Nantucket · Massachusetts · USA
Surfside Beach
You'll hear the Atlantic before you see it: waves thudding against sand bars half a mile offshore, salt mist carried on southwest winds that rake this exposed coastline. Surfside Beach stretches wide and flat, where beachgrass gives way to cold water that draws wave-riders year-round.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Surfside Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll hear the Atlantic before you see it: waves thudding against sand bars half a mile offshore, salt mist carried on southwest winds that rake this exposed coastline. Surfside Beach stretches wide and flat, where beachgrass gives way to cold water that draws wave-riders year-round.
Photos
8 captures from Surfside Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA
41.2639°, -70.0953°
Top things to do
At Surfside Beach
Ride the Swells
Sandbars shift with every storm
Cold Water Plunge
Labrador Current keeps it bracing
Wide Beach Sprawl
Claim your stretch of sand
Shack Snacks
Summer-only fries and soft-serve
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Surfside Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Surfside Beach.
Is Surfside Beach safe for swimming and what are the water conditions like?
Surfside Beach faces the open Atlantic, creating stronger currents and waves compared to Nantucket's north shore beaches. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months (typically late June through early September), making supervised swimming safer during peak season. The beach is known for consistent surf, which attracts wave riders but can challenge inexperienced swimmers. Rip currents occur periodically, so swim near lifeguard stands when possible. The sandy bottom slopes gradually, though wave action can create shifting sandbars. Always check daily beach conditions and flag warnings before entering the water.
When is the best time to visit Surfside Beach?
Summer (June through August) offers the warmest weather, with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and water temperatures reaching the low-to-mid 60s°F. This is peak season with lifeguards and full amenities, though expect crowds. Fall provides beautiful, less-crowded beach days with pleasant air temperatures, though cooler water. Spring and winter appeal to surfers seeking consistent swells and solitude, but require wetsuits. Weather on Nantucket can be unpredictable year-round due to ocean influence, with fog common in summer mornings. Wind is frequent, so bring windbreaks for comfortable beach lounging.
