Ocean / Surf
Quidnet Beach
Nantucket, MA
Plover closureHidden gemSurf · intermediate
(5)
SeclusionSceneryWalkingBirding
Surf wavesUncrowdedDog-friendly
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
- High rip-current risk. Swim near a lifeguard and ask about conditions.
- Steep beach face and strong rip currents; no lifeguards.
Ocean / SurfFree & OpenBest in June
Sconset Beach
Nantucket, Massachusetts · Atlantic Ocean
4.5(26 reviews)
The wild beach below Sconset's rose-covered village
The beach below the charming village of Siasconset (Sconset), known for its rose-covered cottages. Dramatic bluffs with active erosion. Strong surf and a wild, beautiful setting.
Sconset Beach runs below the bluff that defines Siasconset, Nantucket's easternmost village — the one with the rose-covered fishing shacks of Sconset Square and the famous Sankaty Head Lighthouse a mile to the north. The beach is reached by a set of public stairs down the bluff from the village; the bluff itself is in active retreat, and homeowners along Baxter Road have been moving and propping up houses against the erosion for two decades. The waves are strong, the sand is steep, there are no lifeguards. Walk north along the beach toward Sankaty Light for one of the best Nantucket strolls; come at sunrise for the only east-facing sunrise beach on the island.
History
Sankaty Head Lighthouse, just north of Sconset Beach, was moved 400 feet back from the eroding bluff in 2007 in one of the most-watched relocation projects in Nantucket history.
Photo spot
Sankaty Head Lighthouse from the beach at sunrise
Arrive
Morning for the villageCrowds
ModerateDogs
WelcomeBest for
SceneryWalkingSunrises
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- East-facing
- Length
- ~1.2 mi
- Backshore
- Bluff-backed
- Sand
- Fine tan sand with steep beach face
- Shade
- Village shade only
Wildlife
Birds you may see: piping plover, American oystercatcher, sanderling, common tern
Occasional whales
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
- Small
- Enforcement
- Free street parking only in the village.
Street parking in Sconset village
Getting there
- Ferry
- 60 min from Hyannis · Steamship Authority (fast ferry)
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- stairs
Dogs
Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Surf · beach break · intermediateFishing · surfcasting
Safety & stewardship
Significant plover closures
Photo by SanXan Alcaraz via Google Places
Today
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:16 PM
Conditions
WavesSurf / Strong
Water62–68°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksModerate
Jellyfishlow
Length~1.2 mi
Facilities
RestroomsBike rack
Sconset Market and Claudette's in Sconset village
Sconset Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Sconset Beach?
Parking at Sconset 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 Sconset Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Sconset Beach — Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer.
Does Sconset Beach have lifeguards?
No — Sconset Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Are there restrooms at Sconset Beach?
Sconset Beach has public restrooms available in season.
What is the water like at Sconset Beach?
Sconset Beach is an open-ocean surf beach on Atlantic Ocean. Expect bigger surf and waves — better for bodyboarding and confident swimmers. Average summer water temperature is around 62–68°F (July–Aug).
What is Sconset Beach best for?
Sconset Beach is especially good for scenery, walking and sunrises.
When is the best time to visit Sconset Beach?
Morning for the village; evening for the bluff walk.
