14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Nantucket

It’s easy to feel like an A-lister when spending a summer weekend in Nantucket. A popular vacation spot for the moneyed elite who harken from Boston and New York, Nantucket is a wonderland of outdoor beauty, top-notch restaurants, quaint inns, and enticing places to visit. Once you experience this East Coast gem, you won’t want to leave.

A small island located 30 miles off the south shore of Cape Cod, Nantucket is big on charisma; we’re talking historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and idyllic gardens. It’s also packed with fun things to do (surfing, anyone?), which means there’s no chance of getting bored.

Whether you enjoy visiting museums, shopping in boutique stores, or lounging on the island’s many beautiful beaches, there’s a lot to love in Nantucket. You won’t be alone in your lust, especially during summer. The population jumps by 40,000 at this time, and resorts and hotels fill up fast.

Plan your vacation with our list of the best attractions and things to do on Nantucket.

1. Soak Up the Sun on Nantucket’s Beaches

The best thing to do in Nantucket is hit the beach! Home to some of the prettiest and cleanest beaches in Massachusetts, the soft, sandy shore is the real draw for weekend warriors. And with over 82 miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why so many swanky folks choose to make this their summer home.

The wide variety of beaches includes something for every type of traveler — safe beaches for families, romantic strands for couples, and high-energy beaches for surfers looking to hang ten.

Children’s Beach is located on the North Shore and is perfect for families. It’s close to town, and the water is calm and a perfect introduction to the ocean for those just getting their feet wet. The town plans fun family-friendly activities for kids like yoga and live music.

Nobadeer is geared more towards teenagers and adults as it doesn’t have lifeguards or activities like some of the other beaches, and the waves can be challenging. The big draw here is you can kick your vehicle into 4WD and off-road on the beach.

The laid-back vibe of Siasconst is a great respite from some of the more crowded beaches found in New England. It offers gorgeous sunrises and is one of the places on the island where you can regularly see seals.

Read More: Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Massachusetts

2. Take Photos at Great Point Lighthouse

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of bouncing through sand in a four-wheel-drive, an ocean breeze whipping your face (along with a few pieces of said sand), and background screams of “Yee haw” guiding the adrenaline-pumping, off-road adventure.

An exhilarating experience enjoyed by many a Nantucket visitor, this adventure is not for the faint of heart. Not to worry — after letting the air out of your tires and deep breathing your way through a few slip and slides on the sand, you’ll be a master, and potentially an off-roading addict.

Head to Great Point Lighthouse by way of Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Breathtaking views along 16 miles of trails open up at the end to Great Point, a favorite spot for fishing from shore. The remote refuge is a photographer’s dream.

Access Address: 111 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

3. Whaling Museum

Think a museum dedicated to whaling will be depressing and boring? Think again! Nantucket’s famed Whaling Museum is a haven for history buffs and anyone looking for something unique and interesting to do on a rainy day.

Inside, children will ooh and ahh over a 46-foot-long sperm whale suspended from the ceiling and get tingles up their spines from the slightly creepy “The Spirits Within Us” interactive holographic exhibit.

Operated by the Nantucket Historical Society, this popular place to visit was named one of 10 places to see in America before you die by Andrew Harper, and it’s considered one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the region.

Open daily from mid-February through December, the museum presents tourists with an opportunity to connect with the island’s past life as a whaling capital of the world.

Tip: Be sure to check out Tucker’s Roof Walk for sweeping views of Nantucket Harbor.

Address: 13 Broad Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

4. Watch the Yachts at Brant Point Lighthouse

Get ye to the lighthouse! This is Nantucket after all — a place known for its gorgeous beaches and iconic lighthouses, so you really must visit one during your vacation.

Brant Point Lighthouse is a must-see on ACK, the common nickname for Nantucket, taken from its airport’s call letters. Established in 1746, this lighthouse has been keeping ships safe for centuries and is now owned by the US Coast Guard.

Although the lighthouse itself isn’t open to the public, the grounds give sweeping views of the harbor and offer a wonderful spot to sit back and imagine life aboard one of the passing luxury yachts.

Visitors leaving the island by ferry toss a coin overboard as they cross the point, ensuring that one day they will return to this enchanting island.

Location: End of Easton Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

5. Enjoy a Walk at Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture

A favorite of bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, the 780 acres that make up Sanford Farm are best known for their miles and miles of picturesque trails.

This pastoral landscape winds around lakes, through woods and fields, and at its edge are breathtaking ocean views. This is a great spot to imagine the island’s past and be grateful for the preservation taking place to save green space.

Address: 112 Madaket Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

6. Step Back in Time at Jethro Coffin House

The Nantucket Historical Association has done a remarkable job of preserving the island’s history. The Jethro Coffin House is a prime example, representing the oldest home on the island.

Built in 1686, this saltbox-style structure gives visitors a glimpse into the life of some of the first English settlers on the island. The kitchen garden behind the house is a favorite of visitors.

Address: 16 Sunset Hill, Nantucket, Massachusetts

7. Admire the View from Sankaty Head Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located at the easternmost point at the edge of the charming village of Siasconset, an adorable small town in Massachusetts. It was the first US lighthouse to get the Fresnel Lens, and you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Nantucket if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during one of its semi-annual climbs.

In any event, Sankaty Head Lighthouse is a picture-worthy site to explore and get a good view of the cliffs at this end of the Grey Lady. Keep in mind as you are walking around this beauty that it was recently moved over 400 feet to keep it from falling in the ocean. Such is the love of Nantucketers for preserving their unique past.

Location: End of Baxter Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

8. Watch the Old Mill Grind Corn

The iconic Old Mill is thought to be the “oldest functioning mill in the country.” Built in 1746, the Windmill has become a cultural icon on Nantucket and it has an interesting, storied past, which you’ll learn about during your visit.

At this historic site, visitors will find additional history about this unique structure that was built by a Nantucket sailor named Nathan Wilbur to mimic Holland’s most popular attractions— windmills.

In 1828, it was sold as “firewood” for $20 to Jared Gardner. This carpenter instead restored the mill and made it capable of grinding corn. Today, guests can still see the mill in action, grinding corn at certain times of the day. Check their website for more information.

Address: 50 Prospect Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

9. Visit the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is open seasonally (from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day). Year-round, though, guests are welcome to visit the pristine grounds, which offer stunning views from the edge of Folger’s Marsh. Pack a picnic if you’re hoping to soak up the atmosphere.

Featuring unique exhibits like quarter board collections, a lens from a lighthouse, and lifesaving memorabilia, this museum celebrates the rich history of the Nantucket maritime industry and honors the locals who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks.

The eye-opening map of the island’s wreck history is especially effective, as is the display of old-time rescues.

This museum is great for all ages. Kids will enjoy special interactive activities like knot tying, and everyone will get a guided tour, virtual reality experience, and access to special exhibits with admission.

Address: 158 Polpis Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

10. Bite into a Tomato at Bartlett’s Farm

No stay on Nantucket is complete without a visit to Bartlett’s Farm. This iconic market represents the oldest and largest farm on the island. The property has passed through seven generations of Bartletts, and each has succeeded in growing the most delicious crops.

In addition to the homegrown fruits and vegetables, they carry all the necessary ingredients for a beach picnic, one of the best things to do during your vacation here. Their tomatoes are legendary and appear on many restaurant menus.

Visitors can also find the Bartletts selling fresh produce from their vintage truck on Main Street in town.

Address: 33 Bartlett Farm Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

11. Head Out Surfing

Although you may not see the same swells you will in world-class surfing destinations like Australia or Hawaii, Nantucket is still a great place to surf, especially for beginners.

Depending on your skill level, you can hit the beach at the North Shore where stand up paddleboarding will be more the sport of the day in calmer waters.

More adventurous surfers can head to the South Shore with its larger swells and smooth bottom so you won’t have to worry about scrapes and cuts from the ocean floor.

If you need some help hanging ten, there are some great surf schools on the island, like Nantucket Island Surf School and ACK Surf School.

Address: Cisco Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts

12. Play a Round on the Miacomet Golf Course

For the better part of the last 50 years, Miacomet Golf Club has been a favorite of both vacationers and locals. After an addition in 2003, it now boasts the only 18 holes of public golf on the island, which are conveniently located a mere three miles from town and one mile from the ocean. Talk about lovely views!

This links-style course was renovated in 2008 to offer greens that vary in size from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet. The fairways are well-sized, and the course is both “playable” and challenging, perfect for those in search of a bit more competition.

Tee times are available 24 hours ahead, so set a reminder and get ready to hit the scenic links.

Address: 12 Miacomet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

13. Spot a Seal at the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Over 1,100 acres greet visitors to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Pronounced “co-skate-uh coat-oo,” this unique spot is about as wild and remote as it gets in Nantucket.

Thanks to its protected status, the refuge is blanketed by maritime sand dunes, beach grass, a savannah of red cedars, beach plum, and a maritime oak forest. It is made up of two peninsulas that resemble two fingers, stretching north, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Nantucket Sound on the other.

It’s within these wild and wonderful woodlands that you’ll find the reason most people visit: the area’s most unique wildlife. Harbor and gray seals can be seen sunning themselves on the beach, deer roam the forest, ospreys soar through the sky, and horseshoe crabs move quicker than you’d think they can along the sand.

Speaking of sand, vehicles can drive on the beach between May and October, as long as they have a valid Oversand Vehicle Permit. This is also where you’ll find the Great Point Lighthouse and some of Nanutcket’s most spectacular beaches.

Address: 107 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

14. Read a Book at the Nantucket Atheneum

If you think visiting a library is boring, you haven’t been to the Nantucket Atheneum. A free public library that opened in 1847, this stoic building sees over 170,000 visitors each year — in Nantucket! The building itself is a massive draw. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, this grand Grecian building is impossible to miss. Its massive columns are a treat to walk between.

Inside, you’ll find rows upon rows of books, obviously. The library offers access to over 1.6 million books, not to mention DVDs and CDS, all for free. They also host over 1,300 educational and cultural programs each year.

A haven for families, the Atheneum offers a slew of children’s programs to keep little ones entertained. Exciting events include dance performances, diorama contests, book clubs, and the Nantucket Atheneum Cold Turkey Plunge.

The library itself began earlier, in 1834, when other area library societies joined to form the Nantucket Atheneum. Back then, it served as a library and a venue for speakers. The original building burned down in 1846 and this new masterpiece replaced it.

Address: 1 India Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

Where to Stay in Nantucket for Sightseeing

Luxury Hotels:

• The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is a AAA Four-Diamond property offering a mix of rooms, suites, and cottages. The suites have up to four bedrooms, and the cottages have one or two bedrooms. Both are great options for families. The vibe throughout is quintessential New England beach vacation, and the resort is within walking distance from Nantucket’s beaches, as well as its downtown. Amenities here include a free breakfast, a restaurant, two heated outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, a spa, and a fitness center. If you are traveling with the kids, there is a kids’ club on-site, and adventures like rides in an antique fire truck can be arranged.
• For a more intimate luxury experience check out the Union Street Inn . This small boutique property has a prime location in the historic village. There are just 12 guest rooms, which have a “New England meets France flair” to their design. A full country breakfast is included in your rate and can be taken on the garden patio or in your room. There is also a swimming pool, game room, and free parking on-site.
• The White Elephant Hotel is another top luxury choice overlooking Nantucket Harbor and Children’s Beach. The property has an elegant, preppy vibe and has served as a summertime retreat for the rich and famous since the 1920s. Choose from rooms and suites or garden cottages. All are well-appointed and comfortable. Amenities here include a hot tub, spa, and a restaurant known for its Sunday brunch.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Try the trendy, boutique 76 Main for a top mid-range hotel. This beautifully designed property features classy rooms and suites. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast, an all-day café, and an outdoor fireplace.
• Another top boutique choice is 21 Broad . Located just a few blocks from the Steamship Authority ferry terminal, it has a central location in the heart of town. There are 27 rooms and suites with contemporary décor, high-end linens, and Vitamin C showers in the baths. Breakfast is included in your rate.

Budget Hotels:

• Nantucket is an expensive destination and doesn’t really have any good budget options. The Beachside Inn at Nantucket is the only 2-star property in town and is still pricey in comparison to other cities. Still, rooms are tidy and feature sitting areas and balconies. The hotel is pet friendly, has a swimming pool, and serves a complimentary breakfast.

Map of Attractions & Things to Do in Nantucket

Nantucket, MA – Climate Chart

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Nearby Places to Visit: If you have time to tour around, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful and fun places to visit in Massachusetts. Nearby Cape Cod is definitely worth a visit. Start planning with our articles on the top tourist attractions of Cape Cod and the best beaches on Cape Cod. Another must-see destination in the state is the historic city of Boston. And if you are interested in going further afield, don’t miss our piece on the best places to visit in Massachusetts.