The Sconset Bluff Walk is a beautiful walking trail along a bluff overlooking the water in Sconset. It is a small dirt path that travels through the flower-filled backyards of many Sconset homes. You can stroll along the bluff to the Sankaty Lighthouse. *While the path is public, the steps you see to the beach are private. Have lunch at Claudette’s or grab a sandwich from the Sconset Market afterwards!
A Nantucket Conservation Foundation property known for the great views of North Head and Hummock Ponds, the sandplain grassland area at Ram Pasture and the spectacular undeveloped beach at the southern boundary. An historic barn is located near the middle of the property on a hill that offers excellent views of the southern part of the property. The three most popular trails are: 1) The 1.7 mile Northern Loop leads south from the parking area and turns back toward The North Head of Hummock Pond; 2) The 3.1 mile Barn Walk goes approximately halfway to the ocean from the parking area and turns around at the historic barn; 3) The 6 mile Ocean Walk leads from the parking area to the southern shoreline of the island and back.
With exhibitions in 9 premium galleries, with over a thousand works of art, artifacts and treasures on display, The Whaling Museum tells the Island’s fascinating stories over 4 centuries. The museum is home to a 46 foot sperm whale skeleton, a massive Fresnel lens, a restored 1847 candle factory and a relaxing, fully-accessible rooftop deck offering stunning views of Nantucket harbor. Conde Nast named it "one of the top 10 small museums in America."
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, an affiliate of Egan Maritime Institute, is dedicated to honoring Nantucket's history of shipwrecks, lifesaving, and rescuers. The museum sits at the edge of Folger’s Marsh, one of the most scenic sites on the Island -enjoy the view, a picnic, or watch the wide variety of birds interacting on the marsh.
On the far west end of the island, Madaket is known for its spectacular sunsets! For a casual Mexican meal, head to the only restaurant in Madaket, Millie’s. (Be sure to get a Madaket Mystery!) Madaket road literally ends at a bluff, head right over Millie’s bridge & see the Crooked House, where Mr. Roger's spent his summers. The beaches in Madaket are raw, untamed, pure Nantucket!
The perfect pit-stop on your way back from Cisco beach! Their outdoor courtyard provides a place to relax and enjoy live music, fresh oysters and clams, food trucks, and Island favorite beers like Grey Lady Ale, Sankaty Light, and Whale's Tale Pale Ale. Also home to Triple 8 Distillery. **Cisco has a courtesy shuttle van, traveling non-stop, back and forth, every afternoon between the Visitor’s Center downtown at 25 Federal St. and the brewery, for free.
The second oldest lighthouse in the country and the smallest lighthouse in New England, you'll get a great view of this lighthouse when arriving to Nantucket by ferry. By tradition, visitors toss a penny into the sea as they round the point leaving the harbor to ensure that they return someday to the Grey Lady's welcoming arms.
At the northernmost point of the island out pastThe Wauwinet (Hotel), within the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Reserve, you'll find the most powerful lighthouse in New England. The grounds can be accessed by foot (if you're feeling up for a seven-mile walk in the sand), or by four-wheel-drive vehicle bearing a beach permit sticker. (Beware that driving in soft sand can be tricky, and your day can turn very un-fun if you don't let the air out of your tires properly.) If you have the time, we recommend driving out to the point just before sunrise for some amazing views and great fishing!
By far our favorite way to see the Island. Nantucket is very bike friendly, with paths stretching from Madaket (west) to Sconset (east). Bikes are easy to rent from Cooks, Young's, or the Nantucket Bike Shop, all located right in town. Stop along the way to see landmarks like the Old Windmill, the Jared Coffin House, or the island's famous lighthouses. The "Loop" of the 7 Mile Road and Polpis Road is a great way to see the entire island. *You can take your bikes back to town on "The Wave Shuttle" if you get tired! In terms of bike rentals, there are several options downtown; most can deliver to your rental house or B&B. We recommend: - Young's Bicycle Shop (6 Broad Street) - Cook's Cycle Shop (6 S Beach Street) - Nantucket Bike Shop (10 Broad Street)