A wide, dune-backed south-shore beach off Hummock Pond Road known for a sandbar that pulls waves away from shore, making it Nantucket's most reliable surf break. There are no restrooms, so most visitors treat it as a bring-your-own-everything day at the beach.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Accessibility
A seasonal aluminum ramp runs from the parking area down to the sand
Dogs
Dogs are permitted under local law; owners must clean up after them
Managed by
Town of Nantucket Parks & Recreation / Natural Resources Department
508-228-7230 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Cisco Beach lot
CostfreeSpacesA large dirt lot.
Unpaved; also reachable via the Hummock Pond Road bike path
Access points along this beach
Cisco Beach main lot entrance
Off the dirt spur from Hummock Pond Road
What's here
Not here
No drinking water
No drinking water on site
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Cisco Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 39° | 38° | 42° | 50° | 57° | 67° | 76° | 75° | 69° | 61° | 51° | 42° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Nantucket Island (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Cisco Beach in Nantucket open today?
Cisco Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is Cisco good for beginners or young kids?
Not especially. The sandbar break that makes it popular with surfers also means real waves and current, so it suits confident swimmers more than small children.
No, Cisco has no restrooms at all, so plan accordingly before you drive out.
Is there parking at Cisco Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). Cisco Beach lot
What's the water temperature at Cisco Beach?
Water at Cisco Beach averages about 38°F in February and 76°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Nantucket Island from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Cisco Beach?
Waves and currents suit strong swimmers and surfers better than casual waders; conditions along this stretch can be rough. No alcohol, glass, or smoking on public beaches, $300 fine for violations. No trash receptacles on site; visitors are expected to pack out everything they bring.
Can you swim at Cisco Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Cisco Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Cisco Beach?
Dogs are permitted under local law; owners must clean up after them
Is there an entry fee at Cisco Beach?
No, entry is free.