A Nantucket Beach Guide: 7 Stunning Coastal Spots to Enjoy
As warmer temperatures roll in, there’s no place quite like Nantucket Island. With unique, breathtaking beaches, each offering its charm, you can visit plenty of places to enjoy the water with your family. At Affordable Rentals, we’ve helped countless visitors navigate the island through Jeep rentals. Here’s a helpful breakdown of seven Nantucket beaches you can visit on your next island vacation.
1. Great Point: A Nature Lover’s Retreat
Located off the beaten path, Great Point is a serene paradise for bird watchers and fishing enthusiasts. You’ll also have a chance to visit the iconic Great Point Lighthouse, built in 1784.
To access this area, you must have a special permit. Every 4-wheel vehicle in our fleet has the necessary Nantucket beach permit and the Oversand permit required for access to Great Point. You will, however, need to purchase a beach day pass at the entrance to the area, with funds going toward the upkeep of the region north of the Wauwinet Gatehouse.
2. Dionis Beach: Your Family-Friendly Beach
Dionis Beach‘s calm waters and soft sands make it the perfect place to visit for a relaxing day. You may even spot a lady crab as you watch sailboats go by. The beach’s vast parking area, restrooms, and vending machines make it an easy access point for families. Named after Dionis Coffin, the mother of one of Nantucket’s most prosperous early settlers, this spot is perfect if you want to visit an area away from town.
3. Jetties Beach: The Adventurer’s Haven
Jetties Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, with convenient access to restaurants, restrooms, a playground, tennis courts, and more. This area caters to beachgoers who want to go shell hunting, float on calm waters, explore sandbars, or just bask in the sun. Its ample parking space makes it easily accessible. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from on your visit to this beach.
4. Children’s Beach: Fun for Kids
Children’s Beach offers plenty of kiddie fun with a playground and shallow waters. Parking can be competitive during high season, so consider an electric car rental to make the most of the smaller parking spots. We recommend you check calendar activities for the season since you can regularly participate in yoga and watch performances by puppeteers and musicians from the comfort of the beach.
Fun fact: The Children’s Beach name originates from its history as a designated area for women and children in the 19th century.
5. Cisco Beach: Feel the Waves
Under the watchful eyes of lifeguards, surfers find their thrill on the southern side of the island at Cisco Beach. Parking tends to fill up quickly due to its popularity, so we suggest taking your rental car early to ensure you nab a parking spot. We don’t recommend this area for young children because the waves tend to be too large for young ones to safely swim in the water.
6. Miacomet Beach: Your Quiet Escape
If you prefer a peaceful, less crowded beach, make Miacomet Beach your destination. Be aware that there’s limited parking here and no restroom facilities. Because of the force of the waves, this may not be the best place to take children. If you have young ones, consider visiting Miacomet Pond nearby.
7. ‘Sconset Beach: The Postcard Beach
Nestled in the charming village of ‘Sconset, ‘Sconset Beach is as picturesque as a postcard. S’conset comes from “Siasconset,” a Native American term for “place of great bones.” This walk is easy for seniors or those with trouble navigating steep inclines.
Remember, every journey to these Nantucket beaches becomes easier, more comfortable, and more memorable with a rental from Affordable Rentals. Choose from our range of Jeeps, SUVs, and electric car rentals for your next trip. What are you waiting for? Contact us at (508) 313-9313 or reserve a rental online today!