Jetties Beach

Overview

Jetties Beach has earned its reputation as Nantucket's most popular family beach thanks to its unbeatable combination of location, amenities, and water conditions. The beach sits on the north shore of the island, facing Nantucket Sound, which means the waters are significantly calmer and warmer than the south shore beaches like Surfside and Cisco.

The beach gets its name from the long stone jetties that extend into the harbor, originally built to protect the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. These jetties create a protected swimming area and offer their own opportunities for exploration and fishing. On a busy summer day, you'll find families with young children splashing in the gentle waves, kayakers and paddleboarders gliding across the calm water, and beachgoers of all ages enjoying the full-service amenities.

What truly sets Jetties apart is its accessibility. Unlike many Nantucket beaches that require a car or long bike ride to reach, Jetties is walkable from downtown - about a 15-20 minute stroll along North Beach Street. This makes it the perfect choice for visitors staying in town who want to maximize beach time without transportation hassles.

Location and Access

Jetties Beach is located on Bathing Beach Road, just north of downtown Nantucket. The beach is remarkably accessible by multiple transportation options:

• Walking from Town: Approximately 15-20 minutes from the center of Main Street. Head north on North Beach Street and follow the signs to Bathing Beach Road. The walk is flat and scenic.
• Biking: An easy 5-minute bike ride from downtown. Bike racks are available at the beach. This is one of the easiest beaches to reach by bike.
• NRTA Shuttle (The Wave): The Jetties Beach shuttle runs regularly during summer months, connecting downtown to the beach for just a few dollars. Perfect for families with lots of gear.
• Driving: A small parking lot is available, but spaces fill up quickly in summer (see parking section below).

The beach entrance features accessible pathways, making it one of the more accessible beaches on the island for visitors with mobility needs.

Amenities

Jetties Beach offers the most comprehensive amenities of any beach on Nantucket, making it easy to spend an entire day without needing to leave:

Restrooms and Showers

Clean, well-maintained public restrooms and outdoor showers are available near the main beach entrance. The facilities are regularly serviced throughout the day during summer season. This is a significant advantage over more remote beaches where facilities may be limited or nonexistent.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are on duty daily during summer season (typically mid-June through Labor Day), generally from 9 AM to 5 PM. The protected swimming area is clearly marked with flags. This lifeguard coverage gives parents extra peace of mind when swimming with children.

The Sandbar Restaurant

The Sandbar at Jetties Beach is a full-service beachfront restaurant and snack bar offering everything from quick bites to sit-down meals. Grab a lobster roll, fish tacos, burgers, salads, and refreshing drinks without leaving the sand. The restaurant has both counter service for quick orders and table service for a more leisurely meal with ocean views. Perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack, and the sunset views from the outdoor seating are spectacular.

Chair and Umbrella Rentals

Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available directly at the beach, so you don't need to haul your own gear. This is especially convenient if you're walking or biking to the beach. Rentals are typically available by the day or half-day. Prices are reasonable compared to other resort beaches, and the convenience is unbeatable.

Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals

The calm, protected waters of Jetties Beach make it an ideal spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Rental equipment is available on-site during summer months. The gentle conditions are perfect for beginners and families wanting to try water sports in a safe environment. You can paddle along the shoreline, explore the jetties, or simply enjoy being on the water.

Playground

A playground area near the beach is perfect for young children who need a break from the sand and surf. The combination of beach and playground makes Jetties especially appealing for families with toddlers and young kids.

Water Conditions

The water at Jetties Beach is among the calmest and warmest on Nantucket. Because it faces Nantucket Sound rather than the open Atlantic, waves are typically gentle - rarely more than a foot or two even on windier days. This makes Jetties the ideal choice for:

• Young children: Kids can wade and splash safely in the shallow, calm water
• Nervous swimmers: The gentle conditions are perfect for those less comfortable in the ocean
• Water sports: Kayakers and paddleboarders enjoy the protected conditions
• Leisurely swimming: Adults can take relaxed swims without battling surf

Water temperatures on the north shore tend to be several degrees warmer than the south shore, typically reaching the mid-to-upper 60s (Fahrenheit) by mid-summer and sometimes into the low 70s during heat waves. The gradual sandy bottom makes for easy entry.

Note: While the calm conditions are great for families, those seeking waves for bodyboarding or surfing should head to south shore beaches like Surfside or Cisco instead.

The Jetty Rocks

The stone jetties that give this beach its name extend from the eastern end of the beach into Nantucket Harbor. These large rock formations offer their own unique activities and experiences:

• Fishing: The jetties are popular spots for fishing. Local anglers cast for striped bass, bluefish, and other species. You'll often see fishermen lined up along the rocks, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Exploring: Climbing on the rocks is a favorite activity for adventurous kids and adults. The rocks are large and generally stable, but proper footwear is recommended. Watch for slippery spots and use caution.
• Tide pools: At low tide, small pools form between the rocks, harboring crabs, small fish, and other marine life - a natural adventure for curious children.
• Photography: The jetties provide excellent vantage points for photographing the harbor, boats, and sunset.
• Ferry watching: Watch the ferries come and go from Nantucket Harbor - kids especially love seeing the big boats pass by.

Safety Note: The rocks can be slippery when wet, and there are gaps between them. Keep a close eye on children and wear appropriate footwear if exploring the jetties.

Sunset Views

Jetties Beach offers some of the most accessible sunset views on Nantucket. The west-facing orientation provides spectacular views as the sun descends over Nantucket Sound. Unlike Madaket, which requires a longer journey, you can easily walk to Jetties from downtown specifically for sunset and still make your dinner reservation.

The best sunset spot is near the jetties themselves, where you can watch the sky turn orange and pink over the harbor. The Sandbar restaurant is also an excellent spot for a sunset drink - grab a table on the outdoor deck and enjoy the show while sipping a cocktail.

Pro tip: Summer sunsets occur relatively late (8:00-8:30 PM in late June and July), so you can enjoy a full beach day before the evening light show begins.

Parking

Parking at Jetties Beach is limited and can be challenging during peak summer days:

• Beach Parking Lot: A small lot is available near the beach entrance. It fills up early on busy summer days, often by 10 AM or earlier on weekends.
• Metered Parking: Some metered spots are available on nearby streets. Bring quarters or use the parking app.
• No Permit Required: Unlike some town beaches, Jetties Beach parking does not require a special beach sticker - standard parking fees apply.

Our Recommendation: Skip the car. Given the beach's proximity to downtown, biking or walking is strongly recommended. You'll avoid parking frustration and enjoy the scenic route. If you have a lot of gear or small children, take the shuttle - it drops you right at the beach entrance.

Getting There

On Foot

From downtown, head north on North Beach Street, passing Brant Point. Continue along Bathing Beach Road to the beach entrance. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes and is flat and scenic, passing pretty harbor views along the way. This is the most relaxing way to arrive.

By Bike

Jetties Beach is one of the easiest beaches to reach by bike. Follow North Beach Street from downtown - there's no dedicated bike path, but traffic is generally light. The ride takes about 5-10 minutes. Bike racks are available at the beach.

By Shuttle

The NRTA Shuttle (The Wave) runs a Jetties Beach route during summer months. Pick up the shuttle in downtown Nantucket and ride directly to the beach. This is the best option for families with beach chairs, coolers, and lots of gear. Check the current schedule at nrtawave.com or at your hotel.

By Car

From downtown, head north on North Beach Street, then turn onto Bathing Beach Road. Follow signs to the beach parking lot. Remember that parking is limited - arrive early or consider other transportation options.

Best Times to Visit

• Early Morning (Before 10 AM): Beat the crowds and secure your spot. Great for a peaceful swim or walk before the beach fills up.
• Late Afternoon (After 4 PM): Crowds thin out, temperatures are pleasant, and you're positioned for sunset.
• Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends during peak season.
• Shoulder Season (June, September): Fewer crowds, still-warm water, and full amenities. September offers some of the warmest water temperatures of the year.
• Friday Evenings: Special time for the free summer concert series (see below).

Avoid: Weekend midday hours (11 AM - 3 PM) during July and August if you want to avoid peak crowds. The beach can get very busy during these times.

Friday Night Concerts

One of Nantucket's most beloved summer traditions takes place at Jetties Beach: the free Friday night concert series. Throughout summer (typically late June through August), live bands perform at the beach pavilion area, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Locals and visitors alike bring blankets, low chairs, and picnic dinners to enjoy the music as the sun sets over the water. The concerts typically run from around 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, making them easy to combine with an afternoon beach day or an early evening visit specifically for the music.

The concerts feature a variety of music styles - rock, folk, reggae, and more. The atmosphere is quintessentially Nantucket: relaxed, joyful, and welcoming. Pack a picnic from town or grab food from The Sandbar, settle onto the sand, and enjoy one of the island's most special summer experiences.

Tip: Arrive early (by 5 PM) for the best spots. The area near the bandstand fills up quickly.

Nearby Attractions

Jetties Beach's proximity to downtown means you're close to many of Nantucket's top attractions:

• Brant Point Lighthouse: Just a short walk from Jetties, this iconic lighthouse is one of Nantucket's most photographed spots. Great for a post-beach stroll.
• Downtown Nantucket: 15-20 minute walk to Main Street shopping, restaurants, and the Whaling Museum.
• Children's Beach: A short walk along the harbor, this smaller beach with a playground is another family-friendly option.
• Nantucket Harbor: Watch boats come and go, explore the wharves, and enjoy waterfront dining.
• Bike Paths: Easy connection to the island's bike path network for exploring further afield.