Dogs are not allowed on Nantasket Beach from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. From September 16 through April 30 they are allowed on a leash or tether of ten feet or less unless the area is posted off leash, with no more than four pets per person on DCR property. Service and medical support animals are allowed year round.
Consuming, possessing, distributing or selling alcohol on DCR property is allowed only under a special use permit.
Fires may be built only in the grills or fire rings provided at designated picnic and camping areas, so no fire may be built on the beach itself.
Glass and other breakable containers, including drink bottles, food containers and personal care items, are prohibited anywhere inside the DCR designated swimming area.
Smoking is prohibited within the DCR designated swimming area, in or on any DCR building or structure, and anywhere it is posted as prohibited.
Fishing is allowed, except inside the designated coastal swimming area between 8am and 8pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and it must comply with Massachusetts fishing law.
Radios, instruments and other audio devices are allowed, but operating one so as to disturb others needs a special use permit, and public address systems are not allowed without one.
Metal detecting is allowed on DCR coastal sandy beaches, which includes Nantasket. Everywhere else on DCR property it needs permission from DCR staff.
Not verified here
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
Source: 302 CMR 12.00, Massachusetts DCR Parks and Recreation Rules · checked 2026-09-09. Rules change by ordinance and by season. When it matters, confirm with the posted signs.
Dogs at Nantasket: Dogs are not allowed on Nantasket Beach from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. From September 16 through April 30 they are allowed on a leash or tether of ten feet or less unless the area is posted off leash, with no more than four pets per person on DCR property. Service and medical support animals are allowed year round. Not allowed at Nantasket: alcohol, fires & grills. Allowed only in places or at certain times: dogs, glass, smoking, fishing. Allowed: metal detecting, amplified music. Checked against 302 CMR 12.00, Massachusetts DCR Parks and Recreation Rules on 2026-09-09. Rules we have not verified for Nantasket are marked as such rather than guessed on the beach rules page.