An ocean-side beach at the island's far western tip, widely regarded as Nantucket's best sunset spot. There's no food service or restrooms, so it draws a picnic-and-watch-the-sky crowd more than a full beach-day crowd.
What to expect
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
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. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
From late JuneDogs
Leashed, licensed dogs are allowed on Nantucket's public beaches, but never in dune vegetation, marsh grass, or other fenced or posted protected-wildlife areas. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Managed by
Parks & Recreation / Natural Resources Department
508-228-7230 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Madaket Beach lot
Details unconfirmed
Madaket Beach lot
CostfreeSpaceslimited
Also serves as the staging lot for Smith's Point beach driving beyond this point
Access points along this beach
Madaket Beach main lot
End of the paved road; also the jumping-off point for the bike path back to town
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Portable toilets in season; no permanent restroom building
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Madaket Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Water °F | 39° | 38° | 42° | 50° | 57° | 67° | 76° | 75° | 69° | 61° | 51° | 42° |
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Monthly averages from NOAA, Nantucket Island (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Madaket Beach in Nantucket open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is Madaket really the best sunset spot?
Most locals and repeat visitors point here first among Nantucket's beaches, since it faces due west with an open, unobstructed horizon.
None on site. Bring what you need, since there's no concession or restaurant at the beach itself.
Is there parking at Madaket Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). Madaket Beach lot
Are there restrooms at Madaket Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Madaket Beach?
Water at Madaket 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 Madaket Beach?
Lifeguards cover only part of the beach in season; surf can carry a stronger pull than it looks. No alcohol, glass, or smoking on public beaches, $300 fine for violations.
Can you swim at Madaket Beach?
Yes. Madaket Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Madaket Beach?
Leashed, licensed dogs are allowed on Nantucket's public beaches, but never in dune vegetation, marsh grass, or other fenced or posted protected-wildlife areas. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Is there an entry fee at Madaket Beach?
No, entry is free.