Ocean / Surf
Cisco Beach
Nantucket, MA
Plover closureSurf · intermediate
(44)
Surfingyoung crowdBodyboarding
Surf wavesDog-friendlyLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
- Strong rip currents possible; swim near lifeguards.
Ocean / SurfFree & OpenBest in July
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, Massachusetts · Atlantic Ocean
5.0(5 reviews)
Nantucket's main south-shore beach — bike path, waves, and a bathhouse
The most popular south shore beach, easily reached by the bike path from town. Big waves, lifeguards, and a concession stand. The bike ride out is flat and gorgeous.
Surfside is Nantucket's main south-shore beach — a long, wide stretch of Atlantic-facing sand with big waves, lifeguards, a snack bar, a bathhouse, and a hostel just behind it that has been hosting young travelers since the 1960s. The bike path from downtown runs flat and straight for 3.5 miles and ends right at the beach; on a sunny day you'll pass a hundred other riders coming the other way. The waves are real — shoulder-high beach break on a south swell — and the rip-current risk is moderate; swim near the lifeguard stand. Sharks are an increasing concern across the south shore in late summer; the town's drone patrol is active. Free parking lot fills by 10am; bike or walk.
History
The Surfside hostel — the HI Nantucket — has occupied the former lifesaving station behind the beach since 1962.
Photo spot
Bikes lined up at the bike-path end with the bathhouse behind
Arrive
Before 10am summer weekendsCrowds
HighDogs
WelcomeLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
SurfingBodyboardingFamilies
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~2 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine tan sand with steep beach face
- Shade
- Bathhouse porch only
Wildlife
Birds you may see: piping plover, least tern, 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
- Large
- Enforcement
- Free; lot fills by 10am summer weekends.
Lot at beach end, bike path 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
- 4 spaces
- Path from parking
- level
Dogs
Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer.
Pairs well with
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Surf · beach break · intermediateSurf lessonsSurf rentals
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June – Labor Day Shark patrol active Significant plover closures
Photo by Eugen Bölkow via Google Places
Today
Sunrise5:08 AM
Sunset8:16 PM
Conditions
WavesSurf / Strong
Water62–68°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksElevated
Jellyfishlow
Length~2 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsShowersChanging roomsAccessibleBike rack
Late June – Labor Day, 10am–5pm
On-site snack bar; downtown via bike path
Surfside Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Surfside Beach?
Parking at Surfside 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 Surfside Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Surfside Beach — Allowed on leash before 9am and after 5pm in summer.
Does Surfside Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Surfside Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June – Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Surfside Beach?
Surfside Beach has public restrooms and showers available in season.
What is the water like at Surfside Beach?
Surfside 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 Surfside Beach best for?
Surfside Beach is especially good for surfing, bodyboarding and families.
When is the best time to visit Surfside Beach?
Before 10am summer weekends, or bike from town.
