- Location: End of Madaket Road, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States
Enjoy the sand and surf at Madaket Beach in Nantucket. You can expect rough surf and strong currents amidst the sunshine and happiness of a beachy vacation. Perched on the west coast of Nantucket, Madaket is among the island’s stunning beaches. Boasting a relaxed vibe, the beach is pleasantly clean and is ideal for sunbathing and strolling along the unending narrow stretch of sandy shores.
Madaket beach is popular with locals and visitors alike because of its deserted shoreline and picturesque landscape. Surfers and sailors flock to the beach during spring break and summer vacation for the enormous waves, towering dunes, and private surfing. Madaket is easy to access. You can locate the beach at the end of South Shore Drive or Miacomet Road. Though limited to about 20 spaces, you’ll find free parking, so it’s common to see cars parked along the road.
You can drive to the beach or rent a bike from Young’s Bike Shop and ride along the paved 6 miles Madaket Road Path. Alternatively, although it’s seasonal, you can take the NRTA Shuttle bus or The Wave to Nantucket, which runs every half hour throughout the summer. You can only access the western deep of the beach via a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
You’ll find lifeguards on duty along some stretches of the beach and portable washrooms. If you have a physical challenge, watch out for the slope from the dune toward the beach, which can be steep.
The jaw-dropping sunset at Madaket is a bucket list moment. If you’re lucky, you can see a shark or a seal tossing around in the waters or basking on the shores. Carry along with you a chair, food, and drink or head over to Millie’s for the freshest lobster rolls or tangy ceviche. Remember to grab their famous Madaket Mystery as you take in this awe-inspiring moment.