What to do in Nantucket?
If you are planning a trip to the dreamy island of Nantucket and have already booked a short-term rental local residence for your stay, you probably know that getting there by car can be quite expensive and complicated.
The name Nantucket means “the faraway land” in the language of the Wampanoag people who first inhabited the island. And yes, it is 30 miles south of Cape Cod and you can reach it only via ferry or plane.
While you can still bring your vehicle over to the island via the Steamship Authority ferry, this will cost you quite a lot of money. Plus, you will need to book your ferry transport well in advance.
The good news is that you can easily get around the small island of Nantucket by foot or bike, shuttle bus, or rent a car or SUV there.
If you obtain a special permit for over-sand driving, there are some beaches and places where you can go on an unforgettable beach drive.
But during the rest of the time, here are some things to do in Nantucket, even if you choose to leave your car at home.
Explore the island by bike
Nantucket is only 14 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, plus it is pretty flat, so it is easy to explore by bike without too much effort.
The island has an extensive bike lane network of 35 miles, so you can go virtually anywhere with a bicycle. In the historic Downtown, you will need to ride on the streets along with the traffic flow and not on the sidewalks. Since these paths are multipurpose, you should ride reasonably and slowly in order to keep yourself and others safe.
You can take your own bicycle with you on the ferry to Nantucket for an affordable fee of about $13. But if you prefer, you can rent one as soon as you get there too.
If you are lucky, the short-term house for your vacation may have one or more complimentary bicycles included in the price for your stay!
Overall, there are three main bike trails on this picturesque island. One is from Downtown to the charming village of Siasconset on the east shore. The other is to Madaket on the western coast. The third main bike trail leads to Surfside Beach, located on the southern shore and one of the most popular beaches in Nantucket.
In case you are tired at the end of your trip, fear not because all shuttle buses on the island have bike racks.
Spend a day at the beach
The island known as the Little Grey Lady of the Sea has more than 80 miles of beaches, all of which are free to access and use.
Each beach has unique qualities, but all offer spectacular views of the Nantucket Sound or the Atlantic Ocean.
The beaches are wide and clean. Many include amenities such as restrooms, lifeguards, snack shops, and more.
No matter what your plans and preferences are for your Nantucket vacation, you can be pretty sure that there is a beach that is suitable for you.
The north shore beaches like Children’s, Jetties, and Dionis are on the coast of the Nantucket Sound. The water there is calmer, and warmer than on the island’s other shores. These northern beaches are the best choice for families with children or people who are not too confident in their swimming skills.
The south shore beaches like Nobadeer, Cisco, Surfside, and others are preferred by youngsters, adventurers, and watersports lovers because the currents and swells there are more robust.
If you prefer a more relaxed time, with less noise and crowds, you can go to some of the more remote and not-so-popular beaches on the island’s western shore.
Madaket Beach is the place to go if you want to admire the most stunning sunset view.
Siasconset beach on the eastern shore is the perfect spot for a morning jog and for watching the sun rise over the ocean. You can take some Insta-worthy photos of the famous red and white striped Sankaty Head Lighthouse too.
If you already know which beaches you prefer, you can search for short-term lodging somewhere in that area.
Enjoy a walking trail
Nantucket has beautifully preserved natural resources and historic buildings worth seeing. Luckily, there are various walking trails on the island where locals and visitors can take leisurely walks and enjoy the views.
One of the island’s most beautiful and Instagram-worthy walking trails is the Sconset Bluff Walk.
It is a mile long, covered with white shells, and will take you by and even through the backyards of some of the most charming and quaint coastal cottages and gardens you have seen.
The weathered gray cottages covered with crawling roses and surrounded by blossoming hydrangeas have become iconic for Nantucket.
The walking path will take you to the market of the bucolic village of Siasconset. You can grab some snacks there and head to the buffs, or even better, to the beach and the picturesque Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
Go on a cruise
Undoubtedly, an amazing way to admire the beauty of the island of Nantucket in its entirety is from the sea.
You can do that by going on one of the many available cruises and tours offered there.
One of the favorite and most enjoyable ones is the cocktail cruise. There you can enjoy the stunning views of the ocean, the mega yachts, and the waterfront panorama of Nantucket while sipping on your favorite beverage.
Other fun cruises and tours you can sign up for include the ice cream tour, the critter cruise, the oyster tour, the clamming excursion, the sunset cruise, the whale-spotting or fishing tours, and more.
You can hire a private charter for a romantic or special event too.
Try the local food
You may not be aware, but apart from being a magnet for preppies and billionaires, historical buffs, and influencers, Nantucket is also a foodie paradise.
Being an island 30 miles away from the mainland, it comes as no surprise that fresh seafood is one of the main elements of the island’s cuisine. Some of the seafood specialties you should try include the famous lobster rolls, the clam bakes, the fresh raw oysters, and the local scallops.
There are some award-winning fine dining restaurants in Nantucket where you can enjoy elevated versions of classic New England dishes, some of the best wines, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Some of the best places to go to for a special event and an exceptional dining experience on the waterfront are Cru, Brant Point Grill, and Straight Wharf.
For those of you who prefer more casual eateries, there are plentiful options like the Sandbar, Straight Wharf Fish Store, Millie’s, and more.
The island has many family-friendly restaurants, casual beach snack shacks and bars, ice cream and juice shops, and food trucks.
One of the most fun places to spend your afternoon and evening is Cisco Brewers. You can sit back and relax or join the party in the large beer garden and try some of the many local craft beers, distilled liquors, and wines all in one place. There are food trucks on site and live music every day there.
Once dubbed as “one of the happiest places on Earth,” Cisco Brewers is child and dog friendly. It is a preferred party and gathering spot for locals and vacationers alike.
Join a walking tour
As mentioned previously, the island is relatively small, so you can easily reach most of the popular sites and places on foot. Apart from the many walking trails through the wildlife refuges and other conserved natural areas, you can join a walking tour organized by the Nantucket Historical Association through the historic Downtown.
It will guide you through the beautiful cobblestone streets along the ideally preserved captain’s mansions and other buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The walking tour will provide you with some fascinating facts, which will help you learn more about the whaling and maritime history which shaped the island’s economy and lifestyle.
You will also learn more about the achievements of the famous locals and the developments and key events which shaped what Nantucket is today.
The 60-minute organized tour is held every day from spring to fall and starts at the famous Whaling Museum.