com/beaches.htm
Yarmouth beaches are accessible from Rte 28, and all but one face Nantucket Sound. Parking $12, $15 on weekends and holidays, $45 per week, $125 for a season pass.
— Bass Hole (a/k/a Gray’s Beach), on Center St off Rte. 6A, has a picnic area and a playground. Great fishing spot. Limited free parking.
— Bass River Beach (a/k/a Smuggler’s Beach), on South Shore Dr, has a bathhouse, a snack bar, and restrooms. Wheelchair-accessible fishing pier available.
— Parker's River Beach, on South Shore Dr, has a large parking lot, a snack bar, a playground, and restrooms. No lifeguard on duty.
— Sea Gull Beach, on Sea Gull Rd in West Yarmouth, is the largest beach in town. The beach is wheelchair-accessible. It has plenty of dunes, plus a bathhouse, a snack truck, and restrooms. Facilities do not accommodate wheelchairs.
— Seaview Beach, off South Shore Dr, offers restrooms and a snack bar.
AQUINNAH (Gay Head)
Address: Town Hall, Aquinnah (Gay Head), MA
Phone: 508.693.0085
Email: info@mvy.com
Web: www.mvol.com/beaches
Public beaches are on the western end of the island.
— Moshup Beach, Aquinnah’s public beach, is off Moshup Trail. Red-clay cliffs form a descending pathway to this narrow beach. The beach is a 10-minute trail walk from the parking lot. No amenities, so bring your own food and supplies. $15 parking fee.
— Lobsterville Beach, on Lobsterville Rd.. Long, breezy Vineyard Sound beach and dune land. A favorite fishing spot for locals. Open to all, but no public parking.
Chilmark
Address: Town Hall, Chilmark, MA
Phone: 508.693.0085
Email: info@mvy.com
Web: www.mvy.com/islandinfo/beaches.html
Menemsha Beach is the only public beach in Chilmark. It is located on Basin Rd, off North Rd, facing the Vineyard Sound. It's a gentle beach with clear, bright water, and it offers the best sunset on Martha's Vineyard. Lifeguards on duty. Restrooms available. Alcohol permitted. Open to all. Close to many seafood markets and restaurants. Limited free parking.
Edgartown
Address: Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Vineyard Haven, MA
Phone: 508.693.0085
Email: info@mvy.com
Web: www.mvy.com
All Edgartown beaches are located on the eastern end of the island.
— East Beach (Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation) is located on Chappaquiddick Island. Open to all, but protected by the trustees board, so tread lightly. Fee charged.
— Fuller Street Beach. At the end of Fuller St, near Lighthouse Beach.
— Katama Beach (a/k/a South Beach), off Katama Rd, is a three-mile barrier beach equipped with lifeguards and restrooms. Strong surf on one side, protected salt pond on the other. Surf-fishing and four-wheel-drive vehicles (with permits) allowed on ocean side. Call ahead to make sure four-wheel-drive access is open.
— Lighthouse Beach, off North Water St, is a calm harbor beach at Starbuck’s Neck, near the center of town. This beach is also protected by the trustees board.
Oak Bluffs
Address: Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Vineyard Haven, MA
Phone: 508.693.0085
Email: info@mvy.com
Web: www.mvol.com/beaches/
All beaches are accessible from Beach Rd..
— Eastville Beach, at the bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, is a popular fishing spot and close to downtown.
— Oak Bluffs Town Beach has calm, shallow water. Beach begins near the Steamship Authority dock and ends at the first jetty heading toward Edgartown. Lifeguards on duty. Restrooms available.
— Joseph A. Sylvia State Beach (aka Bend-in-the-Road Beach) is connected to Oak Bluffs Town Beach by a small inlet, giving it clear, mild waters. Lifeguards on the Edgartown section only. Accessible by bike trail.
Vineyard Haven
Address: Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Vineyard Haven, MA
Phone: 508.693.0085
Email: info@mvy.com
Web: www.mvol.com/beaches/
Public beaches face Vineyard Sound.
— Lake Tashmoo Town Beach, at Herring Creek on Lake Tashmoo, transformed from a lake into beach after the 1938 hurricane opened it up to the Vineyard Sound. Lifeguards on duty.
— Owen Park Beach, off Main St, has gentle surf. Lifeguards on duty. Near the ferry and business district.
— Tisbury Town Beach, on Owen Little Way, is next to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club.
East Shore
Address: Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508.228.1700
Email: info@nantucketchamber.org
Web: www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/beach.html
Siasconset Beach (or 'Sconset to natives) faces the Atlantic. It's a relatively uncrowded beach, but the surf can be heavy. Facilities in town. Lifeguards on duty. Parking is limited, but shuttle-bus service is available, or you can bike down the seven-mile path from the center of town.
North Shore
Address: Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508.228.1700
Email: info@nantucketchamber.org
Web: www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/beach.html
All beaches face the Nantucket Sound.
— Brant Point is an easy walk or bike ride from town. Since there's no lifeguard and a strong undertow, only experienced swimmers are advised to brave the waves. Brant Point Lighthouse area provides a calm spot to sit amid the rough waters.
— Children’s Beach is ideal for, surprise, small children. Park, playground, game tables, picnic tables, restrooms, and food service available. Free concerts on Thurs and Sun from 6 to 7:30 pm. T-shirt tie-dyeing on Fri at noon from mid July to Aug, sponsored by Nantucket Parks and Recreation Commission.
— Dionis Beach is three miles from town by bike. Protected by a small range of sand dunes, it offers calm waters for swimming, lifeguards, and restrooms.
— Francis Street Beach, a five-minute walk from Main St, features calm harbor waters for swimming and a jungle gym. Kayak rentals available. No lifeguard.
— Jetties Beach is an easy bike ride from town, or NRTA shuttle service is available every half-hour. This beach has a beautiful boardwalk, and lifeguards, changing rooms, and a playground make it perfect for families. A concession stand, public tennis courts, volleyball nets, a bathhouse, and restrooms are also provided. Windsurfing, sailboat, and kayak lessons and rentals are available.
South Shore
Address: Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508.228.1700
Email: info@nantucketchamber.org
Web: www.nantucketchamber.org/visitor/beach.html
All beaches face the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., south).
— Cisco Beach is a four-mile bike ride to the end of Hammock Pond Rd.. Powerful surf, no facilities. Lifeguard on duty.
— Madaket Beach, famous for its sunsets, is accessible by a shuttle from town or a six-mile bike ride on paved path. Heavy surf and lifeguards. Restrooms on site and food available nearby.
— Surfside, located at the end of Surfside Rd., is the most popular spot on the island. A good family beach, it offers picnic areas, lifeguard, restrooms, showers, and a snack bar. The wide beach is perfect for beach games and surfcasting in the evening. Current can be strong. Ample parking for cars and only a two-mile bike ride from town.
