The southern side of Nantucket Island faces the open Atlantic ocean, while the northern side sits on the calmer Nantucket Sound. If you like body surfing and larger waves and don’t mind water that might be 5 degrees colder than on the North Shore, the South Shore is the place to go.
With the fairly heavy cloud cover I wouldn’t call this an exceptional beach day, but the small-ish waves and the surface of the water show there isn’t much wind.
Not very good beachcombing on the South Shore, the waves and surf wash most everything clean, leaving a lovely sandy beach to walk on for as long as you want.
With very rare exception, ALL beaches in Nantucket are open to the public…if you can get there (without trespassing), make yourself at home. No permits, no parking fees. Nantucket is a beach goer’s paradise.