A nice place to relax while watching the boats come in and out of the harbor. Don't forget your camera — the lighthouse is one of the most photographed sites on the island and draws the attention of many local artists.
The island’s oldest and biggest family-owned farm with a beautiful greenhouse and a market. They're famous for their corn and tomatoes. Stop by the kitchen for fresh farm-made foods ready for take out.
Six hundred acres of hiking trails and woods along the ocean.
There are so many beaches on this little island, it's tough to pick just one. College kids head to Nobadeer, families with young ones prefer Children's Beach, and that's just the beginning. There's a patch of sand for every mood, style, and situation in our insider’s guide to Nantucket’s Beaches.
You're on an island, you might want to rent a boat. For special occasions, their gorgeous Hinckley picnic boat is the charter to splurge on.
One of the newer restaurants in the neighborhood, the restaurant's menu is inspired by sailors returning home from their travels. Delightful plates like quail tikka masala and kim-chee pancakes are globally inspired and highlight local ingredients.
Feeding delicious breakfasts to locals and visitors for more than two decades. Lines are long, but see if you can score a seat in the cozy patio out back.
And old-school 1929 lunch counter and soda fountain open year round. Go for a milkshake and stay for the local gossip.
A delicious and healthy variety of organic salads and cold-pressed juices that are ready to go whenever you are.
A nook located in town for anyone and everyone who is looking to take a load off and enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee alongside seasonal treats.
New this summer, it's a great, fresh take on New England classics. Cru also has prime real estate: an open-air, dockside restaurant surrounded by gorgeous visiting yachts and sailboats.
The underground wine cellar-feeling restaurant serves homey, delicious food (Bartlett's Farm tomato salad, chicken under a brick, and softshell crab are my favorites) and is perfect for a rainy night. The terrace is great for brunch on a sunny day, and the bar works for either.
Hopping and fun. Serves deliciously fresh sushi and macaroni and cheese on the same menu. The tuna burger is astounding and available at their take-out outpost, Lola Burger.
Sunday brunch on the patio at the White Elephant's restaurant provides the best vantage for beautiful Nantucket Harbor. Bloody Marys + boats = a winning combination.
Specialty sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. The Turkey Terrific (smoked turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and mayo) on Portuguese is a classic.
Laid back restaurant with something for everyone. Their quesadillas are especially good as is the tart frozen yogurt they offer from the take-out window. Located on the westernmost end of the island and accessible by bike (30 minutes from town), car, NRTA bus (15 minutes from town), or — the best — Millie's shuttle that picks up in front of the Town Information Booth on Federal Street.
Pick up sandwiches on your way to Jetties for a beach picnic. A favorite is turkey, tomato, and Swiss on freshly baked oatmeal bread. Plus a couple of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
The island's go-to spot for wedding cakes and freshly baked Portuguese bread.
Local ice cream shop with homemade waffle cones you can smell a mile away. Order the brownie à la mode in a waffle cup or mint Oreo with hot fudge for a tasty treat.
There's always a wait to sit-down for breakfast at this local diner. It goes by quickly when you distract yourself with a chocolate doughnut from the take-out counter.
The 1800s-era antique-filled mansion is probably best known for hosting Herman Melville where he met Captain Ahab's inspiration Captain Pollard. Classic furnishings and New England charm fill the 30 rooms in the main building and the thirteen rooms in the Daniel Webster building next door.
29 Broad St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
+1-800-248-2405
A stylish addition to a historic neighborhood with nautical vibes and rooms featuring work from local artists. Cozy touches like homemade Oreos and cocktails in the courtyard make you feel like you're bunking at your stylish friend's island getaway.
76 Main St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
+1-508-228-2533
One of the island's newest additions. Bright yellow and teal accessories dot the lobby (guests are welcome to put on a record at the turntable) and expansive back deck, where a fire pit keeps it cozy on chillier evenings. The white-on-white rooms and stylish furnishings feel like Miami, not to mention the juice bar and Vitamin C-infused showers.
21 Broad St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
+1-508-228-4749
Mid-century modern accents in the lobby bring a little Manhattan-chic to the otherwise laid-back luxury hotel. All eighteen rooms and one suite either look towards Nantucket Harbor or have access to private verandas overlooking the garden. Note that only kids over ten are welcome (which could also be a plus for young couples.)
Wharf-side cottages complete with full kitchen, a place to dock your boat, and prime views of the mega yachts coming in and out of the harbor.
24 Old S. Wharf
Nantucket , MA 02554
+1-866-838-9253
Brand new, eleven room boutique hotel in a 1717 landmark building renovated with a modern design sensibility. From the folks behind The Veranda House.
20 N. Water St.
Nantucket , MA 02554
+1-508-228-0695
With the Atlantic on one side and Nantucket Bay on the other, this charming inn is the island's best splurge. Hourly shuttle service into town, a killer restaurant, and onsite spa make for the perfect New England getaway.
Cluster of cute cottages in the tiny village of Siasconset. There's a fun scene at the poolside restaurant, where you can dine al fresco with expansive views of the Atlantic.
A family-owned beach club and hotel with wooden changing rooms dating back to 1904 and a French bistro overlooking Nantucket Sound. It's the only true beachside offering near town.
46 Jefferson Ave.
Nantucket, MA 02554
+1-508-228-0618
The most well-appointed, convenient, and full-service hotel in town. Lunch on the patio provides the best vantage for beautiful Nantucket Harbor. Bloody Marys + boats = a winning combination.
A paper-lover's dream. Stuffed with handmade cards, letterpress prints, curated notepads and stationery. Speak to Marty about bringing home something customized.
A sensory overload of artisan chocolates, organic spices, sea salts, and teas. Owner and Nantucket native Claudia Wallace will happily guide you through the extensive selection.
The Boston-based apothecary recently opened a Nantucket outpost, bringing more than 25 tried-and-tested U.S.-made natural beauty products (hair, skin, body) to the island. Check their website for events like mini facial how-tos and DIY body scrubs.
Beautiful handmade home items from local artisans and the in-house studio.
One stop shop for the essentials: wine and a curated selection of vintage clothing.
The place to kill time on a rainy day. It’s easy to spend hours browsing their extensive (and meticulously curated) book collection. For a change in scene, drop by their sibling shop Mitchell's Book Corner for cozy leather couches on the second-floor and great local literary recommendations by Mary.
Create your own scent or body product from an extensive selection of natural oils. Or pick up a bottle of "Nantucket Rain," one of their most popular blends.
Gift store with odds and ends like the island's infamous ACK bumper stickers, rope bracelets, and beach permit T-shirts.
An institution and home of Nantucket Reds, those dark pink shorts and pants worn by everyone on the island.
Pick up locally sourced seafood and supplies (like a ready-made clambake with all the fixins and a 1¼-pounder lobster).
Quality seafood, meats, and other gourmet goods. Their bluefish pâté served on Wheat Thins is a cocktail party favorite.