Harbor
Childrens Beach
Nantucket, MA
Plover closureAccessible
(22)
FamiliestoddlersPlaygroundcalm water
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
HarborFree & OpenBest in July
Jetties Beach
Nantucket, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound
4.7(86 reviews)
Nantucket's main family beach — walkable, free, everything you need
Nantucket's most accessible beach — a 15-minute walk from town with calm harbor water, a playground, snack bar, and tennis courts. Host of the annual Film Festival's beach screening.
Jetties Beach is downtown Nantucket's family blockbuster — a wide, calm, sheltered Nantucket Sound beach reached by a fifteen-minute walk or five-minute bike from Main Street. Everything's here: a large free lot, a long bathhouse with restrooms and outdoor showers, tennis courts, a playground, a sailing center that runs lessons all summer, a busy snack bar, and lifeguards on the main swim zone. The water is shallow well out and the chop rarely tops a foot. The Nantucket Film Festival's outdoor screening night turns the sand into a movie theater every June. Get there mid-morning if you want a spot near the bathhouse; the far ends stay quieter all day.
Photo spot
Sailing dinghies on the beach with the bathhouse in the background
Arrive
Anytime — walkable from townCrowds
HighDogs
SeasonalLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
FamiliesPlayground
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- North-facing
- Length
- ~0.4 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine golden sand
- Shade
- Bathhouse porch and snack-bar deck
Wildlife
Birds you may see: common tern, herring gull, double-crested cormorant
Things to know
- Occasional seal haul-outs nearby — a shark factor on outer-Cape waters.
- Jellyfish more likely in August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Large
- Enforcement
- Free; lot fills by 10am summer weekends.
Free, walkable from town
Getting there
- Ferry
- 60 min from Hyannis · Steamship Authority (fast ferry)
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Available
- Mobi Mat
- Yes
- Accessible restroom
- Yes
- Accessible parking
- 6 spaces
- Path from parking
- level
Dogs
No dogs in summer swim areas; allowed on leash off-season.
Pairs well with
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Designated SUP/kayak launchWindsurfing
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June – Labor Day Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Chris Lopez via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:17 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water66–72°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.4 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsShowersChanging roomsAccessibleBike rackVolleyball
Late June – Labor Day, 10am–5pm
On-site snack bar; downtown Nantucket ~1mi
Jetties Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Jetties Beach?
Parking at Jetties Beach is free and open to the public, but lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before about 10am for the best chance of a spot.
Are dogs allowed at Jetties Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Jetties Beach during the summer season — No dogs in summer swim areas; allowed on leash off-season.
Does Jetties Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Jetties Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June – Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Jetties Beach?
Jetties Beach has public restrooms and showers available in season.
What is the water like at Jetties Beach?
Jetties Beach is a sheltered harbor beach on Nantucket Sound. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 66–72°F (July–Aug).
What is Jetties Beach best for?
Jetties Beach is especially good for families and playground.
When is the best time to visit Jetties Beach?
Anytime — walkable from town, free parking, full amenities.
