Destinations

The Best Things to Do in Nantucket, From Sublime Beaches to Beloved Hotel Bars

Proof that New Englanders take summer very, very seriously.
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Nantucket is a singular New England escape. Take its sloping cobblestone streets, bursts of vibrant periwinkle hydrangeas, and glowing Christmas trees floating on boats during the holiday season. It's the world of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, and one of natural splendor where rare species such as double-crested cormorants and piping plovers gather. And for travelers, it's a world-class destination ideal for kicking back.

Easily accessible via plane from most Northeast airports, we also like to arrive on the more relaxed ferry from the island of Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod's Hyannis. For those who don’t mind a longer boat ride, there's the six-hour ferry from New York; drinks are served and you’ll land comfortably in the center of the island. So much more than just a summer town, Nantucket is also a beauty in winter, fall, and spring—here's our guide to making the most of it.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Ferries to the island pass by scenic Brant Point Light House a short walk from town.

Chris Hackett/Getty

The best things to do in Nantucket

If you're visiting in the summer, the day starts on the sand. Every Nantucket beach suits a different purpose: Jetties Beach is your place for a do-nothing day, great if you have kids or simply don’t feel like packing lunches or traveling far from town—you’re set on food and amenities here. Open-air restaurant Sandbar offers $1 oyster happy hours, serves cocktails, and slings wings, sandwiches, and salads. With a flat walkway from the parking lot to the water, as well as changing stations, showers, volleyball nets, and a playground, Jetties is accessible and stress-free.

Surfside Beach, a little further out toward the south side of the island, is accessible via bike path. Vast and sandy with rougher surf, it attracts beachcombers scanning the shoreline in the mornings, kite flyers on the west end as the sun goes down, and surfcasters fishing in the evening.

On a cloudy day, walk the charming streets in town, among steepled churches and buildings with weathered shingles. The Whaling Museum tells the story of the dangerous and dramatic 18th-century whaling industry, and its 46-foot skeleton of a sperm whale is quite a sight. For shoppers, there are many gems to be found: Nantucket Looms weaves textiles at their own studio, including cashmere throws and mohair wraps. Townpool is a quirky souvenir shop that stacks an entire wall floor-to-ceiling with rubber ducks and sells rope bracelets, artsy maps, and cozy knits. G.S. Hill Gallery is a trove of oil paintings and Nantucket’s signature lightship baskets, made by the island's artisans.

At night, head to Cisco Brewers—a local-loved brewery that has expanded to include wine and a distillery that makes a 15-year-old, single-malt whiskey. Expect food trucks, a gift shop, and live music to go with your tasting flight. For more of the outdoors, book a tee time at Miacomet Golf Club, wander the Sconset Bluff Walk, or cycle along Madaket Road Path—bike rentals can be found in town, a short ride away from the start of the path, at shops like Nantucket Bike Shop.

The raw bar favorite at Cru is briny oysters.

Courtesy Cru

What to eat on Nantucket

To prepare for a beach day in Nantucket, grabbing snacks en route to the sand is a must—and this island has no shortage of handheld options. Make your first stop at the Nantucket Crisps pop-up; the over-the-top potato chip brand has taken over Zero India Street for the summer, where you can buy an assortment of flavored chips, Madewell merch, gourmet candy and dips (including pimento cheese and bluefish paté), Culture Pop soda, and tins of caviar. Founded by entrepreneurs and childhood friends Sara Jemison and Hayden Arnot, Nantucket Crisps offers funky flavors that run the gamut from hot honey to Thanksgiving stuffing to cocktail sauce.

Sandwiches to go with your chips on the beach are a necessity if you plan on spending a long day on the sand. Old-school Claudette’s Sandwiches in Sconset spread their signature, soft whole wheat bread with a famous house sauce that's a blend of mayo, spicy brown mustard, and horseradish. (Get the turkey salad, trust us.)

A spread of sandwiches at Claudette’s

Alex Erdekian

Inside the Nantucket Crisps pop-up

Alex Erdekian

Another lunch option for days on or off the sand is Straight Wharf Fish, which serves prepared lobster rolls, chowder, and a fried swordfish sandwich. Find another one of the island’s best sandwiches at Something Natural; the BLT, on home-baked Portuguese bread, is beach fare at its best, while the avocado, chutney, and cheddar is salty-sweet perfection. The famous Terry Terrific with turkey, herb bread stuffing, and cranberry sauce, is another hit.

If you’re in Massachusetts, Nantucket included, you’re eating seafood for dinner. The oysters at Cru (open for the season from May) are well-known; book far ahead and order some Champagne to pair with the bivalves on the waterfront. For something more upscale, head to nearby Dune for Atlantic halibut with coconut-lemongrass broth and chili-rubbed shrimp tostadas. An old-fashioned Nantucket clambake—replete with the essentials like steamers, mussels, clam chowder, lobster, corn on the cob, potatoes, butter, and broth—awaits at Sayle’s Seafood starting at $42 per person. The bake can be made to-go or catered; add-ons include shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, and cheese platters.

For ice cream—a food group in which Massachusetts excels—Juice Bar is a classic for an oversized scoop of chocolate Oreo ice cream in a fresh, buttery waffle cone. There’s usually a line outside, but don’t let it deter you—it moves fast, and you’ll need the wait to choose among the dozens of flavors.

While there’s too much good food on the island to possibly name, you can also consider charcuterie plate at the Proprietors, margaritas in Madaket at Millie's, and peanut-crusted halibut at Sconset Café.

Courtesy Life House Hotels

Where to stay in Nantucket

The Faraway

Featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Hot List, the Faraway is one of the hippest hotels on the island—but you feel the age-old spirit of Nantucket on the property, too. We also love the glossy new bikes on loan that you can pedal straight to Steps Beach (or further). The 58 rooms are nestled in four historic houses downtown. The Faraway’s bar and restaurant, Sister Ship, is one of the hottest places in town to grab cocktails—they’re famously good—and is a scene unto itself. Executive editor Erin Florio sets the scene: “The bar recalls 1920s glamor spots in Paris with its vintage lamps and brass shelves, while the restaurant is a mash-up of thoughtfully designed spaces.” —From $850 per night

The Nantucket Hotel

While the hotel landscape on Nantucket is distinguished by plenty of posh stays and bed-and-breakfasts alike, The Nantucket Hotel bills itself as the island’s only year-round stay. It sits inside a shingle mansion with a spacious wraparound porch, and has a past life as the 1891 Point Breeze hotel. Besides the hotel’s history, its homemade popovers, plush bathrobes, and complimentary ferry pick-up and drop-off service contribute to a feeling of home. Though the two outdoor swimming pools are unlike home for most. —From $620 per night

Historic home with gorgeous interiors

Hosted and renovated by an interior designer, this six-bedroom house is located on the edge of Nantucket’s well-preserved historic district, and is a 10-minute walk from town. The furniture, art, and design in this space, dotted with elegant midcentury touches, are truly a marvel. Ideal for a family seeking a vacation rental with style, the charming backyard and patio, bordered by the island’s classic hydrangea bushes, is the perfect setting for coffee, a cookout, or a drink after the beach. On top of all that, it has a solid 5.0 rating on Airbnb. —From $900 per night

Two-bedroom beachfront cottage in Madaket

A true waterfront property, directly across the street from the beach, this total gem in Madaket would be perfect for a small family looking to spend all day on the sand. The deck looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, the perfect place to relax while taking in the sunset. Inside, you’ll find beautiful hardwood floors, warm knotty pine, and classic coastal furniture. —From $750 per night

The White Elephant

A seven-time Readers’ Choice Awards favorite and a Gold List winner in 2024, The White Elephant is a luxe waterfront resort with a hotel, inn, several cottages, and a couple loft options, all a short walk from downtown. It’s an excellent choice for families or groups of friends who want a space of their own, and thoughtful design touches with a view of the ocean from Brant Point. —From $325 per night

The Wauwinet

A Relais & Chateaux hotel, and sister property to the White Elephant, the Wauwinet is Nantucket’s grande dame. Located on the more remote, northeastern tip of the island, the Wauwinet attracts couples or families content to be in a quiet area. It’s at once fancy and romantic. —From $525 per night

More accommodations we recommend:

  • Life House (Read a full review review here.)
  • Greydon House (Read a full review here.)
  • Blue Iris by Life House (Read a full review here.)