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North Shore Beaches

© Fred Durand

Although the island of Nantucket measures only 14 miles long by 3 miles wide, it boasts some of the most beautiful beach areas on the East Coast. The north shore beaches stretch along the calm waters of the harbor and Nantucket Sound. Close to town, they are ideal for those who are walking, biking or have young children. The water is protected from the crashing surf and strong currents often characteristic of the south and east shore beaches.

Children's Beach, located on Harbor View Way, is an easy walk from town and as the name implies, is perfect for small children. The area includes a small park with a playground, game tables and a bandstand. Available also is a restaurant with take-out service, picnic tables, restrooms, changing facilities and showers. Lifeguards are on duty daily. Tie-dying, sponsored by the Park and Recreation Commission, is offered on Fridays at noon, mid-July through August.

Located at the intersection of Francis and Washington streets, the Francis Street Beach is an easy 5 minute walk from Main Street. It is also a sheltered beach with calm water and a pleasant view of the sailboats and other small craft scattered across the harbor. There are no lifeguards, but a jungle gym, kayak rentals and restrooms are available.

One of the most popular family beaches, Jetties Beach is located just west of town, easily accessible by bike, car or shuttle bus. The surf is calm enough, even for young children and the gentle slope makes it possible to wander quite a way out before the water becomes deep. This is especially true at low tide. Jetties is a large, busy beach area that usually becomes quite crowded during summer afternoons. Lifeguards are on duty daily and swimming lessons for children age 6 and up are offered from July 4 through Labor Day, 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. Available at the beach are showers, changing and restrooms, a playground, public telephones, take-out food service, picnic tables, and beach chair and umbrella rentals. Adjacent to the beach are tennis courts and a volleyball net, as well as windsurfing, sailboat and kayak rentals.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Nantucket on July 4, Jetties is the site for the annual fireworks display, launched from the beach out over the ocean. Another extremely popular Jetties event is the annual sand castle contest, usually held on the second Saturday in August. It is truly remarkable to watch the castle artists as they construct their amazing creations in a specially designated section of the beach. Prizes are awarded in various categories and more often than not, one winner will find a photograph of their entry displayed on the front page of the local newspaper.

The copyright of the article North Shore Beaches in Nantucket Island is owned by Fred Durand. Permission to republish North Shore Beaches in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.