Surfside Beach Dog Rules, Nantucket, MA | New Laws 2025
Surfside Beach dog rules allow visitors to bring pups to this recreational wonderland. This dog-friendly beach in Nantucket, MA, has many enjoyable activities like swimming, fishing, boogie boarding, etc. On this beach, dogs can be on a leash with their owners.
The beach is surrounded by sandbars on one side and the Atlantic on the other. A concession stand sells hot and cold foods. Downtown Nantucket is nearby and has many rental, restaurant, and hotel options.
Surfside Beach Dog Rules, Massachusetts
- Dogs are permitted on a leash.
- They must have valid licensing.
- Dogs and their owners are prohibited from entering dunes, vegetation, and salt marshes.
- Owners must always be in charge and control of their dogs.
- They should clean up after their dogs.

Learn about Surfside Beach’s dog rules and policies in Nantucket, MA. Ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for you and your furry friend with these essential guidelines.
Surfside Dog Beach, Massachusetts
Surfside Beach Dog Licensing
Dogs 6 months older are required to have valid licensing. Licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 of next year. Dogs need a valid rabies vaccination for licensing purposes. A late fee is charged for delayed licensing.
How To Reach Surfside Beach
You can reach Surfside Beach via Sparks Ave or Prospect St, which is at the intersection of the schools Atlantic Ave, Prospect St, and Sparks Ave. Turn on the road of Surf Side and follow 2.3 miles of road. Find a stop sign with a large paved parking lot and move on to the left.
NRTA-Wave offers a bus service from Washington Street to Surfside Beach during the season. The bus leaves its hub at the Greenhound building every 40 minutes. You can drive your bicycle or walk along the beach on the surfside road.

About Dog-Friendly Surfside Beach, Massachusetts
Surfside Beach is one of the most well-known coastal destinations in Nantucket. It is a wide beach with flat sandy shores perfect for surfing. The place is on the island’s south coast near the airport. Lifeguards are on duty during the season.
The water at this place is ideal for boogie boarding for kids, swimming, fishing, etc. There is a volleyball area, picnic under the umbrella, or play in the sun, and the seashore has it all. This beach is also ideal for shelling and wildlife viewing. Various species of birds, like Snow Buntings, sandpipers, and herring, make this place their home in winter.
Surfside Beach Driving
Surfside Beach is open for driving. Vehicles can operate 24 hours a day during the winter months. During summer, wheels on the beach are limited to nighttime driving. Hours for nighttime driving are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The beach authority recommended tire pressure for driving as 12 and 15 psi. It is advisable to maintain a speed limit of 20mph.
Beach driving permits are available from the Town of Nantucket Police Department. Visitors must stay within the established driving tracks, away from dunes and vegetation. Drivers should reduce their speed to 5mph when near pedestrians or crowded areas.
Surfside Beach Shellfishing
Surfside Beach is open for scallop season from October 1 – March 31. The Town of Nantucket issued a permit for this recreational activity. Quahogs, oysters, and scallops can be harvested year-round.
- Parking: There is ample parking available near the beach. The place has accessible spaces and bike racks.
- Things To Do: surfing, boogie boarding, swimming
- Nearby Attractions: Nobadeer Beach, Discovery Playground at Hinsdale Park
- Amenities: Restroom, bike racks, accessible restroom
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Sandbar at Jetties Beach Bar & Restaurant
- Dog-Friendly Hotels: The Brant, Nantucket Resort Collection
- Dog-Friendly Rentals: Forget Shoes, Walk to Beach Barefoot with Kids and Grandkids, Ocean View Surfside Home – 3BR + Loft!
- Fees: Entry is free.
- Hours: Every day from sunrise to sunset
- Address: 169 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA 02554
Surfside Beach Rules And Regulations
- A permit is required for fishing.
- Bonfires, campfires, and fireworks are disallowed.
- Flying kites and drones on the beach within 200 meters of fenced shorebird protection area are forbidden.
- Alcohol consumption and smoking on the beach are banned.
- Glass materials are disallowed on the seashore.
- Grill fire, enclosed fire away from flammable objects is allowed.
Conclusion
The dog rules of Surfside Beach allow visitors to take their well-behaved furry friends on the beach. Visitors can take a stroll, enjoy sunbathing, or have a cookout on the grill with family. Wildlife, nature, and recreational activities abound on the beach.