Nantasket Beach
Nantasket Beach is Boston's go-to surf spot—the closest consistent wave to a city of millions, accessible from downtown in under an hour. The northeast-facing beach catches nor'easter swells that miss south-facing breaks, providing an alternative window when the rest of New England goes flat. The water is cold year-round, the crowd is dedicated, and the rocky areas demand awareness, but Nantasket delivers surf to a metropolitan area that has no business having a surf scene. For Bostonians who refuse to let geography dictate their stoke, Nantasket is home.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (75°)
- Direction range
- 45° - 120°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (250°)
- Offshore range
- 220° - 290°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Public beach south of Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Nantasket Beach?
Nantasket Beach works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Nantasket Beach?
Offshore wind at Nantasket Beach blows from the WSW (250°). Anything in the 220° to 290° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Nantasket Beach?
Nantasket Beach wants ENE swell (45° to 120°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 13s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Nantasket Beach?
The main season at Nantasket Beach is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Nor'easters and hurricane swells.
How do I get to Nantasket Beach?
Fly into BOS, then allow about 35 minutes by road. Public beach south of Boston.
What kind of wave is Nantasket Beach?
Nantasket Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Nor'easters and hurricane swells.
Getting There
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