Nantucket Travel Guide: Beaches, History & Local Charm

Nantucket’s fine sand beaches are among the most beautiful in the country. While the north shore beaches have fewer waves because they are protected by Nantucket Sound, the strong northerly winds can change the conditions in a minute, creating huge and often dangerous waves.

When that happens, the south shore beaches, which normally have strong currents and large waves because they are open to the ocean, become much quieter and calmer. If you are bringing the kids to the popular Children Beach on the north shore, be sure to check the weather just in case. Another popular north shore beach is Jetties Beach, a pretty families beach only a short walk from town with tennis courts, a playground, and a skateboard park. For the surfers, the best south shore beaches, with heavy surf and strong currents, are Cisco, Miacomet, Surfside, and Tom Nevers Beach.

Wander back in time by visiting the Nantucket Whaling Museum, which is located in the original candle-making factory in Nantucket. Tour the fully restored candle factory where, until the 1860’s when whaling was outlawed, tallow candles were produced in the thousands. The museum is over eighty years old and houses some amazing artifacts, including a complete sperm whale skeleton that dives dramatically from the ceiling.

The exhibitions are constantly changing and currently include a fascinating exploration into the legend behind Moby Dick. The Whaling Museum is one of the best things to do on Nantucket. Permanent exhibitions include paintings and a superb collection of scrimshaw art.

13 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02553, 508-228-1894

The Sankaty Head Light is a lighthouse built in 1850 to protect mariners from the hazardous shoals off the Nantucket eastern coast. The lighthouse, located in the Siasconset Village at the island’s easternmost point, was automated in 1965 and is still operating.

It was registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

In 2007, the Sconset Land Trust bought the lighthouse, and in order to protect it moved it about 400 feet from the eroding beach. The lighthouse is today one of the favorite spots of tourists who love the spectacular, although quite windy, view from its top.

Baxter Street, Siasconset, Nantucket, MA 02554, 508-228-1700

When they were caught in the extreme weathers of the district, many of the hundreds of ships that passed by Nantucket Island each day were lost to shipwrecks. Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum is dedicated to those who risked their lives to save the mariners.

Wander the hallways and marvel at the beautiful paintings that depict the austerity of the sea and models of ships that now lie on the ocean floor.

Exhibits are being added all the time, and there are several films to watch as well as family-friendly programs. The museum caters to all ages, making it a low cost family activity.

158 Polpis Road, 504-228-1885

The fact that Nantucket had two libraries in the early 1820’s says a lot about the place. The libraries merged into the Universal Library Association, which was incorporated in 1834 as the Nantucket Atheneum and featured 1,235 titles at the time. In 1846, the fire destroyed the library and all but about 150 books. Rebuilt on the same site, the library today has an extensive collection of books, periodicals, online databases, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and free access to more than 1.4 million items through the CLAMS network (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing), a network that includes 34 Cape Cod libraries and the libraries of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The library also offers a range of cultural and educational programs for kids, adults, seniors, and teens, from Tai Chi classes to the annual Dance Festival.

Nantucket Dreamland has served as a cultural icon since the 1800’s. The center is dedicated to enriching the lives of Nantucket’s residents via film, exhibitions, community activities, and educational programs. With one visit to this center, you can witness art in many different forms.

Take in the ballet before seeing a movie and finish your evening with an opera. See classics such as My Fair Lady and Fantasia brought back to the big screen in the anniversary restoration screenings. For those with children, they offer both performing arts courses and productions suitable for the whole family.

17 South Water Street, 508-332-4822

The Old Mill is the only smock mill still to stand in Nantucket. Built in the 1700’s and consequently abandoned to the elements in the 1800’s, the mill has since been lovingly restored to reflect its original design. A working mill up to the late 1800’s is also now part of the Nantucket Historical Association. You can visit the old mill and take a tour by itself or combine it with a Historic Sites self-guided tour that takes in the Oldest House, Old Gaol, Greater Light, and the Fire Hose Cart House. This is an excellent option for those interested in the history Nantucket has to offer.

50 Prospect Street, MA 020553, 508-228-1894

Cisco Brewers is a unique place where you can try world-class wines, beers, and spirits, all in one stop.

Take one of their fantastic tours daily where you will go behind the scenes to witness the hard work that goes into making wine, beer, and spirits. During the tour, you will be able to sample some of the local specialties, which is perfect for a low key and relaxed afternoon out.

5 Bartlett Farm Road, Nantucket, MA