Things to do on Nantucket
Beaches
Home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in New England, Nantucket has a sandy spot for everyone. Calm, gentle waves, like those at Children’s, Jetties, or Steps Beach, are perfect for the kids and those wishing to enjoy a refreshing swim. For the bigger surf and swells, Nantucket’s sprawling south shore beaches are the way to go.
Boating
Located 30 miles off the mainland coast and surrounded by the Atlantic, boating is one of the best ways to experience Nantucket Island. Charter a boat to explore the pristine waters, embark on a seal and whale watching excursion, or board a Hinckley yacht for an afternoon harbor cruise. Interested in navigating these waters yourself? Nantucket Community Sailing can help with that, offering lessons and rentals for voyagers of all ages!
Enjoy all of the yachting perks – without any of the headaches – on a private Hinckley cruise around the harbor. Nantucket Mermaids is run by Leah Collins, who had years of experience as Chief Stewardess on mega yachts 150 plus in both the Caribbean and Mediterranean. With over 19 years experience living in Nantucket, Leah has a professional team that can do anything for the Islands many private boats, to working to fulfill any request a visiting yacht may require.
Join U.S. Coast Guard Captain James Genthner for a beautiful and informative excursion aboard the longest operating sailing charter on Nantucket, where you’ll learn of the islands diverse maritime history while taking in the stunning coastal sights.
Nantucket by Water Cruises provide memorable and educational experiences for all ages. In addition to seal and whale watching expeditions, the outfit offers harbor and sunset cruises, whaling history tours, clamming excursions and kid’s fishing trips.
Learn the skill of sailing and allow it to foster confidence, independence, teamwork and sportsmanship, all while engaging in the island’s exceptional marine environment. Both group and private sailing programs and boat rentals are available to people of all ages and skillsets, with locations at Polpis Harbor, Jetties Sailing Center and Children’s Beach Pier. Recognized by US Sailing for “Outstanding Seasonal Program” and “Outstanding Outreach and Inclusion.”
Nantucket Regattas
Kickoff the summer racing season with the Northeast’s first major regatta, where over 200 boats and a thousand sailors compete in the Cape-Nantucket Figawi Race, recognized internationally as a top sailing event.
Nantucket Race Week is nine days of regattas, awards ceremonies, and parties hosted by Nantucket Yacht Club and Great Harbor Yacht Club to benefit Nantucket Community Sailing. Sailors of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in this community-wide, beloved Nantucket tradition. Nantucket Race Week is a Clean Regatta as certified by Sailors for the Sea.
The Opera House Cup marks the triumphant finale to Nantucket Race Week, attracting some of the finest, most revered boats in the country. The first all-wooden, single-hulled classic boat regatta on the East Coast, the Opera House Cup is a beloved tradition on Nantucket, enhanced further by the rainbow fleet escort of all competing boats to the starting point.
Playgrounds
The Discovery Playground at Hinsdale Park, created by the Nantucket Land Bank in collaboration with the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association, is located at 54 Old South Road. This fully accessible playground includes a Netplex Structure, Sensory Wall, Cozy Dome, Global Motion and HealthBeat Fitness Equipment, as well as a 66 foot long Zip-Krooz with both pendulum seats and inclusive seats, a ramped structure, and a collection of musical instruments. All of the equipment and outdoor furnishings at the Discovery Playground are accessible or allow for wheelchair transfer. The usage of “Poured-in-Place” ground covering enables the accessibility and ease of movement. Much of the playground has a “high play value”, meaning that numerous children can play at the same time on multiple components and can do so in an inclusive environment for all abilities.
Kids can also discover and play on Children’s Beach, Jettie’s Beach, the Sconset playground, or Marilfun Playground in Tom Nevers.
Dining on Nantucket
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion at a five-star dining establishment or grab some picnic supplies before you head to the beach, Nantucket offers a myriad of options for all of your food and beverage needs. With over 100 restaurants on island offering some of the best cuisine in New England, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re craving. Located just steps away from Main Street, Harborview Nantucket hotel provides convenient access to some of the island’s best restaurants, from fine dining establishments to deli take-out and ice cream shops.
Located just steps away from Main Street, Harborview Nantucket provides convenient access to some of the best restaurants on the island. Check out the Inky Mirror’s Annual Restaurant Guide for more information.
Museums
Focused on fostering an appreciation of Nantucket’s historic significance, local museums celebrate the island’s evolution from an early Native American settlement, to the whaling capital of the world, to what is now a celebrated vacation destination. Experience the many exhibits and guided tours of the island’s numerous museums and historic sites near our luxury cottages; some of our favorites can be found below.
Nantucket Whaling Museum: Collecting and displaying the island’s history since 1929, the Nantucket Whaling Museum includes a Sperm Whale exhibit, Souvenir Gallery, Captain’s Portraits, Scrimshaw Gallery, Decorative Arts Gallery, and Candle Factory, in addition to numerous evolving exhibits. Stop into the neighboring Museum Shop for treasured gifts, keepsakes and other historic mementos.
Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum: Allow the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum to introduce you to the beauty, complexity and history of this unique art form. Proud to be “weaving Nantucket’s past into its future,” the museum features historic and contemporary lightship baskets, educating the public through exhibits, demonstrations and lectures.
Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum: The hidden shoals, dense fog and unpredictable weather off the coast of Nantucket led to over 700 shipwrecks throughout the 19th century. The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum tells of those brave islanders who worked to rescue men lost at sea, with the motto: “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.”
Maria Mitchell House: The Mitchell House was named as one of the Top 10 Women’s History sites in the country by USA Today! Please come visit us to learn about the history of one of America’s most fascinating women: Maria Mitchell.
Watersports
Nothing beats spending the day on the water during a sunny Nantucket day. Whether you choose fun, competitive water sports with friends or decide to go for a leisurely swim in the ocean, the water has a way to revitalize and re-energize you. Paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and more are all available on Nantucket! In addition to Nantucket Community Sailing’s programs, designed for children of all levels and abilities, you can check out Nantucket Island Surf School. Private and group lessons and week-long mini camps, are available to students of all ages and abilities at the island’s premier surf school, located at Cisco Beach. All equipment is provided, including boards and wetsuits, also available for individual rental. Next Level Water Sports offers three core services: Kiteboarding Lessons, Wakeboarding Lessons/Tubing Excursions, and Hydrofoiling lessons. They pride themselves on being the best in the business and out reviews tell the story. From personable, professional instructors to the latest equipment to individualized, innovative instruction- experience the Next Level Waterports difference.
Fishing
Known for off-shore canyons, rips and coastal flats alike, the Nantucket waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, but most famously fished for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, White Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Sharks and Bluefin Tuna. Anglers of all ages and skill levels will undoubtedly relish in the thrill of the catch, whether with spinning or fly rods, surfcasting or on the water. Join us in June, the optimal time to fish the flats for Stripers and Blues, or in September, when the Albies, Bonito, and Bluefin Tuna like to bite.
Corey is a co-owner of Bill Fisher Tackle since 2005, and also is the fishing Director for Great Harbor Yacht Club. Those who have fished with Corey ALL speak about his ability to catch fish, whether it be inshore/offshore, Fly or Spin, but more importantly his passion and energy. Enjoy a 4-hour fishing charter with Captain Corey!
Offering premier fishing charter services since 1971, Capt. Tom and his team are experts in navigating the island’s rips, flats and shoals, striving for the best possible light tackle fishing experience for you and your friends or family. Share in Tom’s passion for fishing – and all things Nantucket – during an excursion on any one of the fleets four charter boats.
Captain Matt has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to fishing the waters surrounding Nantucket. Specializing in light tackle and fly fishing, Captain Matt can custom tailor an incredible fishing experience for anglers of any skill level. Explore Captain Matt’s Website and find out why he loves fishing around Nantucket.
Fitness on Nantucket
Nantucket is home to numerous resources for health, wellness, and fitness; see below for some of our favorites.
Biking
With over 29 miles of bicycle paths across the island, biking is one of the best ways to explore the scenic beauty of Nantucket. Away from the threat of traffic, and on mainly flat terrain, these bike paths are safe, fun and manageable for people of all ages. Nantucket Bike Tours designs each adventure around their favorite local spots, showcasing the island’s scenic beauty, wildlife and history throughout the ride. Whether you choose from an array of group tours or customize your own, this is a surefire way to encounter and embrace the beauty of Nantucket. Stop in at their new Handlebar Café while on your journey for a quick rest and caffeine boost!
A valued Nantucket resource for 84 years, Young’s Bicycle Shop offers quality bike rentals, sales and service – in addition to car and jeep reservations. Visit Harvey Young and his knowledgeable team to get started on the “cycle-logical way to see Nantucket Island.” Nantucket Bike Shop offers quality bike rentals, including Specialized and Giant, in addition to Yamaha, Kymco and Hyosung single- and double-seat scooters. Stop by and chat with their service-oriented team on the equipment that’s best for you.
Hiking
The Nantucket Land Bank houses a wonderful selection of hiking and walking trails all over Nantucket Island. You can check out their trails on the Land Bank’s website, and a few of our favorites are listed below:
Polpis Harbor Trail: A scenic trail that winds through the Polpis Harbor area, providing hikers with picturesque views of the harbor, salt marshes, and rolling landscapes. This trail offers a peaceful escape and is known for its birdwatching opportunities.
‘Sconset Bluff Walk: Beginning in the charming village of Siasconset, this coastal trail follows the bluff, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers can enjoy the coastal flora and the iconic Sankaty Head Lighthouse along the way.
Miacomet Pond Trail: This trail explores the area around Miacomet Pond, providing a serene environment for nature enthusiasts.
Eel Point & Wauwinet Trail: Starting near Wauwinet, this trail takes hikers through a diverse terrain, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas.
