The best family beaches on Nantucket are Children’s Beach, Jetties Beach, Surfside Beach and Madaket Beach, and Children’s Beach is the one for toddlers. It sits inside Nantucket Harbor, which the town describes as calm, it is guarded in summer, and there is a playground and picnic tables right next to the sand. Jetties is the all-day beach with a restaurant, Surfside has moderate waves for boogie boarding, and Madaket has bigger surf and the island’s best-known sunset. All four are on the town lifeguard list in summer.
Family Beaches in Nantucket: At-A-Glance
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Beach | Playground | View Details → |
| Jetties Beach | Restaurant | View Details → |
| Madaket Beach | Showers | View Details → |
| Surfside Beach | Snack Bar | View Details → |
Children’s Beach
Children’s Beach is our first pick with small kids because it is on the harbor rather than the open ocean.
- The Beach: Calm, because it sits inside Nantucket Harbor (Town of Nantucket), and it is guarded in summer.
- Key Amenities: It features a fantastic playground and picnic tables right near the sand.
- Tip: Parking is limited, so come in the morning, before lunch.
Good to know: Street parking fills very early. A bike or the shuttle is easier.
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Jetties Beach
Jetties Beach has everything you need for a whole day without leaving.
- The Beach: Wide sand for a long, lazy afternoon, guarded in summer (Town of Nantucket).
- Key Amenities: A full-service restaurant, showers and restrooms.
- Tip: Eat at the restaurant and skip the heavy cooler.
Good to know: The big lot is handy but fills fast in peak summer.
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Madaket Beach
Madaket Beach is the scenic one, better with older kids.
- The Beach: Livelier surf, good for older children who like waves.
- Key Amenities: Restrooms, showers and trash cans.
- Tip: Stay for the sunset. Many people call it the best on the island.
Good to know: The lot is small and the path crosses the dunes, so pack light.
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Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is the classic island beach, with moderate waves and wide sand.
- The Beach: Wide sand for boogie boarding and sandcastles.
- Key Amenities: A snack bar, so nobody has to leave for food.
- Tip: Arrive by 10 AM for a space in the big lot.
Good to know: It is popular, so expect company in the middle of the day.
Top-rated family hotels in Nantucket
FAQs About Family Beaches in Nantucket
Which beach is best for toddlers?
Children’s Beach, because the town describes its spot inside Nantucket Harbor as calm (Town of Nantucket), it is guarded in summer, and the playground next to it provides an easy activity transition.
When is the best time to arrive at the beach?
Before 10 AM at most beaches. You get a parking space and set up before the midday heat.
Are there lifeguards at these beaches?
Yes, in summer. The Town of Nantucket guards ten beaches, among them Children’s Beach, Jetties, Madaket and Surfside (Town of Nantucket). Always check the signs on arrival for the day’s hours.
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