One of the quieter, lesser-known beaches near 'Sconset, backed by an expansive dune system on the open Atlantic. The water here is deeper with faster currents than the harbor beaches, better suited to experienced swimmers.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot unconfirmed
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Nantucket lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day, roughly 9am to 5pm, and vehicles are barred from the lifeguarded beaches during those hours. That's the town default unless posted otherwise.
From late JuneDogs
Leashed, licensed dogs permitted; must stay out of dune vegetation, marsh grass, and fenced wildlife areas
Managed by
Town of Nantucket Natural Resources Department
508-228-7230 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Costunconfirmed
Low Beach dirt lot
Details unconfirmed
Low Beach dirt lot
CostunconfirmedSpacessmall, unpaved, limited
Access points along this beach
Getting to the beach
From Milestone Rotary, take Milestone Road to Siasconset Rotary, right on Gully Road, right on Ocean Avenue, then left onto a small dirt road just past Stone Post Way
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
none at the beach; nearest public restroom is the 'Sconset Comfort Station on New Street in the village
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Low 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 Low Beach in Nantucket open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is this a good beach for kids?
Not really the pick for young or inexperienced swimmers. There's no lifeguard, and the open-ocean current here runs stronger than at the harbor beaches.
Where are the nearest bathrooms?
There's nothing at the beach itself; the closest public restroom is the 'Sconset Comfort Station on New Street, a short drive or walk into the village.
Is there parking at Low Beach, and what does it cost?
Paid lot (unconfirmed). Low Beach dirt lot
What's the water temperature at Low Beach?
Water at Low 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 Low Beach?
There is no lifeguard at Low Beach at any time; swimmers should be experienced and stay alert to currents.
Can you swim at Low Beach?
Low Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Low Beach?
Leashed, licensed dogs permitted; must stay out of dune vegetation, marsh grass, and fenced wildlife areas