14 Best and Fun Things To Do In Nantucket MA (Massachusetts)

Nantucket is a dream vacation spot for those looking for summer fun in the Northeast, and it’s easy to see why. This charming island is a popular weekend getaway for residents of Boston and New York City, and for good reason: it has everything you could want in an exciting, yet relaxing, waterfront getaway.

Things To Do In Nantucket MA, visiting nantucket whaling museum, shopping in boutiques, and lounging on Nantucket’s many beautiful beaches will keep you entertained for days.

Choosing just a few of the many historical, cultural, outdoor, and gastronomic attractions to include in your trip can be a challenge. Use this guide to Nantucket’s best attractions and activities to help you plan your trip.

14 Best and Things To Do In Nantucket MA Today

1. Soak Up the Sun on Nantucket’s Beaches

Nantucket’s Beaches are one of the island’s most popular attractions. Nantucket town 82 miles of coastline offer a wide range of options. Even if you’re a novice surfer or a family looking for a safe place to let the kids run around, there’s sand and waves for you at surfside beach.

The North Shore’s Children’s Beach is a great place for families to relax and enjoy the sun. It’s close to town, the water is calm, and it’s a great place to learn about the ocean if you’ve never been. Activities for children, such as yoga, cape cod and live music, are organized by the town at brant point life at nantucket bookworks.

There are no lifeguards or other activities at Nobadeer, so it’s more geared toward teenagers and adults. The waves can be challenging. The main attraction here is the ability to drive 4WD on the beach.

Siasconst’s laid-back vibe is a welcome change from the more crowded beaches in the area. It’s one of the best spots on the island to see seals, and the sunrises are spectacular at sconset beach.

2. Great Point Lighthouse

Summer on Nantucket town is all about 4WD adventures in the sand, and this is one of the best ways to experience it. Once you’ve drained the air from your tires and taken a few deep breaths, you’ll be a pro at straight wharf.

By way of Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, you can get to Great Point Lighthouse. Great Point, a popular fishing spot from the shore, is at the end of 16 miles of trails. A photographer’s paradise, the refuge is tucked away in the mountains jetties beach.

Access Address: 111 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

3. Whaling Museum

In the months of April through December, the Whaling Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s history as a global center for whaling at madaket beach. Andrew Harper included it in his list of the top ten places to see in the United States before you die, and it is run by the Nantucket Historical Society at brant point light.

A 46-foot-long sperm whale suspended from the ceiling, tens of thousands of artifacts, and eleven distinct galleries are all possible in the museum’s newly expanded exhibit space. Exhibits that engage children on multiple levels are especially popular with them. Nantucket Harbor is clearly visible from Tucker’s Roof Walk.

Address: 13 Broad Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

4. Brant Point Lighthouse

On ACK, this lighthouse is a must-see. Brant Point Lighthouse, built in 1746 and now owned by the US Coast Guard, has served as a beacon of safety for passing ships for more than two centuries at nantucket looms.

As a bonus, the lighthouse’s grounds offer a wonderful place to sit back and imagine what life would be like on board one of the passing luxury yachts. It is customary for visitors departing by ferry to throw a coin overboard to ensure they will return someday.

Location: End of Easton Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

5. Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture

780 acres of scenic trails make up Sanford Farm, a popular destination for bikers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts at downtown nantucket.

The pastoral landscape is dotted with lakes, woods, and fields, and it ends with stunning views of the ocean. A great place to reflect on the island’s history and be thankful for the efforts being made to preserve its natural habitat.

Address: 112 Madaket Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

6. Jethro Coffin House

To their credit, the Nantucket Historical Association has worked tirelessly to safeguard the island’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come. The Jethro Coffin House, the island’s oldest residence, serves as an excellent example at hadwen house.

This saltbox-style building, built in 1686, provides visitors with a glimpse into the daily life of some of the island’s first English settlers. Visitors are drawn to the backyard’s kitchen garden.

Address: 16 Sunset Hill, Nantucket, Massachusetts

7. Sankaty Head Lighthouse

Sankaty Head Lighthouse, the lighthouse is situated at the easternmost point of Siasconset, which is a lovely village. You can get a bird’s-eye view of Nantucket from the top of the Fresnel Lens-equipped lighthouse if you’re lucky enough to be there during one of its semi-annual climbs.

At the very least, it’s a beautiful place to explore and admire the cliffside views of the Grey Lady at this end.

Keep in mind that this beauty was recently moved over 400 feet so that it wouldn’t fall into the ocean while you’re admiring it. Those who live on Nantucket have a deep desire to preserve their island’s unique history at nantucket ma.

Location: End of Baxter Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

8. Old Mill Grind Corn

The Old Mill is considered to be the “oldest operating mill in the country,” according to local legend. On Nantucket, the Windmill is a cultural icon, and you’ll learn all about its fascinating history during your visit.

Those who visit this historic site will learn more about Nathan Wilbur, a Nantucket sailor who built a replica of the Holland Windmills on his island.

Jared Gardner paid $20 for it in 1828 when it was sold to him as “firewood.” Instead, this carpenter repaired the mill and converted it to grind corn. During certain hours of the day, visitors can still see the mill grinding corn. For more information, visit their website at nantucket massachusetts.

Address: 50 Prospect Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

9. Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

Seasonal hours apply to the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum (from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day). Visitors are welcome year-round on the immaculate grounds, which offer breathtaking views of Folger’s Marsh. If you want to fully enjoy the experience, bring a picnic lunch.

A lighthouse lens, quarterboard collections, and lifesaving memorabilia are just some of the unique exhibits at this museum, which honors Nantucket’s maritime history and pays tribute to the locals who risked their lives to save shipwrecked victims.

It’s hard not to be moved by the island’s wreck history map and the exhibit on historic rescues.All ages will enjoy this museum. Knot tying, virtual reality, and access to special exhibits are included in the admission price for all visitors, regardless of age.

Address: 158 Polpis Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

10. Tomato at Bartlett’s Farm

It’s impossible to leave Nantucket without stopping by Bartlett’s Farm at least once. The oldest and largest farm on the island is represented by this well-known market. Seven generations of Bartletts have owned the property, and each one has been able to produce the most delectable crops.

A beach picnic is one of the best things to do while vacationing in Costa Rica, and these vendors have everything you need for one.

Restaurants around the country serve their tomatoes, which are famous throughout the industry. It’s not only on Main Street in town that visitors can find the Bartletts selling fresh produce from their vintage truck:

Address: 33 Bartlett Farm Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

11. Head Out Surfing

Nantucket is a great place to learn to surf, even if you don’t get the same swells as in world-class surfing destinations like Australia or Hawaii.

Stand up paddleboarding is a more popular activity on the North Shore, where the water is calmer and more conducive to it.

The South Shore offers bigger swells and a smoother bottom, so more adventurous surfers won’t have to worry about cuts and scrapes from the ocean floor. When it comes to learning how to surf, Nantucket Island Surf School and ACK Surf School are two excellent options.

Address: Cisco Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts

12. Miacomet Golf Course

Miacomet Golf Course, this golf course has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike for the past half-century. Only three miles from town and a mile from the ocean, it now has the only 18-hole public golf course on the island, thanks to an addition completed in 2003. What a treat to behold!

The 2008 renovation of this links-style course resulted in greens ranging in size from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet.

With large fairways and a fair amount of difficulty, the course is ideal for those looking for a little more competition. Set a reminder and get ready for a round of golf on one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

Address: 12 Miacomet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

13. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge has more than 1,100 acres to offer visitors. “Co-skate-uh coat-oo,” Nantucket’s wildest and most remote spot, is located here.

Maritime sand dunes, beach grass, a savannah of red cedars, beach plum, and a maritime oak forest cover the refuge thanks to its protected status. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Nantucket Sound on the other, it consists of two peninsulas that form two fingers.

Most visitors come to see the area’s unique wildlife in these wild and wonderful woodlands. You’ll see harbor and gray seals relaxing on the beach, deer in the forest, osprey in the sky, and horseshoe crabs scurrying along the sand in this area.

During the months of May through October, vehicles are permitted to drive on the beach if they have a valid Oversand Vehicle Permit. The Great Point Lighthouse and some of Nanutcket’s most stunning beaches can be found here as well.

Address: 107 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts

14. Nantucket Atheneum

If you’ve never been to the Nantucket Atheneum, you’re missing out. Nantucket’s oldest public library, which opened in 1847, attracts more than 170,000 visitors each year.

As a whole, the structure serves as a significant draw. In 1966, the National Register of Historic Places added this imposing Greek structure to its list of historic sites. It’s a treat to walk between its towering columns.

Obviously, there are a lot of books in there. All of the library’s 1.6 million titles (including DVDs and CDs) are available to the public without charge. Throughout the year, they hold over 1,300 educational and cultural events.

The Atheneum is a haven for families, with a plethora of children’s programs to keep them occupied. This year’s events include dance and diorama contests as well as book clubs and the Cold Turkey Plunge at the Nantucket Athenaum.

The Nantucket Atheneum was founded in 1834 by a group of local library organizations. It was used as a library and a place where speakers could give talks back in those days. When the original building was destroyed in 1846, a new masterpiece was erected in its place.

Address: 1 India Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts

Where To Stay In Nantucket For Sightseeing?

Luxury Hotels:

• Rooms, suites, and cottages are all available at the AAA Four-Diamond Nantucket Hotel & Resort. Each of the suites and cottages can accommodate up to four guests. For families, both are excellent choices. The resort’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a classic New England beach vacation, and guests have easy access to the island’s beaches and downtown. Two heated outdoor pools, an indoor hot tub and a fitness center are just some of the hotel’s many amenities. If you’re traveling with children, there’s a kids’ club on-site where you can arrange activities like rides in an old fire truck.
• Check out the Union Street Inn for a more intimate luxury experience. Located in the heart of the old town, this boutique hotel is the perfect place to stay. Each of the hotel’s 12 guest rooms has a distinct design with a “New England meets France flair.” Your stay includes a full country breakfast, which you can either enjoy on the garden patio or in the privacy of your room. On-site amenities include a pool, a game room, and free parking.
• Nantucket Harbor and Children’s Beach are visible from the White Elephant Hotel, another top-notch luxury option. Since the 1920s, the property has served as a summer retreat for the rich and famous, giving it an elegant and preppy feel. Rooms and suites, as well as garden cottages, are all options. All of the rooms are well-furnished and welcoming. A hot tub, spa, and a restaurant known for its Sunday brunch are all on the property’s amenities list.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• If you’re looking for a top mid-range hotel, look no further than 76 Main. Elegant guestrooms and suites can be found throughout this well-designed establishment. A complimentary breakfast, an all-day cafe, and an outdoor fireplace are just some of the amenities available at this hotel.
• 21 Broad is another excellent boutique option. The Steamship Authority ferry terminal is just a few blocks away, making it a convenient location in the middle of town. All of the bathrooms have Vitamin C shower heads and high-end linens. There are 27 rooms in total. The price of your room includes a full breakfast.
• One of the three Nantucket Resort Collection properties is The Veranda House. The beach is just a short walk away, as well as the city’s shops and restaurants. This charming inn’s guestrooms and suites are tastefully furnished and provide a home away from home experience. complimentary gourmet breakfast and concierge services are just two of the hotel’s many perks.

Budget Hotels:

• Nantucket is a pricey place to visit, and there aren’t many good options for those on a budget. Even though the Beachside on Nantucket is the only two-star hotel in town, it’s still expensive in comparison to other cities. Even so, the accommodations are neat and spacious, with separate sitting areas and balconies. Pets are welcome, and the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast as well as a pool.

FAQs Things To Do In Nantucket