The One Rule Everyone Forgets

Fill In Your Holes

Kids dig holes. Adults dig holes. It's a beach thing. But fill them in before you leave.

Why it matters: Deep holes are hazardous—people trip, ankles twist, and beach patrol vehicles can't see them at night. Sand hole collapses have caused fatalities. Keep holes shallower than waist height, and always fill them before you go.

Takes 60 seconds. Please do it.

Bringing Your Dog?

Good news: dogs are welcome on most Nantucket beaches. Here's what you need to know:

The Basics

Leash Required

At all times on public beaches

License Required

Get one at 4 Fairgrounds Road

Pick Up After

Bring bags—it's the law

Stay Out of Dunes

And fenced wildlife areas

Where Dogs CAN'T Go

Location Restriction When
Great Point No dogs allowed April 1 – September 15
Fenced nesting areas No dogs allowed Year-round
Dune vegetation No dogs allowed Year-round

Additional beaches may have seasonal restrictions during shorebird nesting. Watch for posted signs.

Wildlife You'll See (And How to Respect It)

Nantucket beaches are home to seals, shorebirds, and other wildlife. Here's how to enjoy watching them responsibly:

Seals

You'll likely spot them at Great Point, Coatue, and the Jetties. They're curious and adorable—but keep your distance.

Stay 150+ feet away

It's federal law. Don't approach, feed, or touch. If one seems sick, call Natural Resources: 508-228-7230

Piping Plovers & Shorebirds

These endangered birds nest right on the beach. Fenced areas mark their nesting sites.

Stay out of fenced areas

No drones or kites within 200 meters. Some beach sections close seasonally—respect the signs.

Swimming Safety

Most Nantucket beaches don't have lifeguards. Know before you go:

Beach Lifeguards Conditions
Jetties Beach ✓ Seasonal Calm, family-friendly
Children's Beach ✓ Seasonal Very calm, shallow
Surfside ✕ No Surf, possible rip currents
Cisco ✕ No Surf, possible rip currents
Madaket ✕ No Surf, strong currents
Dionis ✕ No Calmer, north shore

If You Get Caught in a Rip Current

Don't fight it. Swim parallel to shore until you're out of the current, then swim back. Rip currents are common on south shore beaches (Surfside, Cisco, Madaket)—check conditions before swimming.

About Sharks

Yes, sharks are present in Nantucket waters—mostly because seals are here, and seals are shark food. Encounters are rare, but be smart:

  • Don't swim near seals (they attract sharks)
  • Avoid murky water
  • Skip dawn and dusk swims (feeding time)
  • If you see a shark, exit the water calmly

Beach Driving

Driving on Nantucket beaches is a blast—fishing at Great Point, sunset runs to Smith's Point, exploring the wild outer beaches. But you need permits, a 4WD vehicle, and some know-how.

Which Permit Do You Need?

Where You Want to Go Permit Needed Cost (Visitors)
Most beaches:
40th Pole, Eel Point, Nobadeer, Smith's Point, Cathcart, Low Beach 		Town Beach Permit $100–$150
Great Point
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge 		Trustees Permit
(Separate from town)		 Check Trustees site

Town Beach Permit Details

Off-Island Vehicles

$100 (by June 30)
$150 (after July 1)

Nantucket Plates

$50 (by May 31)
$100 (after June 1)

Where to Get It

Online or Police Station
4 Fairgrounds Rd, M-F 8am-4pm

You'll Need

Vehicle registration
4WD vehicle

Beach Driving Rules

20 mph
Maximum speed
5 mph
Near pedestrians
(within 100 yards)
15 psi
Air down tires
for soft sand
  • Stay in existing tracks — Don't create new trails or drive through vegetation
  • 4WD only — 2WD vehicles will get stuck. It's not a matter of if, but when
  • Bring recovery gear — Shovel, tow strap, and know how to use them

About Grilling

Yes, you can grill on Nantucket beaches—it's a great way to enjoy a sunset dinner. Just follow these guidelines:

  • Propane and charcoal grills are both allowed
  • Small enclosed cooking fires are permitted if away from dune vegetation
  • Clean up completely — Take all briquettes and ash with you. Don't bury them.
  • No bonfires — Cooking fires only. No recreational fires.