Nantucket Island sits about 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This tiny island packs historic charm, clean beaches, and great seafood into an area of about 48 square miles.
Whether you want to ride a bike along quiet paths or learn about old ocean history, Nantucket has something for everyone. This guide covers the best things to do on Nantucket Island, MA, to help you plan a great trip.
Short on time? Jump straight to ourdetailed itinerariesbelow to plan your daily schedule.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Things to Do on Nantucket Island?
The best things to do on Nantucket Island include walking on old stone streets, visiting ocean beaches, and checking out lighthouses. Visitors can ride bikes on smooth paths, visit museums, eat fresh seafood, and watch nice sunsets.
Here are the top ten things to do:
- Explore Historic Downtown: Walk down stone streets lined with old homes and local shops.
- Visit the Whaling Museum: See historical displays run by the local historical group.
- Walk to Brant Point Lighthouse: Watch boats enter the bay from a historic lighthouse point.
- Relax at Surfside Beach: Enjoy wide sandy shores and ocean waves on the south side.
- Bike Island Trails: Ride along paved paths built across the island.
- Visit Siasconset (‘Sconset): Walk through a quiet town full of old wooden cottages.
- Stroll the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk: Walk along a small dirt path that looks out over the ocean.
- Watch Sunset at Madaket Beach: Enjoy nice sky views on the far west side of the island.
- Visit Cisco Brewers: Enjoy an open outdoor yard with drinks, music, and food trucks.
- Take a Water Cruise: Join a sailboat ride or a trip to see wild seals on the water.
| If You Like… | Do This First |
| History | Explore Downtown & Whaling Museum |
| Beaches | Relax at Surfside Beach or Jetties Beach |
| Couples | Stroll ‘Sconset Bluff Walk & watch the sunset |
| Families | Swim at Jetties Beach & Children’s Beach |
| Adventure | Hike Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge |
Is Nantucket Worth Visiting?
Yes, Nantucket is worth visiting because it blends rich history with big areas of open land. Strict town rules mean you will see no chain stores or tall hotels. Much of the island is protected by land groups.
Nantucket vs. Martha’s Vineyard
Many travelers compare Nantucket to nearby Martha’s Vineyard. While both are islands near Cape Cod, they feel different.
| Feature | Nantucket | Martha’s Vineyard |
| Size | About 48 square miles | 100 square miles |
| Vibe | Historic, walkable, simple style | Six different towns, farm land |
| Getting Around | Easy by bike, bus, or walking | Best with a car or island bus |
| Best For | Historic streets & clean beaches | Town variety & forest walks |
Top 10 Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Time Needed | Cost Range | Best For |
| Historic Downtown | 2 to 3 hours | Free | Walking & shopping |
| Whaling Museum | 1.5 to 2 hours | Check online rates | History & rainy days |
| Brant Point Light | 30 to 45 mins | Free | Photos & boat views |
| Surfside Beach | 2 to 4 hours | Free | Surfing & ocean waves |
| Jetties Beach | 2 to 4 hours | Free | Families & easy swimming |
| ‘Sconset Village | 1 to 2 hours | Free | Cottage walks & gardens |
| ‘Sconset Bluff Walk | 45 to 60 mins | Free | Couples & ocean views |
| Cisco Brewers | 1.5 to 3 hours | Varies by order | Drinks, music & food |
| Madaket Beach | 1 to 2 hours | Free | Evening sunsets |
| Coskata-Coatue Refuge | 3 to 5 hours | Beach permit required | Wildlife & hiking |
Map of the Best Things to Do on Nantucket
Nantucket is shaped like a curve. The historic town sits on the north side facing the bay. The south side has big ocean waves, while ‘Sconset sits on the far east end.
[ Great Point Lighthouse ] (North)
|
[ Jetties Beach ] -- [ Downtown Nantucket ] -- [ Brant Point ]
| |
[ Madaket Beach ] [ Cisco Brewers ] --- [ Sankaty Light ]
(West) | |
[ Surfside Beach ] [ 'Sconset Village ]
(South) (East)
Best Things to Do in Historic Nantucket Town
Nantucket’s town center is a famous national site. It has preserved buildings from long ago.
Wander the Historic Downtown Streets
Start your walk on Main Street. The wide street is made of old stone blocks. Brick paths go past big homes built by rich whale-ship captains. You can shop at local stores along the water without seeing any chain stores.
Visit the Whaling Museum
This museum is run by the local history group. Long ago, Nantucket was a top whale-hunting spot. Inside, you can see a large whale skeleton, an old candle factory display, and carved whale bone art. Go to the top roof deck for great views across the water.
See the Oldest House
Built for Jethro and Mary Coffin, this home is the oldest building on Nantucket still standing in its original spot. It shows visitors how early settlers lived in the late 1600s.
Explore Maritime Heritage at Egan Maritime’s Museum
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum honors brave rescue workers. The museum shows old rescue boats, ropes, and gear used to save sailors from broken ships.
Visit the Maria Mitchell Association
Maria Mitchell became America’s first famous female astronomer in 1847. Today, her group runs a small sea life museum on Washington Street, a science museum, and two star-gazing buildings. It is a great stop for kids who like touch tanks with sea animals.
Visit Nantucket’s Famous Lighthouses
Lighthouses help ships stay safe from hidden sand bars. Three main lighthouses stand on the island today.
Brant Point Lighthouse
Brant Point Light sits at the entrance to the water bay. Built in 1901, it sits on one of the oldest lighthouse spots in the United States. You can stand on the sand and watch big ferries pass close by.
Sankaty Head Lighthouse
Located on high land near ‘Sconset, this lighthouse stands 70 feet tall with red and white stripes. In 2006, workers moved the heavy building 400 feet back from the edge to save it from falling off the eroding cliff.
Great Point Lighthouse
Great Point Light sits on the far north tip inside a nature area. The current tower was built in 1986 after a storm broke the old one. Getting here takes a four-wheel-drive truck with a sand permit or a long walk on soft sand.
| Lighthouse | Getting There | Restrooms | Photo Tip |
| Brant Point | Easy sand walk | Nearby at bay | Take photos of boats passing the light |
| Sankaty Head | Easy dirt path | None | Catch the sunrise from the cliff path |
| Great Point | Hard (4WD sand) | None | Take photos of wild seals near the tip |
Relax at the Best Beaches on Nantucket
Nantucket has miles of shore. North beaches have warm, flat water. South beaches face the open ocean with cold water and big waves.
NORTH SHORE (Calm Water, Warm Swimming)
- Jetties Beach
- Children's Beach
SOUTH SHORE (Ocean Waves, Cooler Water)
- Surfside Beach
- Cisco Beach
Surfside Beach
Surfside is a popular south beach with wide sand and rolling waves. It has bathrooms, outdoor showers, a food stand, and lifeguards. It is great for bodyboarding and sunbathing. The paved parking lot fills up fast in the morning.
Jetties Beach
Located on the north side near town, Jetties Beach has shallow water with almost no waves. It has bathrooms, a boardwalk, a playground, and a restaurant. It is the best choice for families with young kids.
Cisco Beach
Cisco Beach faces south and gets strong ocean waves. It is the top spot for local surfers. It has lifeguards and temporary toilets in the summer.
Siasconset Beach
Located on the east end, ‘Sconset Beach offers wide open views across the ocean. It has lifeguards, bathrooms, and a store nearby in the town square.
Madaket Beach
Madaket Beach sits on the far west end of the island. Waves can be very strong here, but it is the best place to watch the sun go down over the water.
Great Point Beach & Coatue
This wild beach sits inside the north nature park. High tides can block driving paths, so check water times with park rangers before driving onto the sand.
| Beach | Water Type | Restrooms | Lifeguards | Best Feature |
| Surfside | Big Waves | Yes | Yes | Food stand & wide sand |
| Jetties | Flat Water | Yes | Yes | Playground & restaurant |
| Cisco | Strong Waves | Temporary | Yes | Surfing waves |
| ‘Sconset | Big Waves | Yes | Yes | Quiet village feel |
| Madaket | Strong Waves | No | Yes | West sunset views |
| Great Point | Wild Ocean | No | No | Seals & nature walks |
Explore Siasconset (‘Sconset)
Siasconset is a village on the east end of Nantucket. Locals call it “‘Sconset.” The village started long ago as a small fishing town.
The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk
The Bluff Walk is a scenic walking path. The path goes between cottage backyards and ocean cliffs. You will see grand ocean views on one side and nice gardens on the other. Enter quietly at Front Street and stay on the public path.
Historic Cottages
In early summer, red roses bloom over low wooden roofs. Take a slow walk down Shell Street and Morey Lane to view these old homes.
Best Outdoor Activities and Getting Around
Much of Nantucket’s land is protected from building. You can explore trails or ride bikes across the island without needing a car.
Bike Paths & Rentals
Biking is the best way to travel on Nantucket. The island has miles of smooth bike paths.
- Milestone Path: Runs from town straight to ‘Sconset.
- Madaket Path: Runs west from town to Madaket Beach.
- Surfside Path: An easy ride south to Surfside Beach.
- Rentals: Bike shops near the ferry docks rent bikes, electric bikes, and pull-behind child trailers.
Island Buses (NRTA The Wave)
The town runs seasonal shuttle buses called “The Wave.” Buses pick up downtown and go to main beaches and villages for a low fare.
Hiking and Wildlife Trails
Nature groups protect thousands of acres of open land.
- Sanford Farm: Has miles of walking paths past fields and ponds down to the water.
- Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge: A wild beach peninsula managed by a land group. It is home to sea birds, deer, and seals.
Best Boat Tours and Water Experiences
Being on the water gives you a new view of the island. Boats park along the docks in Downtown Nantucket.
- Whale Watching Trips: Boats go out into deep waters to look for big whales and sea turtles from June to September. Trips take several hours. Bring a jacket because it gets cold on the ocean.
- Harbor Sails: Book a trip on an old wooden sailboat like the Endeavor. Local captains guide smooth tours around the quiet bay.
- Fishing Charters: Hire a boat to catch local fish. Captains give you all the fishing gear and clean your fish for dinner.
Food and Drink Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Nantucket has a rich food scene ranging from simple seafood shacks to nice sit-down spots.
- Cisco Brewers: An open-air yard where people meet. It has a brewery, winery, and farm drink stands. Visitors sit under tents to enjoy live music, food trucks, and fresh oysters.
- Fresh Seafood: Try sweet local scallops, raw oysters raised in island waters, clam chowder, and fresh lobster rolls.
- Bartlett’s Farm: A historic farm on the island. Their farm market sells fresh vegetables, hot food, groceries, and baked goods.
- Ice Cream Shops: Join the line at Juice Bar Ice Cream Shop downtown. They make homemade ice cream and fresh waffle cones.
Things to Do on Nantucket by Traveler Type
Families with Kids
- Swim at Jetties Beach: Flat water and a playground make this beach safe for young kids.
- Visit Children’s Beach: Located near town with picnic tables and calm water.
- Explore Maria Mitchell Aquarium: Touch tanks let kids hold small local crabs and sea stars.
- Walk to Brant Point Light: Kids can watch big ferries turn in front of the sand point.
- Eat Ice Cream Downtown: Grab warm waffle cones on Broad Street after dinner.
Couples
- Walk the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk: A quiet walk past flower-covered homes and cliffs.
- Watch Sunset at Madaket Beach: Enjoy orange sky views over the west ocean.
- Take a Sunset Boat Sail: Book an evening sailboat ride around the bay.
- Dine Near the Docks: Enjoy fresh seafood right along the water.
Budget Travelers
- Ride as a Foot Passenger: Leave your car on the mainland to save money on ferry fees.
- Ride The Wave Bus: Use cheap town buses instead of taxi rides.
- Buy Picnic Sandwiches: Grab sandwich meals at local shops to eat on the beach.
- Enjoy Free Sites: Visit Brant Point, the Bluff Walk, and public beaches for free.
One-Day, Two-Day and Three-Day Nantucket Itineraries
Half-Day / 6-Hour Trip (Downtown Focus)
- 9:00 AM: Arrive by fast ferry at the docks. Walk up Main Street to see old stone roads.
- 10:30 AM: Tour the Whaling Museum and look at the bay from the roof deck.
- 12:30 PM: Grab a fresh lobster roll near the boat docks.
- 1:30 PM: Take an easy 15-minute walk to Brant Point Lighthouse to watch boats pass.
- 2:30 PM: Shop at local stores and grab ice cream before boarding your return ferry.
Full 1-Day Trip (Downtown & Beach)
| Time | Activity | Travel Method |
| 8:30 AM | Arrive at the docks via fast ferry | Ferry |
| 9:00 AM | Walk Main Street and tour Whaling Museum | Walking |
| 11:30 AM | Rent a bicycle near the harbor docks | Bike |
| 12:00 PM | Ride the paved path south to Surfside Beach | Bike |
| 12:30 PM | Eat lunch at the beach stand & swim | Walking |
| 3:00 PM | Bike north to Cisco Brewers for music & drinks | Bike |
| 5:30 PM | Return bike downtown & walk to Brant Point Light | Walking |
| 6:30 PM | Eat dinner near the docks | Walking |
| 8:00 PM | Leave on the late return ferry | Ferry |
Relaxed 2-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Focus on town history and ocean waves. Tour downtown, see the Whaling Museum, and spend the afternoon at Surfside Beach. Head to Cisco Brewers in the late afternoon and watch the sunset at Madaket Beach.
- Day 2: Take the Wave bus east to ‘Sconset. Walk the Bluff Walk and see the old cottages. Head to Jetties Beach for a calm swim, and finish with a sailboat ride.
Complete 3-Day Experience
- Day 1: Explore downtown, the Whaling Museum, and Brant Point Light. Eat dinner by the docks.
- Day 2: Bike east to ‘Sconset, walk the Bluff Walk, visit Sankaty Light, and relax on ‘Sconset Beach.
- Day 3: Hike nature paths at Sanford Farm in the morning. Spend the afternoon at Cisco Beach, and watch your final sunset at Madaket Beach.
Things to Do on Nantucket by Season
- Summer (June – August): Warm weather, clear water, and lots of energy. All shops and restaurants are open. High temperatures run in the 70s and 80s.
- Fall (September – November): Warm ocean water lasts through September, but big summer crowds leave. Days are sunny and comfortable.
- Spring (April – May): Blooming flowers show up as island shops open up. The Daffodil Festival happens in late April.
- Winter (December – March): Quiet, cold, and windy. Many seasonal hotels and restaurants close for part of the cold months.
| Season | Avg Temp | Crowd Level | Open Shops | Main Benefit |
| Summer | 75°F | Heavy | Most open | Warm swimming & full tour schedules |
| Fall | 60°F | Medium | Fewer hours | Warm water & smaller crowds |
| Spring | 52°F | Light | Reopening | Flower blooms & lower room prices |
| Winter | 38°F | Low | Closed for season | Quiet walks & holiday strolls |
What to Do on Nantucket When It Rains
When rain hits the island, move your plans indoors:
- Tour Historic Museums: Spend two hours inside the Whaling Museum or the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum.
- Visit the Lightship Basket Museum: Learn how traditional Nantucket baskets are woven by hand.
- Browse Local Bookstores: Read books at local shops right on Main Street and Broad Street.
- Warm Up at Coffee Shops: Enjoy warm drinks and baked treats at local cafés.
- Explore Art Galleries: Walk under covered dock paths to view local art galleries.
Accessibility and Pet-Friendly Tips
Accessibility Features
Nantucket works to help all visitors move around easily:
- Beach Mats: Select beaches like Jetties Beach feature flat mats laid over the sand to help with wheelchair access.
- Beach Wheelchairs: Jetties Beach offers special sand wheelchairs in the summer. Ask beach staff for help.
- Accessible Museums: The Whaling Museum has ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms.
- Cobblestone Warning: Main Street’s stone roads are bumpy. Use the brick sidewalks next to the street for a smoother ride.
Traveling with Pets
Nantucket is very dog-friendly:
- Ferry Travel: Main passenger ferries allow dogs on board (check rules for leashes and pet carriers).
- Buses: Town buses allow small pets in carriers.
- Beaches: Dogs are allowed on public beaches during set hours in summer. Check signs for leash rules to protect local birds.
How to Get to Nantucket
Because Nantucket is an island, you must arrive by boat or plane.
MAINLAND (Hyannis, MA) ===========> NANTUCKET ISLAND
Ferry: 1 - 2.5 Hours
Flight: Short Hop
Ferry Options from Hyannis, MA
Most travelers ride passenger ferries from Cape Cod.
- Fast Passenger Ferry: Takes about 1 hour. Runs most of the year.
- Traditional Car Ferry: Takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It carries cars and walking passengers.
Flights
Nantucket Memorial Airport sits right on the island. Regional airlines run short flights from Boston, Hyannis, and other nearby cities.
Costs, Budget and Smart Local Tips
Local Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Local Tip: Phone signals can get weak inside nature parks and out near ‘Sconset. Download offline maps to your phone before leaving town.
Worth the Cost: Rent bikes for your full trip. Bikes help you skip taxi waits and parking headaches at busy beach lots.
- Avoid Bringing Cars: Parking downtown is hard in summer. Leave your car on the mainland and use bikes or town buses.
- Book Ferries Early: Fast ferry tickets sell out on summer weekends. Book your seats online ahead of time.
- Pack Extra Layers: Sea breezes bring fog and cool air quickly in the late afternoon. Always bring a light jacket.
Final Thoughts
Nantucket Island offers a great mix of ocean history, open nature, and clean beach charm. Whether you spend your time walking old stone streets, biking to ‘Sconset, or relaxing on sandy shores, the island offers a classic New England trip. Book your ferry early, pack a warm jacket, and enjoy your time on Nantucket!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend on Nantucket?
Three days is best for a first visit. This gives you time to explore town streets, relax on beaches, bike to ‘Sconset, and eat fresh seafood without rushing.
Is Nantucket expensive to visit?
Yes, hotels and restaurants cost a lot on Nantucket. However, beaches, walking historic streets, and visiting the lighthouse are free.
Can you visit Nantucket without a car?
Yes, you can visit without a car. Paved bike paths cover the island, and town buses connect downtown to main beaches all summer.
What is the best beach for families?
Jetties Beach is best for families. It has calm water, clean bathrooms, a playground, food, and beach paths.
Is Downtown Nantucket walkable?
Yes, downtown is very easy to walk. You can walk between historic streets, museums, dock restaurants, and Brant Point Lighthouse.
Can you visit Nantucket as a day trip?
Yes, you can visit on a day trip. Take an early fast ferry, explore downtown, tour the Whaling Museum, bike to a beach, and return by evening.
What should I book in advance?
You should book ferry tickets, hotel rooms, dinner spots, and car ferry spots as far ahead as possible.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. We try to keep all information accurate, but details may change over time. Please check official sources before making travel plans. Some images may be AI-generated for illustration. All trademarks, logos, and copyrights belong to their respective owners.