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  • Things to do in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

The Best Things To Do In Nantucket Are All Around Us

The charming island of Nantucket is a vacation playground packed with fun things to do. Located 30 miles from Cape Cod, the island offers miles of beautiful coastline with pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, museums, breweries, and an eclectic shopping, dining and nightlife scene. Enjoy fishing, boating, sailing, and whale watching on Nantucket Bay or the Atlantic Ocean. Hop on a bike and explore scenic trails and paths. Stroll through downtown Nantucket Town to boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants, each with a distinctive island charm. Experience Nantucket's rich history through exhibitions and art at the Whaling Museum or explore historic landmarks on one of the many walking tours. Hit the fairways at Miacomet Golf Club or climb to the steeple of Congregational Church for panoramic views of the island. 

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Learn about Nantucket's whaling heritage, shipwrecks, marine life, and the people who called this island home for the past 300 years. Located in the downtown historic district, the Nantucket Whaling Museum features nine galleries with permanent and rotating exhibitions, and fascinating works of art, artifacts and treasures.
See a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton and a massive Fresnel lens, or relax on the rooftop deck with picturesque views of Nantucket Harbor. The museum offers tours, films, and the Discovery Center. For more maritime history, explore Nantucket's three lighthouses, perched along the Atlantic Ocean coast, including the historic Brant Point Light.
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Nantucket Whaling Museum, Massachusetts

Nantucket Biking

Explore the natural beauty of Nantucket on two wheels. Nantucket offers miles of scenic bike trails and paved paths that take you to every corner of the island, from beautiful beaches to lighthouses and historic sites. The 15-mile Triple Crown path follows along Nantucket Harbor, Nantucket Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in town, the 28-mile East Side Trail takes you to the best beaches and lighthouses, past Surfside Beach, Sconset Beach, and Sankaty Head lighthouse and up to Altar Rock with a sweeping view of the island.
Ride your mountain bike along the Milestone Cranberry Bogs/Polpis Trail to see Nantucket’s cranberry bogs. Join Nantucket Bike Tours for a guided tour from town to Cisco Brewery and end your ride with a beer and live music. Some local favorite Nantucket bike rides include: Cliff Road Path, Eel Point Road Path, Nobedeer Road Path, Madaket Road Path and Surfside Road Path. The White Elephant Hospitality collection of hotels offers complimentary Priority bicycles so you can explore island, ride to town, or head to the sand and surf.
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Nantucket Biking in Massachusetts

Nantucket Beaches

Rugged and pristine. Sweeping and spectacular. A few ways to describe the picturesque beauty of New England's island playground. The Island of Nantucket boasts beautiful sandy beaches, from lively Surfside Beach to the serenity of Siasconset, where you can swim surf, kayak, snorkel, surf cast, or relax. Families with kids love Jettie's Beach and Children's Beach with calm, shallow waters.
College kids flock to Nobadeer for its party scene and body surfing. Cisco is hot spot for surfing and paddle boarding, while Madekat on the west shore has the strongest waves for surfing on the island. Watch the boats come into the harbor and see the oldest lighthouse at Brant Point. Bicycle or walk to north shore beaches close to Nantucket Town and explore some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in New England.
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Beaches in Nantucket

Nantucket Shopping

Nothing about Nantucket Island is ordinary and that includes its shopping. And with the island's ban on national chains, Nantucket's downtown retains its local charm and island style. Stroll the cobblestone streets of historic Nantucket Town to find an eclectic mix of quaint boutiques, local clothing retailers, art galleries, gift and basket shops, and antique stores filled with Nantucket's rich history.
Score the perfect locally hand-knit sweater to ward off the evening chill. Indulge in delicious products from the many gourmet food shops. Treat yourself to jewelry handcrafted by local artisans. Just off Main Street, Washington Street is lined with unique stores like Milly & Grace and Parchment with artful gifts and clothing. Walk to the Artists Association of Nantucket Gallery to browse paintings and sculptures from island residents. And don’t go home without one of the famous Nantucket Lightship Baskets.
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Shopping Facilities in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Fishing & Boating

Enjoy boating and fishing on the waters surrounding Nantucket Island, with its abundant sea life and breathtaking scenery. Book an offshore fishing charter and troll the ocean blue chasing marlin, tuna and sharks. Try fly fishing in the flats around Tuckernuck and Muskeeget and hook a bonefish or striped bass. Take the family for a half-day of inshore fishing for bluefish, bonito and false albacore.
Enjoy boating and sailing in the Nantucket waters, or enjoy whale watching adventures and sailing excursions. Reserve a private Barton & Gray Hinckley Yacht for half-day and full-day charters on Nantucket Harbor, motor over to Coatue Beach for a tranquil picnic, or cruise over to Tuckernuck Island and Martha's Vineyard. Our concierge team is happy to help you plan your boat and fishing charters.
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Fishing & Boating in Nantucket

Nearby Nantucket Attractions

  • Children's Beach
  • Brant Point Lighthouse
  • Nantucket Whaling Museum
  • Old South Wharf
  • Straight Wharf
  • Cisco Brewery
  • Nantucket Vineyards
  • Seal Cruise
  • Great Point Lighthouse
  • Whale Watch Cruise
  • Nantucket Boat Basin
  • Maria Mitchell Association
  • Jetties Beach
  • Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge
  • Bartlett's Farm
  • Surfside Beach
  • Great Point Lighthouse
  • Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
  • Sconset Bluff Walk
  • Sankaty Lighthouse
 
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