Enchanting Paw-Perfect Dog Friendly Beaches on Nantucket

Nantucket’s coastal attraction attracts not only beach enthusiasts but also their cherished canine companions. In this guide, we explore the paw-perfect destinations that welcome dogs with open arms and sandy shores. From the laid-back charm of Francis Street Beach to the iconic beauty of Brant Point Beach, the enchanting landscapes of Siasconset, the serene stretches of Nobadeer, and the vibrant atmosphere at Jetties, we check out the potential canine paradise that Nantucket has to offer.

Francis Street Beach

Address: 76 Washington St | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket, MA 02554

Francis Street Beach, just a short stroll from Main Street, offers a unique escape with breathtaking harbor views. The calm waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, although caution is advised as there’s no lifeguard on duty. Beyond its seaside charm, the beach caters to various interests with amenities like a jungle gym, kayak rentals, and restroom facilities. Notably, Francis Street Beach warmly welcomes leashed dogs, embracing the island’s dog-friendly ethos. While Nantucket’s numerous beaches extend this hospitality to our furry friends, it’s essential to adhere to guidelines. During peak season, dogs are only allowed before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. in designated lifeguard areas.

Brant Point Beach

Address: 2 Easton St | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket, MA 02554

Located just a leisurely stroll or bike ride away from Nantucket’s town center, Brant Point Beach unveils a unique coastal charm. While lacking a lifeguard, its enchanting appeal lies in its role as a serene observer rather than a bustling swimming spot. The beach boasts a mesmerizing backdrop, featuring the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse, the second oldest in the United States. Brant Point is a place to wave goodbye to departing loved ones aboard the Steamship. Revered as one of Nantucket’s most photographed locations, the beach’s scenic beauty, coupled with the historic lighthouse, forms a captivating canvas.

Madaket Beach

Address: 6 Arnes Avenue | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/State/Zip Code: Nantucket

Madaket Beach in Nantucket, located at the island’s extreme western end, is the place to go for those seeking unspoiled coastal beauty. However, as of June 29, 2022, caution is advised due to severe erosion, making access challenging. While the beach is unguarded, its attraction lies in the soft sands and the breathtaking sunsets that paint the horizon. Visitors should be mindful of the heavy surf conditions and limited lifeguard coverage. With no on-site facilities, Madaket encourages a picnic-style beach day, enhanced by off-beach parking and access via a 5.5-mile paved bike path or the NRTA shuttle bus (seasonal). As a beach where driving is permitted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Madaket can be seen as a rustic retreat, inviting explorers to revel in its natural splendor and coastal vistas.

Siasconset Beach

Address: 18 Ocean Ave | Nantucket, Ma 02649
City/Town: : Nantucket

Found at Nantucket’s easternmost tip, Siasconset Beach is a large expanse of sand covered coastal beauty. It is especially cherished by those residing in ‘Sconset. Accessibility is seamless, with the convenience of NRTA shuttles in season or a scenic 6-mile bike ride along the Milestone Road or the slightly more challenging Polpis Bike path. Notably, this beach caters to a diverse audience, offering easy access for seniors with no steep inclines. While the surf commands respect with its robust currents, the beach’s charm extends beyond the shoreline.

Miacomet Beach

Address: 36 West Miacomet Rd | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket

Right at the end of Miacomet Road in Nantucket stands Miacomet Beach, the perfect spot for both beach enthusiasts and their four-legged companions. While the beach is known for surf and rip currents, there are vigilant lifeguards standing guard to ensure safety. Miacomet Beach has convenient parking but lacks facilities or food services, making it a simple beach. Families with young children may enjoy at Miacomet Pond. What sets Miacomet apart is its pet-friendly ambiance, extending a warm welcome to dogs for sandy strolls, refreshing dips, and idyllic picnics on the shore. Leashed dogs are embraced from April 1st to August 31st, allowing the mornings and evenings to become perfect for walking your furry friends.

Cisco Beach

Address: 276 Hummock Pond Rd | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket

Cisco Beach in Nantucket, along the island’s scenic south shore, is the go-to beach for surfing enthusiasts thanks to its wide, white sands and lively waves. Due to this, the beach boasts a sizable dirt parking lot, though summer months may usher in bustling crowds and limited parking. The beach’s steep descent is eased by a seasonal aluminum ramp, welcoming both pedestrians and cyclists through a well-paved bike path. While lacking restroom facilities, Cisco embraces a natural charm and occasional mobile concession stands. With seasonal lifeguards overseeing the surf, it’s an ideal spot for seasoned beachgoers and cyclists who appreciate its beauty. The absence of beach driving preserves its serenity, emphasizing the need to respect private property and uphold the rights of landowners along Nantucket’s captivating shoreline.

Nobadeer Beach

Address: 67 Nobadeer Ave | Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket

Nobadeer Beach is the place to be for you and your furry companions to run around the in the sand and enjoy the surf all year round. This dog-friendly paradise offers a leash-free experience, letting your pooch freely explore the coastal expanse. The beach is equipped with essential amenities, including handicap parking, restrooms, parking spaces, informative signage, and strategically placed trash cans for responsible waste disposal. It is also popular for its secluded nature and the fact that you can drive right on the beach. You should note that this beach will have to be accessed via a gravel-surfaced parking lot, nevertheless, there is no accessible parking. The sandy path leading to the beach entrance might pose a challenge to some due to its steep incline.

Surfside Beach

Address: Surfside Rd & Wern Ave
City/Town: Nantucket

Surfside Beach, welcomes all, human and pets to its sandy shores. Renowned as one of Nantucket’s premier beaches, it has a sprawling, flat shoreline with gentle waves rolling over sandbars that provide a special picturesque seascape. Leashed and licensed dogs are welcome, ensuring that dog owners can enjoy the company of their canine companions while at the beach. While enjoying the sun and surf, visitors and their pets are respectfully reminded to avoid dune vegetation, marsh grass, and protected wildlife areas. spaces and a concession stand, ensures a seamless beach experience for all.

Jetties Beach

Address: 2 Bathing Beach Rd Nantucket, Ma 02554
City/Town: Nantucket

Jetties Beach effortlessly blending natural beauty with a rich maritime history. Situated on the north shore just beyond town, the beach gets its name from the iconic rock jetties, which have been guiding ships into Nantucket harbor since 1911. A family-friendly destination, Jetties has a spacious, flat expanse with shallow waters and expansive sandbars during low tide. Easily accessible with a large parking lot, the beach is the perfect choice for families, eliminating the need for a challenging dune trek

Dionis Beach

Address: Dionis Beach Road | Nantucket
City/Town: Nantucket

Dionis Beach, is a cherished Nantucket beach that welcomes all beach goers with family-friendly charm and natural beauty. Surrounded by calm, clear blue waters, it’s a haven for both seasoned swimmers and those that want a calmer, laidback coastal escape. The beach provides a captivating panorama of ferries and sailboats navigating Nantucket Harbor, adding to its attraction. Ideal for paddleboarding on placid days thanks to its shallow sandbar that appears during low tide, Dionis offers a unique coastal experience. However, visitors should be wary of the somewhat aggressive lady crab inhabitants.

Located away from town, this beach has amenities like restrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor faucets all available in the parking lot. Dionis Beach, which is especially popular during the summer, exemplifies the delicate balance of nature and fun, as federally protected shorebirds call the sun-soaked sands home.

Blend of Canine-Friendly Bliss and Coastal Beauty

Nantucket’s dog-friendly beaches embody a perfect blend of canine-friendly bliss and coastal beauty. Ensuring that no dog owner ever faces the dilemma of leaving their loyal companions behind, the beaches on this island extend a warm invitation to both two- and four-legged visitors. The sandy shores, soothing waves, and dog-welcoming policies make Nantucket’s beaches not just a destination for human relaxation but a place to create shared experiences between pets and their owners.