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Nantucket

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30 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

8 places on the map

Nature

  1. 1

    Wide south shore surf beach with soft sand

    3 tips
    • Good for surfing
    • Bring sun protection
    • Take the shuttle if available
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  2. 2

    Family-friendly harbor beach near town

    3 tips
    • Calm water, lifeguards in season
    • Close to restaurants
    • Walk from downtown in 15 minutes
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  3. 3

    South shore surf beach popular with locals

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Bring a cooler
    • Strong waves, take care
    • Sunset is beautiful
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  4. 4

    West end beach known for dramatic sunsets

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Go for sunset
    • Bike path leads here
    • Rip currents possible
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  5. 5

    Barrier beach refuge of dunes, salt marsh and cedar on the way to Great Point.

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  6. 6

    Harbor-side beach reached by wooden steps down the bluff on the north shore.

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  7. 7

    South shore surf beach popular for swimming and sunbathing.

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  8. 8

    Western tip of the island with sand spit, seals and sunsets.

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Before you go: Nantucket tips

Transportation

  • Book the ferry early: Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises run fast and traditional ferries from Hyannis; car spaces on the Steamship ferry sell out months ahead for summer.
  • Bike the island paths: Paved bike paths lead from town to Madaket, Surfside, Polpis and Siasconset; rent a bike near Steamboat Wharf and bring a lock and lights for evening rides.
  • Ride the WAVE shuttle: Nantucket Regional Transit Authority's WAVE buses run in the warmer months between town, beaches, Madaket and Sconset, a cheaper alternative to taxis.

Security

  • Protect yourself from ticks: Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease and other illnesses are common in Nantucket's grasses and moors; use repellent, wear long trousers on trails and check yourself daily.
  • Respect south shore surf: Beaches like Surfside and Cisco face open Atlantic waves with rip currents; swim at guarded beaches, and choose calm Jetties or Children's Beach for families.
  • Watch your step downtown: Main Street's cobblestones and brick sidewalks are uneven and slick in rain or fog; wear flat shoes and take care when biking over the cobbles.

Saving

  • Visit in shoulder season: May, June, September and October bring lower room rates, easier ferry bookings and a quieter town, while the beaches and bike paths stay beautiful.
  • Picnic on the beach: Pick up groceries and sandwiches from island markets and eat at Jetties, Dionis or Madaket beach; restaurant prices on Nantucket are high in peak summer.
  • Skip bringing a car: Car ferry fares and parking are costly; with bike paths, the WAVE shuttle and a walkable town centre, most visitors can enjoy Nantucket without driving.

Weather/Clothing

  • Pack layers for summer: Summer days are warm but sea breezes make evenings cool; bring a sweater or light jacket for dinners outdoors and sunset at Madaket.
  • Bring a windbreaker for fog: The island is often foggy and windy, especially in spring and early summer; a windproof, water-resistant jacket is essential for ferries and bikes.
  • Dress warmly in winter: Winters are cold, damp and windy with few services open; pack a warm coat, hat and waterproof boots if you visit for the Christmas Stroll in December.

Cultural

  • Visit the Whaling Museum: The Nantucket Historical Association's Whaling Museum tells the story of the island's whaling era, with a huge sperm whale skeleton and harbour views.
  • Toss a penny at Brant Point: Local tradition says that if you throw a coin overboard as your ferry passes Brant Point Lighthouse when leaving, you will return to Nantucket one day.
  • Eat island seafood: Try clam chowder, lobster rolls and local oysters, and in late autumn look for prized Nantucket Bay scallops at seafood shacks and restaurants.

Local Hacks

  • Watch sunset at Madaket: Bike the Madaket path to the island's west end for the classic Nantucket sunset; arrive early in summer to get a good spot on the sand.
  • Time the Daffodil Festival: In late April the island blooms with daffodils and an antique car parade heads to Siasconset for tailgate picnics; book ferries early for that weekend.
  • Walk Sanford Farm and Sconset: Hike the trails of Sanford Farm to the south shore, and stroll Siasconset's rose-covered cottages and the bluff walk near Sankaty Head Lighthouse.

1-day itineraries in Nantucket

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 1

Brant Point Light and around

🕘 9:30–17:30📍 5 stops

  1. 1Brant Point Light
  2. 2Nantucket Whaling Museum
  3. 3Main Street
  4. 4Maria Mitchell Association
  5. 5Jetties Beach
See the day →

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