A trip to Nantucket can require quite a bit of planning, especially if you’re visiting the island during peak summer months. Whether you’re planning a family beach trip, or for a romantic fall weekend on Nantucket, there is no shortage of unique things to do on Nantucket.
Nantucket is lovingly referred to as the Grey Lady. She has an air about her, and it’s not just the thick fog that often veils her coastline, as her nickname suggests. Once the whaling capital of the world, Nantucket’s cobblestone streets are now lined with posh restaurants and boutiques. Though now a high-end summer destination, the history and charm of Nantucket is preserved in the cobblestone streets and grey-shingled summer cottages.
It’s an island where the rose-clad cottages of ‘Sconset are just as awe-inspiring as the bluff side mansions. Where the pharmacy still features a 1920s soda fountain lunch counter, next door to a trendy brunch destination. It’s the ultimate marriage of historical heritage and quiet luxury. Whether you’re looking for sandy days and cooler sandwiches, or a spa afternoon and fine dining, there is something for everyone to do on Nantucket.
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Getting to Nantucket
The most popular way to get Nantucket is by boat. Ferries can fill up quickly in the summer months, so be sure to book your tickets in advance if traveling from June to August. The quickest option is the Hy-Line Ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket. The high speed ferry takes one hour and costs $48 each way.
Alternatively, Nantucket has an airport (ACK) that offers direct flights to most major cities on the east coast. Flying to Nantucket is the quickest option, and a good alternative for those traveling from out of state.
Where to Stay on Nantucket
Staying on Nantucket can come with quite the price tag, and will require planning in advance if you are traveling to Nantucket during peak summer months. While most family or group travelers prefer to rent a house for the week, there is no shortage of luxury and boutique hotels for those looking for a getaway weekend on Nantucket.
We stayed at the Wauwinet for our honeymoon in June, and found it to be the perfect place to stay in Nantucket. As Nantucket’s only Relais & Châteaux hotel, the Wauwinet pairs historical character with high end hospitality, and is one of the best hotels on Nantucket for couples.
Other popular boutique hotels include:
If you’re traveling with a group or family, there is no shortage of vacation rentals on Nantucket.
- Modern ‘Sconset Rental for 9 Guests
- In-Town House on Bike Path for 8 Guests
- Bright Cottage with Harbor View for 6 Guests
- Pet-Friendly In-Town Cottage for 4 Guests
- Modern In-Town Luxury for 6 Guests
Getting Around Nantucket
One major misconception is that Nantucket is walkable. Although the island is small, you will need a car or bikes to experience all of the best things to do on Nantucket. Bringing a car to Nantucket on the ferry can be expensive, and space is often limited.
The easiest option is to rent a car from Island Rent-A-Car for a day, or the duration of your stay. For added adventure, rent a Jeep or off-road vehicle to drive out to Great Point. Just don’t forget to deflate your tires and bring cash for the off-road permit.
One of the best ways to see Nantucket is by bike. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking on Nantucket in peak season, renting bikes is a great alternative. Nantucket has miles of paved bike paths that span across almost every corner of the island. Many hotels and house rentals provide complementary bikes. If your accommodation doesn’t include bikes, check out Young’s Bicycle Shop for rentals.
Best Things to Do on Nantucket
Lighthouse Hopping
Nantucket’s three lighthouses are landmarks of the New England coast. Once a beacon of light for mariners returning home, the lighthouses are still functioning, and offer iconic photo opps for visitors. Brant Point Lighthouse, Sankaty Head Lighthouse and Great Point Lighthouse are scattered across three of Nantucket’s best destinations.
Brant Point Lighthouse
If you travel to Nantucket by ferry, Brant Point Lighthouse will welcome you to the island. Brandt Point is the shortest in New England, but iconic due to its recognizable red walkway, and adorned wreath during the holiday season. It’s an easy one to cross off the list due to its proximity to town. There is no dedicated parking, so walking or biking is the best form of transportation. From Steamboat Wharf, the lighthouse is an easy 15 minute walk.
Sankaty Head Lighthouse
The iconic red-striped lighthouse is quite younger than Brant Point, but significantly larger. Sankaty Head Lighthouse sits in the village of Siasconset. ‘Sconset is located on the easternmost tip of the island. The area is worth spending an afternoon in its own right. While you’re there, grab sandwiches and cookies at Claudette’s and head to the lighthouse for a picnic in the sun.
Great Point Lighthouse
Great Point Lighthouse is the most difficult to visit of three, and requires an off-road adventure through the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve to Great Point. It is the pinnacle of Great Point, and sits on the northernmost point of the island, as the name would suggest. The only way to access Great Point is with an oversand vehicle permit, which can be purchased at the Wauwinet Gatehouse.
Explore Siasconset Village & the Sconset Bluff Walk
Sconset is a tranquil village located on the easternmost side of Nantucket island. It is accessible via bike paths from the Wauwinet or Nantucket town. As the island’s oldest village, Sconset has held onto its distinct charm. The oldest of the rose-covered cottages dates back to 1670s, when Sconset was a humble whaling village.
After marveling at the beautifully kept historic homes, dock your bikes at Sconset Market before heading to the Bluff Walk. The Bluff Walk is something you can’t miss during your trip to Nantucket. The path starts near 27 Bank St and cuts behind backyards of beautiful cliff-side homes to Baxter Road.
Stop at Claudette’s for sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies. Eat under the shade of the patio, or take them to go and hit the Sconset beach. If you’re looking for an elevated lunch experience, head to the Chanticleer for a memorable meal in the garden.
Continue on to Sankaty Head Lighthouse, the final stop of a perfect Siasconset day.
Spend a Day at the Beach
It goes without saying that Nantucket has some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. One of the best things to do on Nantucket is to grab sandwiches to go from Something Natural and hit the beach for a quintessential Nantucket summer afternoon. Some of the most popular beaches on the island are:
- Steps Beach
- Galley Beach
- Jetties Beach
- Children’s Beach
- Cisco Beach
- Siasconset Beach
Eat at the Island’s Best Restaurants
If you’re wondering where to eat on Nantucket, rest assured you can’t go wrong. Whether you sample the oysters of the day at Cru, or head to Toppers for sunset, every Nantucket restaurant offers fresh seafood with a unique flair.
If you’re traveling to Nantucket from June to September, book reservations in advance. Tables are easier to come to buy during lunch hours and during the fringe season (June and September). A few of the best places to eat on Nantucket are:
Spend an Afternoon at Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewers is one of the best ways to spend a day on Nantucket. Cisco features local beer, live music, and food trucks. The food trucks are on a rotating schedule, and offer a great sampling of local favorite restaurants, like the Lobster Trap and Millie’s.
Located down the street from Bartlett Farms, Cisco Brewers isn’t the most centrally located. There is free parking and bike docks available. If you don’t have a car or plan to be drinking, you can take the complimentary shuttle service from the visitor center in town to Cisco and back. Cisco is one of the best things to do on Nantucket, and most definitely worth the trip.
Explore Downtown Nantucket
One of the best things to do on Nantucket is roam directionless around the cobblestone streets, popping into any boutique that catches your eye. Be sure to stop by some of the most loved Nantucket mainstays along the way.
- Start the day off with coffee at Handlebar, or healthy fair from Lemon Press
- Refuel with a signature Thanksgiving turkey sandwich at Provisions
- Stop for a beach read at Mitchell’s Book Corner, which features signed versions of Elin Hilderbrand’s local-based novels
- Shop the small boutiques along Old South Wharf
- Sample homemade treats and creative ice cream flavors from Juice Bar
- Get the party started after a long beach day with mudslides at Gazebo
Watch the Sunset from The Wauwinet Lawn
As the sun begins its slow descent into the bay, the iconic hunter green loungers of the Wauwinet lawn are a front row seat to the best sunset on the island. Time your dinner at Topper’s around the sunset to enjoy a drink on the lawn either before or after your reservation.
If you’re staying in town, hop on the Wauwinet Lady, a complementary boat cruise that brings diners from the White Elephant dock to the Wauwinet. The service runs during peak summer season for lunch and dinner. The 50 minute ride adds a picturesque harbor cruise to an already stunning evening.
Looking for a more casual sunset option? Head to Galley Beach Restaurant, or BYOB to Steps Beach.
What are your favorite things to do on Nantucket? Comment below!
