Atlantic surf, wide-open sand and one of Nantucket's favorite South Shore beaches, with a great bike route from You've Got Whale.
Nobadeer has a different feel from many of Nantucket's better-known beaches. It's open, energetic and a little less buttoned-up, with big stretches of sand, South Shore waves and the unmistakable sight of planes coming in over the beach on their way to Nantucket Memorial Airport.
A Different Kind of Nantucket Beach
Nobadeer is where you go when you want waves, space and a beach that feels a little more local.
Located along Nantucket's South Shore, just beyond the airport, Nobadeer is popular for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and long days on the sand. The Atlantic here can produce bigger waves and stronger currents than the island's protected beaches, giving Nobadeer much of its personality.
During the summer, part of Nobadeer is seasonally lifeguarded. Always pay attention to current surf conditions and swim in the guarded area when lifeguards are on duty.
And then there are the planes. Nobadeer sits just beyond Nantucket Memorial Airport, so seeing aircraft pass overhead on approach or departure is simply part of a day here. Kids tend to love it, and frankly, so do plenty of adults.
Bike from You've Got Whale to Nobadeer Beach
This is one of our favorite bike rides from the house, especially now that the route through this part of the island has been improved.
From You've Got Whale, pick up the Old South Road bike path and head toward Nantucket State Forest. Cut across through the State Forest and continue along newly paved Lovers Lane, which brings you out near the entrance to Nobadeer.
It's a fun ride that takes you away from the busier roads and through a part of Nantucket many visitors never see.
One of the advantages of staying at You've Got Whale is having both Surfside and Nobadeer within easy biking reach, with two completely different rides to get there.
What Is Nobadeer Beach Like?
Nobadeer is a South Shore beach, so expect Atlantic Ocean conditions rather than the calmer water found along Nantucket's North Shore.
There's plenty of sand, plenty of room to spread out and usually enough wave action to keep the boogie boards busy. On rougher days, the surf can get serious, so this isn't the place to ignore the ocean conditions.
Nobadeer also has a younger, more active feel than some of Nantucket's family-oriented beaches. You'll see surfers, groups of friends, families, beach games and four-wheel-drive vehicles farther down the beach.
If Surfside is the classic Nantucket beach day, Nobadeer is its slightly wilder neighbor.
Driving onto Nobadeer Beach
One of the things that makes Nobadeer different is that permitted four-wheel-drive vehicles can access designated sections of the beach.
Beach driving requires a Town of Nantucket beach vehicle permit, and access can change because of tides, erosion, protected shorebirds and seasonal restrictions. If you plan to drive onto the beach, check current Town conditions before you go.
If you don't have a beach permit, no problem. You can bike over from You've Got Whale or drive to the public access and walk onto the beach.
We've Got the Beach Gear Covered
You've Got Whale provides beach chairs, towels, coolers, boogie boards, beach toys and other beach-day essentials for our guests.
Nobadeer is a little less developed than Surfside, which is part of its appeal. Pack your drinks, lunch and whatever else you want for the day before leaving the house.
Then settle in, hit the waves, watch the planes come and go and stay as long as you like.
When you're done, head back to You've Got Whale and rinse off the sand in the outdoor shower.
Stay Near Nobadeer Beach on Nantucket
You've Got Whale is a Nantucket vacation home for up to seven guests, with three bedrooms plus additional sleeping space in the finished basement.
Our Mid-Island location puts Nobadeer, Surfside, Town, restaurants, shopping and Nantucket's bike path system within easy reach.
Bike through the State Forest to Nobadeer in the morning. Spend the day in the Atlantic. Ride home, hit the outdoor shower and relax on the patio before dinner.
Yes, but families should understand that Nobadeer faces the open Atlantic and can have strong waves and currents. Part of the beach is seasonally lifeguarded during the summer, and families with younger children may prefer swimming in the guarded area.
Yes. From You've Got Whale, take the Old South Road bike path toward Nantucket State Forest, cut across through the State Forest and continue along newly paved Lovers Lane. The route brings you out close to the Nobadeer Beach entrance.
Yes, vehicles with the required Town of Nantucket beach permit can drive on designated portions of Nobadeer. Beach-driving areas and access can change, so check current conditions and restrictions before heading onto the sand.
Yes. Nobadeer is one of Nantucket's seasonally lifeguarded beaches. Lifeguards cover a designated section rather than the entire stretch of beach.
It can. Nobadeer faces the Atlantic Ocean and is known for South Shore surf. Conditions vary by day, but waves and currents are generally stronger than at Nantucket's protected North Shore beaches.
Nobadeer sits immediately south of Nantucket Memorial Airport. Depending on airport operations and wind direction, planes can pass directly overhead as they arrive or depart the island. It's one of the things that makes Nobadeer unmistakably Nobadeer.
