Nantucket, MA

Travel Guide
Nantucket showing a park, a house and flowers
Unspoiled beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and expensive restaurants and hotels make this Massachusetts island the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Nantucket combines picturesque beauty and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere, with elegant cocktail bars and restaurants.

Make getting around Nantucket part of your experience. Hire a bicycle from one of the rental shops dotted around the island. The terrain is flat, and there are 29 miles (47 kilometers) of bicycle paths around the island. The Wave, a seasonal bus service, covers major routes.

Most of Nantucket’s beaches are suitable for sunbathing and long sunset strolls, but each of the three shorelines have something different to offer. For families with kids, head to the gentle surf at North Shore.

The East Shore has more isolated stretches of coast and inner-harbor beaches, while on the South Coast, the waves are bigger, and the beaches are busier. To get closer to Nantucket’s marine life, take one of the seal or whale tours from the Town Pier downtown. You can discover more about whales and the whaling history of the area at the Whaling Museum on Broad Street.

As well as beautiful beaches, Nantucket offers a great wealth of history. Jethro Coffin House is the oldest house on Nantucket and dates back to the 17th century. History buffs will also want to pay a visit to Nantucket Windmill, which was constructed in 1745-6 by local carpenter Nathan Wilbur. Try to see at least one of Nantucket’s three historical lighthouses as well.

The island is most commonly a summer destination. Its mild summer attracts many tourists, sometimes swelling the population five-fold. For such a small island, Nantucket has many fine-dining restaurants, and dining out is a popular pastime. A visit out of season will allow more peace and quiet, but many attractions and shops won’t be open.

Summer is also when you’ll find an ongoing schedule of events, including the Dance Festival, Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, an Arts Festival, and Independence Day fireworks. On Saturday mornings, wander downtown to visit the Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market which showcases the wares of different island producers and artists.

Where to stay in Nantucket

Jared Coffin House
Jared Coffin House
4 out of 5
29 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA
The price is $195 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$195
per night
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly B&B in Nantucket. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Quaker Meeting House and First ...
9/10 Wonderful! (497 reviews)
"Close to town, bikes, beach chairs, towels & friendly / helpful staff."

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2023

Jared Coffin House
Nantucket Inn
Nantucket Inn
3.5 out of 5
1 Miller Lane, Nantucket, MA
The price is $202 per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$202
per night
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly resort in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Nobadeer Beach and Madequecham ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (257 reviews)
"Under construction"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Nantucket Inn
Faraway Nantucket
Faraway Nantucket
3.5 out of 5
29 Centre St., Nantucket, MA
The price is $198 per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
$198
per night
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a terrace. Popular attractions Nantucket United Methodist Church and Nantucket ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)
"would definitely would stay there again. nice rooms and in walking distance to everything. sister ship restrauant is very good."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2023

Faraway Nantucket
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
LUXURIOUS New Cottage!  5-min. walk to Main St. And Harbor Beaches
LUXURIOUS New Cottage! 5-min. walk to Main St. And Harbor Beaches
Nantucket
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Greater Light Garden and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
Perfect getaway
"This adorable home has all of the upscale comforts you come to expect from Nantucket. Its clean, cozy and they provide all of the toiletries you will need, including hair dryer. Washer/dryer is key!"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023

LUXURIOUS New Cottage! 5-min. walk to Main St. And Harbor Beaches
Newly renovated house in Brandt Point, right near town and Children's Beach
Newly renovated house in Brandt Point, right near town and Children's Beach
Nantucket
Stay at this vacation home in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, fenced yards, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Children's Beach and White Heron Theatre are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Great Place!
"Everything was perfect! The location couldn’t be better-walk to everything in town. Walk to Brandt Point beaches or cliffs beach. The home is cute, clean and had everything we needed. (Even laundry detergent! We definitely hope to stay again! Alton"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023

Newly renovated house in Brandt Point, right near town and Children's Beach
Swedish Blue and Yellow house new 2021!  Just over a block to harbor and Main St
Swedish Blue and Yellow house new 2021! Just over a block to harbor and Main St
Nantucket
Stay at this vacation home in Nantucket. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions The Artists' Association of Nantucket and Maria Mitchell ...
10/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Cute & happy home!
"The location is so convenient - great access to coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping. It’s a happy space with responsive owners & managers."

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2023

Swedish Blue and Yellow house new 2021! Just over a block to harbor and Main St
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Nantucket

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
106
" "5 - Excellent 85.48387096774194%
4 - Good
14
" "4 - Good 11.290322580645162%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 3.225806451612903%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 13, 2019

Nantucket is one of our favorite places to visit for a getaway in New England!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 9, 2019

Can’t wait to book my next trip. Love the island !

5/5 - Excellent

DavidFPace
Nov 3, 2019

The children and families in the town of Hallowe'en were wonderful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 2, 2019

It was adorable! Such history and many interesting stories.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 25, 2019

Our happy place in the off season!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 20, 2019

Nantucke in the fall is very special. I highly recommend traveling there then.

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