Short Beach is Nahant's easiest beach to get to, a half-mile stretch of soft sand right in the village with restaurants and shops a short walk away. It hosts the town's floating beach wheelchair, making it the most accessible of Nahant's beaches, though there's still no lifeguard.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker Free for residents with sticker; no public parking
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
No posted gate hours; open access
Accessible
Wheelchair access noted
Dogs
Prohibited May 1-September 30 (town-wide rule); leashed permitted October 1-April 30
Managed by
Town of Nahant
(781) 581-0088 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
CostFree for residents with sticker; no public parkingStickerNahant resident sticker ($15 Mar-Jun / $20 Jul-Dec)
Lowlands Park lot (resident)
Access points along this beach
Little Nahant Playground crossing
Main entry across the road from Little Nahant Playground
Common questions
Is Short in Nahant open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Short Beach hosts Nahant's floating beach wheelchair, stationed at American Legion Post 215; call (781) 731-5966 ahead to schedule a time, sign a waiver, and get a brief training session before use.
Is there parking at Short, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker (Free for residents with sticker; no public parking). Lowlands Park lot (resident)
What rules should I know at Short?
No lifeguard on duty.
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