Cisco Beach

Overview

Cisco Beach sits on Nantucket's south shore, facing the open Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the calmer north shore beaches, Cisco offers rolling waves, stronger currents, and a wilder coastal experience. The beach itself is expansive - a beautiful wide swath of golden sand that stretches in both directions, backed by grassy dunes. The open ocean exposure means you'll feel the full power of the Atlantic here.

What truly sets Cisco apart is the combination of great surf, natural beauty, and the unique Cisco Brewers scene just up the road. On a summer afternoon, you can catch waves, dry off on the sand watching the sunset paint the sky, then walk to Cisco Brewers for a cold beer and live music. It's the kind of perfect island day that makes Nantucket special.

What Makes Cisco Beach Special

Best Surfing on the Island

Cisco is widely considered the best surf spot on Nantucket. The beach's orientation and bottom contour create the most consistent, rideable waves on the island. When there's swell in the water, you'll see a lineup of surfers - from locals who've been riding these waves for decades to beginners taking their first lessons. The vibe in the water is generally friendly and welcoming, though basic surf etiquette is expected.

Beautiful Wide Beach

The beach at Cisco is notably wide, giving you plenty of room to spread out even on busy summer days. The sand is soft and golden, the dunes create a picturesque backdrop, and the expanse of beach means you never feel cramped. At low tide, the beach becomes even more expansive, perfect for long walks or games of frisbee.

Less Crowded Than Surfside

While Surfside Beach gets packed with visitors due to its easier access and shuttle service, Cisco maintains a more relaxed atmosphere. You'll find more locals here, more surfers, and generally more breathing room. The lack of a shuttle means fewer day-trippers, and the surfer culture creates a laid-back vibe that's distinctly different from Surfside's beach party atmosphere.

Stunning Sunsets

Cisco Beach faces southwest, making it one of the best sunset spots on the island outside of Madaket. As the sun drops toward the horizon, the sky lights up in oranges, pinks, and purples. Unlike Madaket, you can easily combine sunset viewing with a visit to Cisco Brewers afterward. Many visitors time their beach day to be on the sand for the golden hour, then head up the road for dinner and drinks.

Water Conditions

Understanding Cisco's water conditions is important for your safety and enjoyment. This is not a calm swimming beach - it's an ocean beach with real surf.

Waves

Cisco consistently has the best waves on Nantucket. On a typical summer day with some swell, expect 2-4 foot waves. When there's a south swell or hurricane swell running, waves can reach 6 feet or more. Even on calmer days, there's usually some wave action - the beach rarely goes completely flat. The waves break over a sandy bottom, making them relatively forgiving compared to reef breaks, but still powerful enough to tumble swimmers.

Currents

Rip currents are common at Cisco Beach, especially near the sandbars and during certain tide and swell conditions. The water moves here - you'll notice longshore currents that can sweep you down the beach if you're not paying attention. Always enter at a spot you can identify from the water, and be prepared to exit somewhere different than where you entered.

Water Temperature

The south shore water is noticeably colder than the north shore. The open Atlantic exposure means Cisco's water typically runs 58-65 degrees in summer - refreshing on a hot day, but cool enough that many surfers wear wetsuits even in July and August. The cold water can be a shock if you're used to warmer beaches, but locals love it for its invigorating effect.

Surfing at Cisco Beach

Cisco is the heart of Nantucket's surf scene. Whether you're an experienced surfer or want to learn, this is the place.

Wave Types and Conditions

Cisco offers beach break surfing over a sandy bottom. The waves are generally mellow and forgiving - perfect for learning and for longboarding on smaller days. When the swell picks up, the waves get more powerful and hollow, offering better conditions for shortboarding. The best surf typically comes with south swells (common in hurricane season) or from distant storms in the Atlantic.

• Small days (1-2 feet): Great for beginners, longboarders, and learning
• Medium days (3-4 feet): Fun for all skill levels, best variety of waves
• Big days (5+ feet): More challenging, better for experienced surfers

Surf Rentals and Lessons

Several outfitters offer surfboard rentals and lessons near Cisco Beach:

• Nantucket Island Surf School: The main surf school on the island, offering lessons at Cisco. Great for beginners with patient instructors who know these waves intimately.
• Force 5 Watersports: Rents surfboards, bodyboards, and wetsuits. Located closer to town but serves Cisco surfers.
• Island Board Sports: Another option for board rentals and gear.

If you're new to surfing, a lesson is highly recommended. Local instructors know exactly where and when conditions are best for learning, and they'll get you standing up faster than trying to figure it out yourself.

Surf Etiquette

Cisco has a friendly lineup, but basic surf etiquette is expected:

• Don't drop in: If someone is already riding a wave, don't take off in front of them
• Wait your turn: Don't paddle around people to get position
• Paddle wide: When paddling back out, go around the breaking waves, not through the lineup
• Control your board: Don't let your board fly - it can hurt people
• Respect locals: Nantucket surfers are generally welcoming, but show respect for those who surf here year-round
• Beginners: Stay to the inside and don't paddle into the main lineup until you have control of your board

Facilities

Cisco Beach has minimal facilities - part of what keeps it feeling wild and uncrowded. Come prepared.

• Lifeguards: No lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk.
• Restrooms: Portable toilets in the parking area (seasonal)
• Showers: None - outdoor rinse stations at some rentals nearby
• Food/Drinks: None on the beach. Cisco Brewers is a short drive up the road.
• Rentals: No equipment rentals directly at the beach

The lack of amenities is intentional - it keeps Cisco from becoming overly developed and maintains the natural beach experience. Pack everything you'll need: water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you want for the day.

Parking & Beach Sticker

Parking at Cisco Beach requires a Nantucket beach sticker during summer months (mid-June through mid-September). The sticker is required for all town beaches with parking lots.

Beach Sticker Info

• Where to get one: Town Building at 37 Washington Street, or online through the Town of Nantucket
• Cost: Varies by residency status - visitor stickers available for weekly or seasonal purchase
• Required: Mid-June through mid-September, typically 9am-5pm
• Enforcement: Rangers check regularly - tickets are expensive

Parking Tips

• The lot fills up on nice summer weekends - arrive before 10am for guaranteed parking
• No beach sticker? Come after 5pm when enforcement ends
• Off-season (October-May): parking is free, no sticker needed
• Overflow parking sometimes available on Hummock Pond Road

Getting to Cisco Beach

By Car

From downtown Nantucket, head west on Main Street, which becomes Madaket Road. After about 2 miles, turn left onto Hummock Pond Road. Continue for about 2 miles until you reach the beach parking area. The drive takes about 10-15 minutes from town. Follow signs for Cisco Beach.

By Bike

The bike path to Cisco Beach is one of the most scenic rides on the island. The path runs along Hummock Pond Road through beautiful moors and past Hummock Pond. It's about 4 miles each way from town - a moderate ride that takes 20-30 minutes. The path is paved and well-maintained, though there are some hills. Bring a bike lock for the beach and plenty of water.

Note: The ride home after a day of surfing and sun can feel longer than the ride out. Factor in your energy level when planning.

By Shuttle

Unlike Surfside, there is no NRTA shuttle service directly to Cisco Beach. Your options are driving, biking, or taxi/rideshare.

Combining with Cisco Brewers

One of the best parts of a Cisco Beach day is the proximity to Cisco Brewers - it's just up Hummock Pond Road, about a 5-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride from the beach.

The Perfect Combo Day

A classic Nantucket summer day at Cisco goes like this:

1. Arrive at the beach mid-morning, stake out a good spot
2. Swim, surf, or relax through the afternoon
3. Watch the sunset from the beach (Cisco has great sunset views)
4. Pack up and head to Cisco Brewers as the sun goes down
5. Enjoy craft beers, wine, or spirits with live music and food trucks

About Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers is a craft beverage compound featuring Cisco Brewers (beer), Nantucket Vineyard (wine), and Triple Eight Distillery (spirits). The outdoor area has a lively atmosphere with picnic tables, live music most summer evenings, and food trucks. It's become one of Nantucket's most popular gathering spots - the perfect post-beach destination.

• Hours: Generally 11am-7pm or later in summer (check current hours)
• Food: Food trucks on-site, no outside food allowed
• Kids: Family-friendly during daytime hours
• Parking: Separate lot, can get crowded weekend afternoons

Best Times to Visit

• For surfing: Early morning often has the cleanest conditions before afternoon winds pick up. Check surf reports for swell.
• For sunsets: Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to get settled and enjoy the show.
• To avoid crowds: Weekday mornings, or anytime before 11am on weekends.
• For warmest water: August and early September have the warmest water temperatures.
• Shoulder season: September and early October offer smaller crowds, decent surf, and beautiful weather.