Things to Do
Activities
Whether it’s strolling in town, learning about the island’s history, or taking in Nantucket’s natural beauty on one of its many beaches there is something to do for everyone!
Whaling Museum – Nantucket is all about history, and this is the place to learn how it all began!
Shopping and walking in Town – The cobblestone streets in Town crisscross in little squares for ease of meandering and window gazing. This is a delightful setting for strolling with many benches for resting, people watching and book reading. Pop into Murray’s Toggery to get yourself a pair a Nantucket Reds, or visit the adorable Nantucket Bookworks to grab a beach read!
Simple street map of Town
Harbor Views – Take in the boats docked in Town plus the adorable cottages along the Old North Wharf and Old South Wharf, which also includes galleries, shops and restaurants
Trail Walks - There are many designated footpath/hiking trails through protected conservation lands here with intriguing names like Tupancy Links, Lily Pond Park, The Creeks, and Middle Moors
Guided Walking Tours - These are typically about 60-90 minutes long and either have a historical/architectural orientation or a celebrity homes or nighttime Ghost Story tour! I think these are around $10-$25 per person
Bike Riding - There are multiple places to rent bikes in Town and some hotels have bikes you can use! Nantucket has many wide paved riding paths, many out to the island’s various beaches -
Golfing - Play a round at Miacomet Golf Club, Nan’stucket’s public 18-hole course, and one of Golf Digest’s top courses in Massachusetts
Beaches – Nantucket is known for it's 82 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches! Some of our favorites include: Cisco to watch the surfers in the waves! Jetties to take in the calmer waters just a short walk from town (plus can grab a pina colada from Sandbar)! Steps Beach on the North Shore is very photo-worthy from the top step! Madaket to see some amazing sunsets and grab a taco and marg from Millie’s!
Food and Drink
There are so many good options, you really can’t go wrong anywhere - but here are a few places to get you started!
(Reservations strongly recommended for Friday night in-season dining!)
Breakfast
Born and Bread: a coffee, pastry, and sandwich counter (try the BB Egg Sandy, and get there early they usually run out!)
The Hub: Michaela’s Dad’s go-to-spot in town for a coffee
Lemon Press: lots of healthy food options and great lattes
The Corner Table: coffee counter with easy grab-and-go food options and a great outdoor patio
Lunch
Misogi Noodle Bar (formerly The Beet): healthy bowls with an Asian influence
Something Natural: James’s favorite sandwich place anywhere! (they have sandwiches as big as your head)
The Green Market: coffee counter with pre-made food options
The Counter at Nantucket Pharmacy: old-timey soda shoppe with sandwiches and milkshakes
Steamboat Pizza, Stubbys, Scooters, Walters, Surfside: casual grab-and-go options on The Strip (bottom of Broad Street, near the Steamship Ferry terminal)
Dinner
Town / Queequeg / Tree Bar: Twinkle-lit outdoor patio with great food
Tap Room: (part of Jared Coffin House hotel): Great outdoor patio and bar, try the popovers!
Slip 14: Casual drinks and dinner spot down on the Old South Wharf
Cru: Great spot for oysters and sauv blanc with beautiful views of the harbor
Bar Yoshi: Asian inspired restaurant located on the shell walkway on Old South Wharf
The Tavern: Casual pub food with outdoor seating (look for the red metal chairs)
Drinks and Dessert
Sister Ship: Put on a cute outfit and enjoy cocktails and this beautiful courtyard right in the center of Town
Cisco Brewery: Grab a Nantucket beer, cider, or cocktail all made right on site and enjoy live music and snacks from the different food truck options
Gazebo: Watch people arriving off the ferry while indulging in one of their famous Mudslides
Juice Bar: Stand in line for this iconic homemade ice cream and waffles cones
Jack and Charlie’s: Another delicious ice cream stop on your way to and from the Hy-Line ferry
