If you’re looking for a vacation location with it all, look no further than picturesque Nantucket, Massachusetts. This quaint island boasts cobbled roads lined with vintage homes, surfable sandy bays, stroll-able piers, some of America’s oldest historical sites, and picture-postcard ocean views. It sits in the Nantucket Sound, just over 30 miles offshore from Cape Cod, and is reachable by ferry, charter boat, or private vessel.
Nantucket may seem like a tiny island, but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed with things to do for visitors of all ages. The numerous beaches are great for walking and swimming—or surfing, if you’re up for an adventure. There are tons of sites worthy of the fussiest history buffs, like the three old lighthouses, a whaling museum, and the aging Jethro Coffin House. Golf fans have some world-class courses to swing a club on. And, of course, there are several well-run farms the kids will get a kick out of visiting.
Are you looking for things to do in Nantucket? Perhaps you’re curious to see if it’s the spot for your next American vacation. So grab your fishing tackle box, plan out the farm-to-table (or ocean-to-table) fare you want to sample, and watch on for our top picks in this perfect all-season destination.
Nantucket Beaches
One of the main reasons people visit Nantucket—particularly in the warmer months—is the stunning beaches. The island has just over 80 miles of coastline, meaning there are a lot of picturesque bays to choose from! Families with young kids are drawn to Children’s Beach, with its calm water, soft sand, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Surfers should stop in at Nobadeer Beach, which is also popular with everyone from teens to 4WD enthusiasts—you can drive your vehicle on the sand! Head to Siasconset Beach for the sunrise and seals.
Nantucket Whaling Museum
The Nantucket Whaling Museum is one of the most popular attractions on the island. It tells the story of the island’s 400-year-old whaling past through exhibition galleries stuffed with everything from an enormous Fresnel lens to a real sperm whale skeleton. There’s even a refurbished candle factory dating from the mid 1800s. Once you’re done observing antiques, paintings, and artifacts and reading about whaling history, head up to the rooftop for unrivaled views over Nantucket Harbor.
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Brant Point Lighthouse
There are three main lighthouses on Nantucket, and Brant Point Lighthouse is the smallest of them at just 26 feet tall. But does this mean you should skip a visit? Not at all! This quaint lighthouse has the distinction of being America’s teeniest lighthouse and its second oldest. It was completed way back in 1756, and thankfully still stands proud today in its post on Brant Point. Head here to admire the lighthouse and walk the wild coastal shores that surround it.
Sconset Bluff Walk
Nantucket is full of family friendly walking and biking trails, but one of our favorites is the Sconset Bluff Walk. The well maintained footpath runs behind some of Nantucket’s ocean-side homes, taking you right along the coast for breathtaking views of the ocean edged with heathland. We recommend heading out in the late evening—on your way back you can catch a spectacular Nantucket sunset if you’re lucky! Note the trail is narrow and uneven in places, so it may not be suitable for very young children or people with walking difficulties.
Great Point Lighthouse
Another of Nantucket’s famed lighthouses is the Great Point Lighthouse. This one’s a bit harder to get to than the aforementioned Brant Point Light—you need to take the 16 miles of trails through the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge to reach it. You can hike there, rent some fat bikes, or for the even more daring, jump on a few 4WD for an off-road adventure! The Great Point is favored as much by local fisherfolk looking to catch their dinner from the shore as the lighthouse is by photographers.
Nantucket Golf Courses
Are you looking to play a round or two while on vacation in Nantucket? Thankfully, the island is home to a number of quality golf courses perfect for casual or serious players. Miacomet Golf Club is a favorite of the locals and a good choice for visitors, too. It boasts 18 holes, a driving range, and a putting green. Siasconset Golf Club is the oldest on the island—it was established in 1899! This charming 9 hole course has a decidedly informal atmosphere, so it’s the perfect place to take the kids. Sankaty Head Golf Club and Nantucket Golf Club are both members-only, so you’ll need to get an invite from a member to play. But it’s worth the effort. Both 18-hole courses are flawless and offer everything from practice facilities and restaurants to stunning coastal views. If you plan to come back to Nantucket often, consider forking out the membership fee for either course.
Sankaty Head Light
The third Nantucket lighthouse on our list is the Sankaty Head Light. This tower was built in 1850 on Sankaty Head to ensure ships were able to navigate the deceptively dangerous shoreline as they approached or sailed past the island. It still shines its light today, though the process has been automated since the mid 1960s. Head here for the sunsets, views of the cliffs at the end of the Gray Lady, and even bird’s-eye view of Nantucket if you’re lucky enough to get to climb the lighthouse.
Sanford Farm
Like much of Nantucket, Sanford Farm is steeped in history. The almost-800 acres of preserve is part of a much larger parcel designated as “common land” in 1659. It was used as grazing land by the island’s inhabitants throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the area consists of three sections: Sanford Farm, Ram Pasture, and The Woods. Take the well-marked trails on foot or cycle through sand plains and grasslands and past ponds and historic barns. Don’t forget to stop from time to time to admire the unrivaled ocean views.
Maria Mitchell Association
Scientist, librarian, educator, and naturalist Maria Mitchell is widely regarded as America’s first woman astronomer. She also happens to be a Nantucket native. The Maria Mitchell Association runs a variety of venues related to the life and achievements of this incredible individual. Visit the aquarium to get up close and personal with marine life large and small. Head to the Vestal Street Observatory to peer into the vast depths of space. Fill your brain with natural history knowledge at the Natural Science Museum. And head to the Historic Mitchell House to see how people—including Mitchell herself—lived all those years ago.
Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
If you’re fascinated by the shipwrecks of days gone by, you’ll love visiting the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. Here, you’ll learn all about the ships that broke apart on the wild shores of Nantucket and the brave people who risked their own lives to rescue the survivors. Interesting artifacts related to lighthouses and ocean rescue sit alongside model ships.
Jethro Coffin House
The Jethro Coffin House is a perfectly preserved example of a local saltbox home, popular in America between the 17th and 18th centuries. This particular structure is one of the oldest houses on the island today and boasts a traditional kitchen garden replete with herbs, vegetables, and fruit commonly grown in 1600s Nantucket.
Cisco Brewery & Nantucket Vineyards
If you’re looking to take a bit of a break from ocean views and all that incredible history, why not head to the Cisco Brewery & Nantucket Vineyards. This local beer and wine producer was founded by Dean and Melissa Long, who craft everything from limited vintages of Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot and a wide range of tasty boutique beers. Take a tour of the complexes to learn how your favorite tipple is made.
Nantucket Atheneum
Is it raining outside? Why not take the kids to the library! And not just any library—the famed Nantucket Atheneum. It’s built on the spot where an older library once stood until it burned to the ground in 1846. Go for the books but also for the wide variety of events and cultural programs.
Old Mill
The Old Mill is one of the most iconic Nantucket tourist sites. The windmill was built in the mid 1700s by local man Nathan Wilbur, who was inspired by the windmills dotted throughout the Netherlands. Head here to see corn kernels being ground into a fine powder or just admire the movement of the immense sails.
Bartlett’s Farm
Sometimes it feels like Bartlett’s Farm has been a part of Nantucket forever. It’s certainly a bucket list item for the many tourists that hit the island’s shores each summer. Bartlett’s Farm is the oldest and largest farm on Nantucket and specializes in locally grown produce, flowers, and garden plants. Head here for the market, landscaping, takeout restaurant, and the legendary tomatoes.
Dreamland Film and Performing Arts Center
If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, why not catch a performance at the Dreamland Film and Performing Arts Center. There’s a rotating cast of plays, operas, musicians, ballets, and art house films. The center is nonprofit, so your ticket price goes directly into supporting the local arts.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Nantucket? Or would you add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed? Debate things not-to-be-missed and share your secret scenic spots in the comment section below. If you want to watch more videos like this one, head over to the ViewCation channel and subscribe. Hit that notification bell while you’re there. Oh, and don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up and share it with your friends and family.