Parking at Nantucket beaches ranges from easy to challenging depending on the beach and time of day. Many visitors skip the hassle entirely by biking - but if you're driving, here's what you need to know.
Parking by Beach
Jetties Beach
Largest parking lot on the island with over 100 spaces. Pay station accepts credit cards. $25/day in summer. Fills by 10-11am on nice days. Restrooms and concessions nearby.
Surfside Beach
Paved parking lot at the end of Surfside Road. $25/day. Very popular - arrives early on summer weekends. NRTA shuttle is an alternative.
Cisco Beach
Parking lot at the end of Hummock Pond Road. $25/day. Popular with surfers. Slightly easier to find spots than Surfside.
Madaket Beach
Small parking area at the end of Madaket Road. Free but limited spaces. Best strategy: arrive early or time it for sunset when day visitors leave.
Dionis Beach
Small parking lot. Free. Rarely full except on the hottest summer days. Great alternative when south shore beaches are packed.
Sconset Beach
Very limited street parking in Sconset village. Walk down from the bluff. Free but challenging to find spots.
Children's Beach
No dedicated lot - use downtown parking. Walking distance from town center. Street parking or paid lots nearby.
4x4 Beach Driving
To drive on the sand at Great Point, Coatue, and other off-road beaches, you need:
- Over-Sand Vehicle Permit: Available from the Nantucket Police Station
- Cost: Around $150-200 for season (residents/non-residents vary)
- Required gear: Tire pressure gauge, shovel, tow strap, jack with board
- Tip: Lower tire pressure to 12-15 PSI for sand
Alternatively, book a Great Point tour with a local outfitter who handles the logistics.
Alternatives to Driving
- Biking: Flat bike paths reach Surfside, Jetties, and Madaket
- NRTA Shuttle: Seasonal buses to Surfside, Jetties, Madaket, Sconset
- Walking: Children's Beach and Brant Point are walkable from downtown
- Taxi/Uber: Available but can be pricey; useful for sunset at Madaket
Parking Tips
- Arrive before 10am for best chance at popular beaches
- Bring quarters or a credit card for pay stations
- Consider biking - parking stress disappears
- Check NRTA schedule as shuttle alternative
- Dionis rarely fills when south shore beaches are packed
- Afternoon arrivals find spots as morning beachgoers leave