10 Best Things to Do in Nantucket, Massachusetts (2024)

Nantucket is a small yet enchanting island 30 miles south of Cape Cod that is an incredibly popular tourist destination with many summer homes, lodgings, and plenty of activities for a fun-filled vacation. These are the best things to do in Nantucket.

The island is known for being expensive, as is its neighbor, Martha’s Vineyard, with the cost of a single-family home in Nantucket usually starting in the low millions. But visiting here is an experience like no other.

The Wampanoag people initially inhabited the island until 1659, when the first English settlers began arriving. The first settlers focused on farming and raising sheep, but overgrazing and growing farms made these activities untenable. The islanders soon began turning to the sea for a living.

In the downtown area, visitors will find a plentiful supply of boutiques and shops, historic sites, and restaurants with fresh seafood. Beaches line the island’s perimeter, with views of lighthouses and sailboats among the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound.

Things to Do in Nantucket, Massachusetts

1. Explore Nantucket’s Beaches

The beautiful, sandy beaches on the island are a perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the town. Some of the most popular beaches on the island are Jetties Beach, Madaket Beach, Sconset Beach, Cisco Beach, Surfside Beach, and Children’s Beach.

Jetties Beach, on the north shore, is the most popular beach on the island and is a great place to relax. The beach also has a playground for children. Madaket Beach, on the island’s west side, is a bit more secluded and beautiful to watch the sunset.

Surfside Beach is one of the island’s most popular and crowded beaches. It’s mostly used for surfing and bodyboarding. It is located on the island’s southern side and has a great sunset view over the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum

Address: 13 Broad St, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States

The Nantucket Whaling Museum is located in downtown Nantucket, and it’s a great place to learn about the island’s rich whaling history. The museum is managed by the Nantucket Historical Association, which oversees many of Nantucket’s historical landmarks.

The island’s history of whaling is a long and storied one. The whaling industry peaked in 1846 when Nantucket accounted for more than half of the world’s whale oil production. In 1851, Herman Melville published his classic novel, Moby Dick, with the island and its whaling history forming the backbone of his story.

Today, the island is home to the Nantucket Whaling Museum. The museum is located in downtown Nantucket and has many exhibits on whaling, including a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton. The whaling museum also has a massive Fresnel lens and a restored 1847 candle factory. The Nantucket Whaling Museum also has a rooftop deck with a great view of Nantucket Harbor.

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3. Rent Bikes and Explore the Island

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Biking is a great way to explore Nantucket, as the island has over 35 miles of multi-use paths. There are several bike rental companies on the island, so you can easily rent a bike for the day.

The Nantucket Bike Shop in downtown Nantucket is a full-service bike shop that offers sales, repairs, and rentals. It is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The shop has a wide selection of bikes, including road, mountain, and cruisers. They also have a wide selection of accessories, including helmets, locks, and lights.

Nantucket Bike Shop is the perfect place to rent a bike. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect bike for your Nantucket-exploring needs.

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4. Visit a Lighthouse

The lighthouses of Nantucket are some of the most beautiful landmarks to see when visiting the island. Nantucket is home to three lighthouses, each with its distinctive look and history. The island’s lighthouses are Sankaty Head Light, Brant Point Light, and Great Point Light. Visiting each is one of our favorite things to do in Nantucket.

The Sankaty Head Lighthouse, officially the Sankaty Head Light, is a beautiful red and white lighthouse on the island’s east coast. The lighthouse was first lit in 1850 and is still operational today. In 1987, this historic lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Sankaty Head Light.

The Brant Point Lighthouse, officially the Brant Point Light, is located on the island’s northern side, at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. The Brant Point Lighthouse, easily accessible from downtown Nantucket, was built in 1746 and still operates today. The Brant Point Lighthouse is the 2nd oldest lighthouse in the United States.

The Great Point Lighthouse is located on the island’s northern tip, at Great Point. The current tower, a wooden structure with a white-painted finish, was built in 1784. It is the seventh-oldest lighthouse in the United States.

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5. Explore the Harbor and downtown Nantucket

The harbor and downtown area of Nantucket are great places to walk around and explore. In the Nantucket harbor, you’ll find many different types of boats, including tug, whale-watching, fishing, and more. With its cobblestone streets, the downtown area is a beautiful place to explore, with many boutiques and stores.

In addition to downtown’s Whaling Museum, other top destinations include the Nantucket Atheneum and the Dreamland Film, Theater & Cultural Center. The Nantucket Atheneum is the island’s public library, offering free services and programs to all of Nantucket’s residents and visitors.

The Dreamland Film, Theater & Cultural Center is Nantucket’s premier performing arts center, housing a cinema, events, and community activities. The White Heron Theater Company is another top spot for performing arts, as is the non-profit Theatre Workshop of Nantucket.

Cisco Brewers, located outside the town, has a brewery tour with a free shuttle van that picks guests up beside their downtown office on East Chestnut Street and takes them to the brewery at 5 Bartlett Farm Road. Cisco Brewers is known for its live music, food trucks, tastings, tours, and many craft beer, wine, and drink options.

Located on downtown Main Street, check out the Compass Rose on the wall of Nantucket’s Ralph Lauren store. For food, there are some truly delicious restaurants downtown, including the Nautilus, Straight Wharf, Cru, and the Charlie Noble. Check out Jack & Charlie’s Ice Cream, Lemon Press, or Aunt Leah’s Fudge for dessert.You can also book a Nantucket Private Fishing tour to add to your experience.

6. Visit The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

Address: 158 Polpis Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States

Located outside the downtown area, at 158 Polpis Road, the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum honors Nantucket’s history of shipwrecks, as well as the heroic efforts by many Islanders to save shipwrecked mariners. The Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Nantucket and its maritime heritage.

The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is easily reached by car. The WAVE, or our free Shipwreck Shuttle, picks up at the Visitors Service on Federal Street from June on or by bike on the Polpis Road Bike Path.

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7. Hit the Links at Miacomet Golf Club

Address: 12 Miacomet Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States

The Miacomet Golf Club is Nantucket Island’s only 18-hole public golf course. The Club, home to several different leagues and tournaments, has a fully functional putting green and driving range, while the course is complete with four tee options, challenging holes, and scenic island views.

The on-site restaurant and beverage cart provides guests delicious food, cold drinks, and a great time on the links.

8. Visit the Old Mill

Address: 50 Prospect St, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States

The Old Mill is a historic windmillbBuilt-in 1746 by Nathan Wilbur, a Nantucket sailor who spent time in Holland, and is one of the oldest buildings on the island. According to the Nantucket Historical Association, which oversees the mill, the Old Mill is the oldest functioning mill in the country, continuing to grind corn into oatmeal.

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9. Maria Mitchell Aquarium

Address: 28 Washington St, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States

The Maria Mitchell Aquarium, also known as the Nantucket Aquarium, is a great place to learn about the unique marine environment and local aquatic species of Nantucket.

Located on the harbor’s shoreline, the Aquarium displays local Nantucket marine species and is an excellent place to learn about the amazing marine life around the island.

The Nantucket Aquarium is home to a Touch Tank, where you can learn to hold crabs, an Outdoor Circle Tank, which is home to larger species like baby sharks, horseshoe crabs, and flounder, and various Aquarium Rooms, each filled with more than 50 animals, including jellyfish, lobsters, shrimp, and tropical fish.

It’s a perfect spot to bring the whole family. At 28 Washington Street, property passes are $20 for adults and $12 for children aged 3-16, while children two and under are free.

10. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Address: 107 Wauwinet Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554, United States

The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is located at the northern point of Nantucket. The Refuge provides a protected habitat to various wildlife, including deer, seals, osprey, and rare sea birds.

With over 16 miles of trails and sand roads, the Refuge is a great spot to explore sand dunes and small coastal forests, salt marsh, and tidal ponds, with a hike to Great Point Lighthouse, a walk, or a bike ride.

No general admission fees; however, permission and fees may be required when driving a vehicle onto the Refuge. If you want the best experience, we highly recommend booking a tour with the Trustees of Reservations.

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How to Get There

The easiest way to get to Nantucket, Massachusetts, is to fly into the Nantucket Memorial Airport. If you prefer a ferry ride, the options are:

• The Steamship Authority: High-Speed and Traditional Car Ferry departs from Hyannis, MA.
• Hy-Line Cruises: High-Speed Ferry departs from Hyannis, MA.
• Freedom Cruise Line: departs from Harwich Port, MA.
• Seastreak: High-Speed Ferry from New York City, NY, and New Bedford, MA.

Best Places to Eat

There are several great places to eat on Nantucket. Check out the Nautilus, Straight Wharf, Cru, or Charlie Noble restaurants. Check out Jack & Charlie’s Ice Cream, Lemon Press, or Aunt Leah’s Fudge for dessert.

Where to Stay

There are a number of great places to stay on the island, but the hotels are expensive. If you want a luxury experience, head to The White Elephant. This historic hotel has graced Nantucket’s waterfront since the 1920s.

Located further inland, 76 Main occupies the former home of a ship captain. The Wauwinet Nantucket is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Bay. It is an adults-only hotel perfect for a romantic getaway.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the island is during the summer. The temperatures are warm, and the island is bustling with people. During the summer months, there are a number of events and festivals that take place, as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy.

The island can get quite congested during the summer, as it is a popular tourist destination. If you want a more peaceful experience, we recommend visiting during the shoulder months of March and April or September and October.

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