Things To Do
Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewery is great visit for craft beer lovers and live music fans. Offering bites from food trucks and beer brewed on site, this is a quintessential Nantucket activity!
Nantucket Whaling Museum
If you’re curious about the island’s rich maritime past, don’t skip the Whaling Museum. Operated by the Nantucket Historical Association, this beautifully curated museum offers everything from ship models and scrimshaw to a massive sperm whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. It’s a great look into how Nantucket became the whaling capital of the world and a perfect activity if we hit a rainy day.
'Sconset Bluff Walk
One of the most famous and scenic hikes on Nantucket is The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk. This quiet coastal path winds past rose-covered cottages, ocean cliffs, and ends with a view of the iconic Sankaty Head Lighthouse. Start your stroll in the heart of Siasconset village, grab a treat from Sconset Market, and enjoy one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots on the island.
Shopping Downtown
Nantucket’s cobblestone streets are lined with adorable shops and hidden treasures. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or something stylish, here’s where to go: - The Skinny Dip - Milly & Grace - Salt Nantucket - For Now - Erica Wilson - Cattivo - Doen - Erin Hielle - Hill House - Murray's Toggery, home of "Nantucket Red" - Sunken Ship - & so much more!
Dining!
Nantucket has no shortage of great spots! For quick bites in town, try Fresh (sandwiches, salads, booze), Pizzeria Gemelle, Lemon Press (healthy bowls, smoothies, coffee), or Provisions (breakfast & lunch sandwiches, salads). For a relaxed lunch or dinner, favorites include Or the Whale (our top spot), Bar Yoshi, Slip 14, The Brotherhood, The Tavern & Gazebo, and Straight Wharf Fish. If you're in the mood for fine dining, you can’t go wrong with Lola 41, Oran Mor, Nautilus, Ventuno, Proprietors, The Galley (amazing sunsets), or Via Mare (the best food!!). Enjoy!
Beaches!
We know it’s mid-October, but Nantucket often blesses fall weekends with surprisingly warm, sunny days...so we might get lucky with beach weather! South Shore beaches tend to have bigger waves, while North Shore spots are calm and flat. From town, you can walk to Brant Point, Steps Beach (gorgeous views, pictured above), Children’s Beach, or Jetties Beach (also accessible by bus and home to Sandbar). You can catch a bus to Surfside on the South Shore, head to Ladies Beach near Cisco Brewery, or drive out onto Nobadeer if you’re looking for a classic beach-day adventure.
Visit The Lighthouses
Nantucket’s three iconic lighthouses are well worth a visit. Brant Point Lighthouse is the closest to town - an easy, scenic walk and perfect for photos. On the eastern end of the island, Sankaty Head Lighthouse in Siasconset sits atop dramatic bluffs and offers beautiful ocean views. For something more remote, Great Point Lighthouse stands at the island’s northern tip; you’ll need a 4x4 oversand permit or to book a tour, but the secluded shoreline makes it a memorable trip. Each lighthouse has its own charm and showcases a different side of the island.