Nantucket, MA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

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

Nantucket which includes a marina, boating and a bay or harbor

Nantucket Town

5/5(50 area reviews)

Discover the charm of Nantucket, a historic New England seaport town, with its museums like the Nantucket Whaling Museum and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy local shops, restaurants, and explore key localities such as Surfside and Siasconset.

Nantucket Town
Nantucket which includes a marina, boating and a bay or harbor

Downtown Nantucket

If you're spending some time in Downtown Nantucket, Nantucket Atheneum and Whaling Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Nantucket
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Cliff

If you're spending some time in Cliff, Jethro Coffin House and Founder's Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Cliff
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Brant Point

5/5(11 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Brant Point, Jetties Beach and Brant Point Light are top sights worth seeing.

Brant Point
beautiful 'sconset cottage

Tom Nevers

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tom Nevers and surrounding area, you can visit Tom Nevers Beach and Siasconet Beach.

Tom Nevers
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Madaket

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Madaket and surrounding area, you can visit Madaket Beach and Esther Island.

Madaket
Faraway Nantucket
Faraway Nantucket
3.5 out of 5
29 Centre St., Nantucket, MA
$494 nightly
The price is $551 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$551 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (369 reviews)
"The hotel in general was perfect. The rooms, location, restaurant and specially the staff."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Faraway Nantucket
Nantucket Inn
Nantucket Inn
3.5 out of 5
1 Miller Lane, Nantucket, MA
$448 nightly
The price is $500 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$500 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly resort in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (476 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, wonderful staff! Definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Nantucket Inn
The Beachside
The Beachside
4 out of 5
30 North Beach Street, Nantucket, MA
$583 nightly
The price is $652 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$652 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Nantucket Ferry Terminal and Jethro Coffin House ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (109 reviews)
"The renovations are amazing!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The Beachside
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 Harbor View “Eliza” Cottage!  Next To White Elephant!
Luxurious Harbor View “Eliza” Cottage! Next To White Elephant!
Nantucket
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Nantucket. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nantucket Ferry Terminal ...
10/10 Exceptional! (259 reviews)
Amazing!
"We had a fantastic stay at this clean, comfortable home just a short walk from town. The location was perfect—close to shops, restaurants, and the harbor, yet quiet and peaceful. The house was spotless, well-kept, and had everything we needed. The host was great and very responsive. Highly recommend—would ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Luxurious Harbor View “Eliza” Cottage! Next To White Elephant!
Harborview Nantucket
Harborview Nantucket
4 out of 5
24 Washington Street, Nantucket, MA
Stay at this 4-star beach cottage in Nantucket. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and a garden. Popular attractions Nantucket Ferry Terminal and Maria Mitchell ...
"Amazing stay!!! We stayed in the Hermit Crab and it was perfect for me and my wife. Plenty big enough with a nice size shower. We will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2024

Harborview Nantucket
Nantucket - edge of town
Nantucket - edge of town
Nantucket
Stay at this vacation home in Nantucket. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and furnished patios. Popular attractions Nantucket Ferry Terminal and Loines Observatory ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
Visit to Nantucket
"We used this home as a base for a visit to Nantucket. It was nicely located, comfortable, and great for our family."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Nantucket - edge of town
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

Things to do

Reviews of Nantucket

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
106
5 - Excellent 85%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 11%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

DavidFPace

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was adorable! Such history and many interesting stories.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Our happy place in the off season!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Nantucket