Bay / Calm
Eel Point Road
Nantucket, MA
Plover closureHidden gem
No rating0
NatureSeclusionBirdingWalking
Calm waterUncrowdedDog-friendlySunsets
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.
- No lifeguards; strong rip currents.
Ocean / SurfFree & OpenHidden gemBest in September
Tom Never Beach
Nantucket, Massachusetts · Atlantic Ocean
4.7(6 reviews)
Nantucket's quiet far-east beach — long walks, surf fishing, no one
The easternmost south shore beach, far from the main tourist areas. Strong surf and a remote, windswept character. Excellent for surf fishing and long, solitary walks.
Tom Nevers is what's left when you keep driving past everything else — the easternmost stretch of Nantucket's south shore, far enough from downtown that even on the busiest summer weekend you can usually walk for half an hour and not see another person. There's a small parking lot at the end of Tom Nevers Road (variously labeled Tom Never and Tom Nevers; locals use Nevers), a soft-sand path through dune grass, and then miles of open Atlantic beach. No lifeguards, no facilities, no shade. The fishing is good, the walking is better, and the rip currents are real. The adjacent Tom Nevers Field is the island's old Navy base, now a public open space with one of the best kite-flying meadows in town.
Photo spot
Long view east toward Sconset with empty sand in the foreground
Arrive
Anytime — almost always emptyCrowds
LowDogs
WelcomeBest for
SeclusionWalkingFishingBirding
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~1.5 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine tan sand backed by dune grass
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: piping plover, least tern, American oystercatcher, sanderling, northern harrier
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; small lot.
End of Tom Nevers Road, limited
Getting there
- Ferry
- 60 min from Hyannis · Steamship Authority (fast ferry)
- Cell signal
- spotty
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- soft sand walk
Dogs
Allowed on leash; restricted in plover closure zones.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Surf · beach break · intermediateFishing · surfcasting
Safety & stewardship
Significant plover closures
Photo by Drew McNeil via Google Places
Today
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:16 PM
Conditions
WavesSurf / Strong
Water62–68°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksModerate
Jellyfishlow
Length~1.5 mi
Tom Never Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Tom Never Beach?
Parking at Tom Never 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 Tom Never Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Tom Never Beach — Allowed on leash; restricted in plover closure zones.
Does Tom Never Beach have lifeguards?
No — Tom Never Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Are there restrooms at Tom Never Beach?
Tom Never Beach does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
What is the water like at Tom Never Beach?
Tom Never 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 Tom Never Beach best for?
Tom Never Beach is especially good for seclusion, walking, fishing and birding.
When is the best time to visit Tom Never Beach?
Anytime — almost always empty.
