Craving a quintessential New England escape? Head to Nantucket! This charming island offers cobblestone streets, lighthouses, scenic beaches, and nautical history. Whether you're looking to relax, bike along the coast, or savor fresh seafood, Nantucket is a seaside gem full of timeless appeal.

Nantucket, MA Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Bike the island’s scenic trails – Cruise coastal routes past lighthouses, moors, and cranberry bogs.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Whaling Museum – Dive into Nantucket’s maritime past through captivating exhibits and rooftop views.
  • For Shoppers: Browse boutiques in Nantucket Town – Discover upscale shops, artisan goods, and seaside charm.
  • For Couples: Watch the sunset at Madaket Beach – Enjoy romantic sunsets over the ocean from the island’s western tip.
  • For Families: Explore Children’s Beach – A safe, shallow beach near town with playgrounds, restrooms, and calm waters.

Best Time to Visit Nantucket, MA

The best time to visit Nantucket is from late May through September. Summer brings warm beach weather, ferry service, and lively seasonal events, while June and September offer fewer crowds and cooler breezes.

How to Get to Nantucket, MA

  • If you are traveling by ferry: High-speed ferries run from Hyannis, New Bedford, and New York (seasonally). Steamship Authority offers car and passenger options.
  • By Plane: Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) offers flights from Boston, NYC, DC, and more—especially during peak season.
  • By Car: Drive to Hyannis or other ports and take the ferry. On-island car use is limited; biking and shuttles are popular alternatives.

Where to Stay in Nantucket, MA

  • Recommended for Families: The Nantucket Hotel & Resort – Centrally located with family suites, pools, and kid-friendly activities.
  • For Couples: White Elephant Hotel – Iconic luxury lodging with harbor views and a full-service spa near downtown.
  • For a Historic Stay: Jared Coffin House – A charming inn in a restored 19th-century sea captain’s mansion.

Best Things to Do in Nantucket, MA

Map of Nantucket Island Beaches


Relax on sandy shores and enjoy a peaceful, romantic getaway

Map of Nantucket Island Beaches

© Svitlana/stock.adobe.com

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.

Whaling Museum


Discover Nantucket’s maritime history and explore fascinating nautical exhibits

Whaling Museum

© Whaling Museum

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

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Sankaty Head Light


Admire panoramic views and explore this iconic, historic lighthouse

Sankaty Head Light

© Courtesy of dkhydema - Fotolia.com

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

Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum


Learn about heroic rescues and see exciting maritime artifacts

Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum

© Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum

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

Nantucket Atheneum


Explore a historic library and enjoy a quiet, enriching experience

Nantucket Atheneum

© Nantucket Atheneum

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.

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Nantucket Dreamland


Watch captivating performances and enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening

Nantucket Dreamland

© Nantucket Dreamland

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


Visit a historic windmill and learn about Nantucket’s milling past

The Old Mill

© Courtesy of doncon402 - Fotolia.com

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


Savor craft beers and enjoy a lively, exciting weekend outing

Cisco Brewers

© Cisco Brewers

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

Where to Eat in Nantucket, MA

  • Recommended for Families: The Brotherhood of Thieves – A family-friendly tavern with burgers, seafood, and a historic vibe.
  • For Fine Dining: Galley Beach – Upscale beachfront restaurant with sunset views and contemporary coastal cuisine.
  • For a Casual Meal: Sayle’s Seafood – Local favorite for fried clams, lobster rolls, and take-out beach picnics.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Literature Lovers: Nantucket Book Festival (June) – Author readings, signings, and literary celebrations in beautiful venues.
  • For Wine Enthusiasts: Nantucket Wine & Food Festival (May) – Tastings, celebrity chefs, and waterfront soirées.
  • For Family Fun: Nantucket Daffodil Festival (April) – Kick off spring with parades, picnics, and thousands of blooming daffodils.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Nantucket Town:

  • For Beach Lovers: Cisco Beach (15–20 min) – Surf-friendly waves and a quieter atmosphere west of town.
  • For Wine Lovers: Cisco Brewers (10–15 min) – Craft brewery, winery, and distillery with live music and a food truck scene.
  • For Lighthouse Fans: Brant Point Lighthouse (5–10 min) – Iconic and easy to access, great for sunrise photos and coastal views.
  • For Tranquility: Madaket (25–30 min) – Relaxed village with panoramic sunsets, harbor walks, and scenic serenity.
  • For a Coastal Hike: Sanford Farm (20–25 min) – Open-space trails with ocean views, birdwatching, and rolling hills.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q: Where is Nantucket located?
  • A: Nantucket is a tiny, picture-perfect island about 16 miles from Cape Cod.
  • Q: What is the population of Nantucket?
  • A: With a permanent population of about 10,000 people, the island community grows to five times that number in the summer when part-time residents and tourists come to enjoy Nantucket’s magnificent beaches, lively art scene, unique places to stay, and great restaurants.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming hydrangeas. The Nantucket Hotel & Resort – A luxurious stay with classic island charm. Visit the Nantucket Daffodil Festival – Enjoy parades, vintage cars, and thousands of blooming daffodils.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm beach weather. White Elephant – A waterfront resort with stunning harbor views. Relax at Surfside Beach – Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beachside picnics.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer crowds and crisp ocean air. Brass Lantern Inn – A cozy and charming bed & breakfast in the historic district. Explore the Whaling Museum – Learn about Nantucket’s maritime history and whaling legacy.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and peaceful, with festive holiday charm. Union Street Inn – A cozy boutique inn perfect for a winter retreat. Experience Nantucket’s Christmas Stroll – Enjoy holiday lights, carolers, and festive shopping in December.

To reach Nantucket from Boston, drive 1 hour 45 minutes to Hyannis (71.1 miles via MA-3 S) and then take a ferry to the island. Make sure your car rental company will let you take the car on the ferry if you are renting a car in Boston.


The Steamship Authority offers two options to reach Nantucket from Hyannis: high-speed passenger ferry or the 2 hour and 15 minute ride on the traditional ferry. You can see the schedule here. You should definitely reserve tickets before you go, especially in the summer.

Here is what you need to know about fees and parking on Nantucket.

Plan Your Trip