Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Nantucket
Not every island oasis has to be tropical, as the best things to see and do in Nantucket remind. Afloat in the Atlantic just 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Nantucket is an historic New England haven dotted with quaint shingled cottages, with miles of lonesome beaches, bluffs, and cranberry bogs. Known as the Grey Lady for its quick-descending fog, this former whaling community has long been a summertime escape for East-coast elites, and makes a great retreat from hot summers in the city without leaving all the city’s luxury behind—you’re as likely to find something delicious at a four-star restaurant as a farm stand here. Take a 1- to 2-hour ferry out of Hyannis on the Cape, or hop a quick flight from Boston or New York to land yourself on this serene little island, then lace up those docksiders and keep this guide to the best things to do in Nantucket handy while you explore.
Top Things to Do in Nantucket
Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world during the 19th century, and that history is rooted deep in the island’s bones. Saunter down the cobblestone streets of Nantucket Town, past old captain’s quarters to the Whaling Museum, where you’ll be transported to the world Herman Melville described in Moby Dick. Your walk through time will be lined with local art galleries and jewel-box shops, which are less t-shirts-and-bumper-stickers and more handmade crafts from local artisans (though if you’re after knickknacks, try the Sunken Ship). There are also high-end boutiques, where you can find hand-stitched clothes and a pair of Nantucket Reds to wear to dinner.
Getting Around Town
Despite the thriving tourist economy and a harbor full of yachts, nearly half of the land on Nantucket is preserved from development, which means your Instagram sunset pics will be unspoiled by parking lots and high-rise hotels. Young’s Bicycle shop has been outfitting visitors since 1931, and will rent you a bike (or a jeep) to explore the island in summery style. Grab a map, pick up a sandwich at Something Natural on your way out of town, then steer toward the beach—all the sand on Nantucket is public, so you can’t go wrong. If you don’t feel like driving or pedaling, book a three-hour 4x4 tour over preserved dunes to Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.
Top Places to Take Photos
Nantucket is way too pretty to skip sightseeing. Climb to the tower of the First Congregational Church for a sweeping view of the entire island, then charter a whale-watching tour to snap some pics from out on the water. Back on land, take in the postcard scenery at Brant Point lighthouse, or scope the harbor from the clifftop at Tupancy Links. End your picture-perfect day with cocktails and a sunset view at Galley Beach’s outdoor bar.
Best Restaurants to Eat At
There’s a vibrant and modern foodie scene on the island that belies its antiquated appearance. Support local farmers and get the good stuff straight from the source at the Sustainable Nantucket’s Farmers & Artisans Market, then hail a cab to Cisco Brewers on the south side of the island, where you can sample the local craft beer scene along with live music and a full raw bar. Take an elegant meal with a top-notch wine list at Topper’s, where your reservation includes a boat ride across the entire harbor, then get to the Chicken Box, the island’s favorite dive with raucous fun and dancing to nightly live jazz.
CHEAT SHEET
For more on the best things to do in Nantucket, check out:
· Travel and Leisure – Things to Do in Nantucket
· Town & Country – Nantucket Travel Guide
· TripAdvisor – Activity Guide: Nantucket