Nantucket Parking Guide

Downtown Parking

Downtown Nantucket is compact and charming, but parking here is at a premium. The cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and bustling shops make it a wonderful place to explore - once you've found a spot.

Street Parking

Most downtown streets have metered or time-limited parking. Expect 1-2 hour limits on prime streets like Main Street and Centre Street. Enforcement is consistent during summer, so watch the clock. Street parking is competitive, especially between 10am and 4pm in peak season.

• Time limits: Typically 1-2 hours on main streets
• Meters: Some areas have metered parking; bring quarters or use the ParkMobile app
• Enforcement: Regular during summer months; fines are significant
• Best chances: Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon (after 5pm)

Broad Street Lot

The Broad Street parking lot is the main public lot in the downtown area. It offers longer-term parking than street spots and is conveniently located for walking to shops, restaurants, and the harbor. During peak summer, this lot fills up quickly, often by mid-morning.

• Location: Off Broad Street, near the corner of Federal Street
• Duration: All-day parking available
• Tips: Arrive early in summer; fills by 10am on busy days

Harbor and Straight Wharf Area

The harbor area near Straight Wharf offers some parking options, though these are heavily used by ferry passengers and boaters. Some short-term spots exist near the wharf for quick errands or restaurant visits. The Steamship Authority lot is for ferry customers only.

• Short-term spots: Available near Easy Street and Commercial Wharf
• Ferry parking: Steamship Authority lot is restricted to passengers
• Tip: Don't count on harbor parking in summer - have a backup plan

Beach Parking

Each beach on Nantucket has its own parking situation, ranging from free lots to permit-only areas. Here's what to expect at the most popular beaches.

Jetties Beach

Jetties Beach is the most accessible beach from downtown and has the most organized parking. The main lot requires a town beach sticker for residents and seasonal renters, while a separate pay lot accommodates day visitors.

• Sticker lot: Free with town beach sticker
• Pay lot: Daily fee for visitors without stickers
• Peak season: Lots fill by mid-morning on hot days
• Amenities nearby: Restaurant, bathrooms, beach rentals

Surfside Beach

Surfside is one of Nantucket's most popular beaches with a free parking lot. The catch? It fills up early on sunny summer days. Plan to arrive before 9am on weekends to secure a spot, or take the NRTA shuttle instead.

• Cost: Free parking
• Reality: Fills by 9-10am on nice summer days
• Alternative: NRTA shuttle runs regularly from downtown
• Amenities: Bathrooms, snack bar available

Cisco Beach

Cisco Beach has very limited parking. The small lot fills quickly, leaving most visitors to find street parking along Hummock Pond Road. Overflow parking can mean a significant walk to the beach.

• Lot: Small, fills very early
• Street parking: Along Hummock Pond Road (respect private property)
• Tip: Bike or shuttle may be easier options

Madaket Beach

Madaket offers roadside parking along the beach access points. While less crowded than Surfside or Jetties, spaces are still limited. The NRTA shuttle runs to Madaket during summer season.

• Parking: Roadside parking along Madaket Road
• Cost: Free
• Sunset viewing: A popular spot, so parking is competitive late in the day

Dionis Beach

Dionis has a small parking lot that requires a town beach sticker. This family-friendly beach with calmer waters attracts locals and visitors alike, so the lot fills on nice days.

• Lot size: Small (approximately 50 spaces)
• Sticker required: Yes, town beach sticker needed
• Best for: Families seeking calmer waters

Parking Permits and Beach Stickers

Several Nantucket beaches and parking areas require permits or stickers. Here's how the system works and where to get what you need.

Town Beach Stickers

Town beach stickers are required for parking at Jetties Beach, Dionis Beach, and certain other town-managed beach lots. These stickers are available to Nantucket residents and seasonal renters.

• Eligibility: Residents and renters with proof of lease (typically 2+ weeks)
• Cost: Approximately $50-100 depending on vehicle type
• Where to get: Town of Nantucket Town Building, 16 Broad Street
• Required documents: Vehicle registration, proof of residency or rental agreement

Visitor Daily Fees

If you don't qualify for a beach sticker, you can pay daily fees at certain lots. The Jetties Beach pay lot is the most common option for day visitors.

• Jetties pay lot: Daily fee (approximately $20-30)
• Payment: Cash or credit card at lot entrance
• Alternative: Take the shuttle and skip parking entirely

Where to Get Permits

Beach stickers and parking permits are handled by the Town of Nantucket. Visit the Town Building on Broad Street during business hours. Bring your vehicle registration, ID, and proof of address or rental agreement. During peak season, expect lines - arrive early in the day.

Beach Driving vs. Parking

Beach driving and beach parking are two very different things on Nantucket. You can park at beach lots, but driving on the sand to remote beaches requires special permits and a 4WD vehicle.

Oversand Vehicle Permits

To drive on beaches at Great Point, Smith's Point, or Eel Point, you need an oversand vehicle (OSV) permit in addition to a 4WD vehicle with proper equipment. This is not the same as a beach parking sticker.

• Requirements: 4WD vehicle, proper tires, recovery equipment
• Permits: Town OSV permit and Trustees permit (for Great Point)
• Cost: $150-300+ depending on permits needed
• More info: See our Beach Driving Guide for complete details

Private and Business Parking

Some private businesses offer parking for their customers. While not abundant, these options can be helpful in a pinch.

Business Customer Parking

Some restaurants, shops, and hotels have designated parking for customers. Always check if the spot is truly customer parking before leaving your car.

• Restaurants: Some have a few spots for diners - ask when making reservations
• Hotels: Many offer parking for guests (may require a fee)
• Shops: Rarely have dedicated parking; expect to park elsewhere

Grocery Store Lots

The Stop & Shop and other grocery stores have parking lots for customers. These lots are intended for shoppers only - don't use them as free downtown parking, as your car may be towed or ticketed.

• Stop & Shop: Largest lot, but for customers only
• Duration: Reasonable for shopping; not for all-day parking
• Note: Abuse of customer parking can result in towing