Surfside Beach

Overview

Surfside Beach sits on Nantucket's southern shore, facing the open Atlantic Ocean. As the most accessible of the south shore beaches, it has earned its reputation as the island's go-to destination for beachgoers who want waves without the hassle of remote locations or limited facilities. The beach stretches for over a mile in either direction from the main access point, offering plenty of room to spread out even on the busiest summer days.

The name says it all - Surfside is known for its consistent waves, making it the premier spot for bodysurfing and boogie boarding on the island. The moderate surf provides enough excitement for wave enthusiasts while remaining manageable for confident swimmers. Unlike the more challenging conditions at Cisco or Madaket, Surfside offers a nice balance of wave action and relative safety, especially in the lifeguard-protected areas.

Location and Access

Surfside Beach is located at the end of Surfside Road, approximately 3 miles south of Nantucket Town. Getting there is remarkably easy compared to other south shore beaches:

• By Bike: The Surfside Bike Path runs directly from town to the beach - a flat, scenic 3-mile ride that takes about 15-20 minutes. This is the most popular way to reach Surfside.
• By Shuttle: The NRTA (Nantucket Regional Transit Authority) operates a shuttle service to Surfside Beach during summer months. The Surfside Beach shuttle runs frequently from downtown.
• By Car: Drive south on Surfside Road from the rotary near downtown. The beach has a parking lot, though it fills quickly in summer.
• On Foot: The 3-mile walk from town is doable but most visitors opt for wheels.

What Makes Surfside Popular

Surfside has earned its status as Nantucket's most-visited beach for good reason. Here's what draws the crowds:

Easy Bike Ride from Town

The Surfside Bike Path is one of Nantucket's best-maintained cycling routes. The flat, paved path makes for an enjoyable ride suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The route passes through scenic conservation land, offering glimpses of the island's natural beauty before opening up to ocean views as you approach the beach. Bike racks at the beach provide secure parking for your rental or personal bicycle.

Great Waves for Bodysurfing

The Atlantic-facing shoreline produces consistent waves that are ideal for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. The surf is typically moderate - strong enough to catch a good ride but not so powerful as to be dangerous for experienced swimmers. Wave conditions vary with weather and tide, but Surfside reliably delivers better surf than the calm north shore beaches.

Beautiful Wide Sandy Beach

The beach itself is expansive, with a wide stretch of soft sand that slopes gently toward the water. At low tide, the beach becomes even more spacious, perfect for beach games, sandcastle building, or simply spreading out away from the crowd. The natural dune system behind the beach adds to the scenic beauty and provides some wind protection.

Excellent Amenities

Unlike some of Nantucket's more remote beaches, Surfside offers full facilities that make a beach day comfortable and convenient. Families especially appreciate having restrooms, food service, and lifeguard protection all in one location.

Facilities and Amenities

Surfside Beach is one of the best-equipped beaches on Nantucket, making it particularly appealing for families and those who prefer a full-service beach experience.

• Lifeguards: Professional lifeguards are on duty daily during summer season (typically late June through Labor Day), usually from 9am to 5pm. The lifeguard stand is centrally located near the main beach access point.
• Restrooms: Clean public restrooms are available near the parking area and beach entrance. Facilities are maintained throughout the day during peak season.
• Snack Shack: The Surfside Beach snack bar serves beach essentials including sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, cold drinks, and snacks. Perfect for those who didn't pack a cooler or need an afternoon treat.
• Bike Racks: Ample bike parking is available, with racks conveniently located near the beach entrance. A real plus for the many visitors who cycle to Surfside.
• Outdoor Showers: Rinse off the salt and sand before heading back to town - outdoor showers are available near the restrooms.

Water Conditions

Understanding the water conditions at Surfside helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable beach day:

• Waves: Surfside lives up to its name with consistent wave action. Expect moderate surf most days, with larger swells during storms or high winds. The waves are generally well-suited to bodysurfing and boogie boarding rather than traditional surfing.
• Currents: Like all south shore beaches, Surfside can experience rip currents, particularly during incoming tides and after storms. Always swim near the lifeguard station and heed any warning flags or instructions.
• Water Temperature: Atlantic waters are refreshing (some would say cold). Summer temperatures typically range from 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is cooler than north shore beaches due to ocean currents.
• Beach Break: The waves break directly on the beach rather than on offshore sandbars, which creates the bodysurfing-friendly conditions but can also mean waves break with some force in shallow water.

Safety Note: The south shore surf is more powerful than the protected north shore. Non-swimmers and young children should stick to wading in the shallows. Always supervise children closely and respect the ocean's power.

The Surfside Bike Path

The bike ride to Surfside is an attraction in itself, and many consider it the best way to experience this beach.

The path begins near the corner of Main Street and Surfside Road, clearly marked and easy to find. From there, the flat, paved trail winds through residential areas before entering a stretch of scenic conservation land. The ride takes you past wildflower meadows, scrub pine forests, and open heath lands that showcase the island's natural landscape.

At approximately 3 miles, the ride takes most casual cyclists 15-20 minutes. The path is well-maintained and wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic, though summer months see heavy use so stay alert for other cyclists and pedestrians. The flat terrain makes this ride accessible to children and casual cyclists - no Nantucket hills to conquer here.

The return ride offers a different perspective, with the town gradually coming into view as you pedal north. Many cyclists time their return for late afternoon, picking up ice cream or drinks in town to cap off the perfect beach day.

Parking Situation

If you're driving to Surfside, here's what to expect:

• Main Parking Lot: The beach has a paved parking lot that accommodates roughly 100 vehicles. Parking is metered during summer season.
• Peak Season Reality: The lot fills early on sunny summer days, often by 10-11am. If you're driving, arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
• Street Parking: Limited overflow parking along Surfside Road fills quickly when the lot is full.
• Our Recommendation: Given parking challenges, biking or taking the shuttle is genuinely easier and more enjoyable than driving during peak season.

Crowd Levels

As Nantucket's most accessible beach with full amenities, Surfside draws significant crowds during peak season. Here's what to expect:

• Peak Summer (July-August): The beach gets busy, especially on sunny weekends. The main area near the facilities is most crowded; walking down the beach in either direction finds more space.
• Shoulder Season (June, September): Noticeably less crowded with similar weather. Excellent time to visit for those who can.
• Off-Season: The beach is peaceful and uncrowded, though facilities close and there are no lifeguards.

The spacious beach means you can almost always find your own patch of sand, but prime spots near the lifeguard station and facilities are claimed early on busy days.

Best Times to Visit

Timing your visit can significantly improve your Surfside experience:

• Early Morning (before 10am): Parking is available, crowds are minimal, and you'll have the best pick of spots. Morning light is beautiful for photography.
• Late Afternoon (after 3pm): Crowds thin as families head back to town. Beautiful time to enjoy the beach as the day cools.
• Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays are noticeably less crowded, even in peak summer. If your schedule allows, choose Monday through Thursday.
• Weather Consideration: Overcast days or days with a light breeze see fewer visitors but can still be perfectly pleasant for beach time.
• Tide Timing: Low tide expands the beach significantly. Check tide charts if beach space is a priority.

Nearby Attractions

Extend your Surfside adventure with these nearby points of interest:

Bartlett's Farm

Nantucket's oldest and largest farm is located on Bartlett Farm Road, a short detour from the Surfside Bike Path. This seventh-generation family farm offers fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers, and local products. It's a perfect stop on the way to or from the beach to pick up picnic supplies. Their farm sandwiches and fresh-baked cookies are local favorites.

Bike Trail Connections

The Surfside path connects with other island bike trails, making it possible to create longer cycling routes. Experienced cyclists can continue to other south shore beaches or loop back through different parts of the island. The Milestone Bike Path and other routes offer extended exploration for those seeking more adventure.

Nearby Beaches

If Surfside is too crowded or you want to explore, Nobadeer Beach lies to the east and Cisco Beach to the west. Both offer similar south shore conditions with potentially fewer crowds, though with fewer amenities.