Guides

Discover Jetties Beach Like A Local

If you’ve embarked on Nantucket beach life chances are you’ve found yourself on Jetties Beach. The popular shoreline spot is conveniently tucked close enough to town to indulge in a quick beach trip, but far enough to be outside of the hustle and bustle. Discover what makes Jetties Beach attractive to locals and visitors during your next trip to Nantucket.

If you’ve embarked on Nantucket beach life chances are you’ve found yourself on Jetties Beach. The popular shoreline spot is conveniently tucked close enough to town to indulge in a quick beach trip, but far enough to be outside of the hustle and bustle. Discover what makes Jetties Beach attractive to locals and visitors during your next trip to Nantucket. 

Learn more about the island and its five-star restaurants and attractions with our exclusive Vacation Guide. Access the complimentary, on-the-go guide and don’t miss any of our favorite Nantucket spots.

Get the Guide

A Day at Jetties Beach

  • Getting There

Five-minute drive — 20-minute walk — Seven-minute bike ride

Jetties Beach is located just one mile from our historic Periwinkle Inn. It’s also, quite possibly, the easiest beach to find on the island. Follow Beach Street north, and it will dead-end at your destination. The street is easy to navigate and offers a walking or bike path the entire way should you choose a more relaxing mode of transportation. Once you spot the sand in the street, you’ll know you’re there!

  • Exploring Jetties Beach

The beach itself is ideal due to its location on the Nantucket Sound. To your right, you’ll notice the expansive rock jetty which directs ferry traffic into the harbor and also breaks the current from the boats. 

The ocean is relatively shallow, in comparison to other beaches on the island, and gentle enough for young swimmers to enjoy the salty waters with ease. Explore some of the beach’s top attractions.

  • Jetties Sailing Center

Jetties Sailing Center is located inside of the harbor, but just steps from the swimming beach. Venture the water on kayak, SUP, sailboat, or windsurf rental. Add a heavy dose of excitement to your trip with a visit to the sailing center.

  • Jetties Tennis

If you’re looking to work on your backswing during your next trip than Jetties Tennis is where you need to head. Reserve one of their six hard courts and play by the hour with the coastal wind in your hair. 

Forgot your racquet? No worries. Jetties Tennis offers top-of-the-line rental equipment. 

  • Nantucket Cliff Lights

While floating in on the ferry, you may notice a set of small lighthouses just before you make the turn for the harbor. The Nantucket Cliff Range Lights, otherwise known as Nantucket Cliff Lights, has gone through many changes since their commencement in 1838. 

The famous “Cheaper By The Dozen” family, the Gilbreths, purchased the lights in 1912 and still own them to this day. None of the lights are in working condition anymore, but they are the perfect short day hike.

  • Where to Get Your Umbrella Drink
Two cocktail glasses in man and woman hands. Margarita and mojito cocktail

Stop by Sandbar at Jetties Beach for laidback, Nantucket beach dining. Snag a quick lunch with one of their cheeseburgers or hotdogs or get comfortable in an Adirondack chair with a bucket of littlenecks and a cocktail under the Atlantic sunset.

Also, don’t fret if you forget your sunscreen or towel at the inn—adjacent to the restaurant is Sandbar’s beach shop. The store provides everything from beach toys to sun necessities for creating your best beach day yet!  

Unwind at Periwinkle Inn

After a day of soaking in rays and waves at Jetties Beach, you’ll be ready to retreat to your oasis at the Periwinkle Inn. Book a stay in the Pequod Room and sleep underneath the hand-tied, fishnet canopy on the cherry wood, queen-size bed. Enjoy luxurious amenities such as Egyptian cotton sheets, Turkish towels and bathrobes, a Keurig coffee maker, and a stocked wine station.

Become a part of the Periwinkle family. Get your day started the right way with a complimentary, housemade breakfast, homemade cookies each afternoon, and our friendly beach service. We can’t wait to welcome you to Periwinkle Inn!


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