Things To Do
Brant Point Grill
If you’re looking for an Instagram opportunity alongside your meal, head to this restaurant located outside the White Elephant for its sweeping views of Nantucket Harbor. Don’t leave without trying a bite of their famous lobster mac and cheese.
Brotherhood of Thieves
An old Nantucket favorite located on Broad Street in the heart of town. We’ve always loved their outdoor beer garden and cozy interior (particularly in the fall and winter!) but the upstairs also underwent a refresh when the restaurant changed hands in 2021. A family-friendly staple with reliable crowd-pleasers like burgers, clam chowder, and lobster rolls.
The Club Car
This Nantucket classic has been given a light and bright new look and is a centrally located spot for a last-minute reservation in town. Come with friends and order a variety of small plates for the table, then stay for a rowdy evening gathered around the piano in front.
Cru
One of my favorite lobster rolls on the island comes from this exquisitely decorated oyster bar on Straight Wharf. Make reservations well in advance or be prepared to wait with a glass (or two) of rosé on their outdoor patio or at the bar in the front room. It’s definitely a splurge for lunch or dinner, but the chic nautical interior and waterfront views are worth every penny.
or, The Whale
When naming his classic American novel, Herman Melville was torn between two titles – “Moby Dick; or, The Whale." With a prime location in a storied building on Main Street, this is perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining in downtown.
Galley Beach
The best place to view the sunset on the island! Galley Beach is a must for pre-dinner cocktails with your toes in the sand. Make dinner reservations in advance or scope out a firepit a couple hours before sunset. And be sure to call ahead on weekends to make sure it’s not closed for a private event.
Lola 41
This buzzy sushi restaurant only takes same-day reservations, so call right at 4 p.m. or pay them a visit in person to secure a table or a spot at the sushi bar. The sushi is out of this world.
Millie's Restaurant
If you’re looking for casual Baja fare like fish tacos and lobster quesadillas, Millie’s is the place. Make it a beach day in Madaket with snacks from Millie’s Market or kid-friendly fare from the takeout window, or take an Uber out in time to enjoy the killer sunset with an infamous Madaket Mystery in hand.
The Nautilus
A delicious dinner-only spot in town that takes same-day reservations. Start with an ACK Nauti cocktail at the bar then sit down for small plates like oyster tacos and tuna poké or a shareable dish of their famous crab fried rice.
The Proprietors Bar & Table
An eclectic spot in town that’s a favorite for dinner with girlfriends. Order a bottle of rosé and a variety of shareable plates – and don’t leave without trying the fried broccoli!
The Chanticleer Restaurant & Gardens
An insanely charming little bistro if you’re looking for a romantic spot outside the hustle and bustle of town, head to ‘Sconset for a splurge-worthy meal in The Chanticleer’s rose garden.
Topper's at Wauwinet
Head out of downtown to Topper’s at the Wauwinet for fine dining and cocktails on the lawn overlooking the water and an incredible sunset. If you book in advance, you can also reserve a complimentary spot on their boat the Wauwinet Lady for a 50 minute sail to the restaurant that leaves from their sister property the White Elephant in town. Fun Fact: if you're on the lawn facing the water, the Davidoskis stayed at the house on the right next door for 15 summers in a row!
Ventuno Restaurant
Hands down the best Italian food on the island and lovely service to boot. Enjoy a cocktail in the “back bar” (outdoor patio) or the wine bar upstairs. We love the ricotta and honey crostini to start, and you can’t go wrong with any of the pastas. Fun Fact: Ike and Tassy went on a date here summer 2023, and Tassy was convinced he was going to propose!
Fresh Nantucket
Salads, sandwiches, and smoothies across from the grocery store downtown. I love their caprese baguette and you can’t miss their brown butter chocolate chip cookies! They also sell beer, wine, and spirits.
167 Raw Nantucket
A food truck and fish market on Hummock Pond Road near Cisco Brewery. If you’ve been to 167 Raw in Charleston, you know they make one of the best lobster rolls around! Great spot to pick up fish tacos then head Ladies Beach for a picnic lunch, but they also have an outdoor seating area where you can eat right after picking up your order.
Provisions
A beloved sandwich shop on Straight Wharf famous for its Thanksgiving-inspired Turkey Terrific.
Downyflake Restaurant
The best mornings start with a donut run to Downyflake. Located near the mid-island Stop & Shop, the diner has a family-friendly retro vibe.
Born & Bread: Mercantile and Bakery
A bakery on Centre Street where you’ll often find a line around the block for their “cruffin” — a croissant-meets-muffin in flavors that change daily.
Lemon Press
Located on Main Street, Lemon Press is a go-to for acai bowls, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and smoothies
The Island Kitchen
We love eating outside at Island Kitchen, which always seems able to accommodate a large group. Really fresh health-minded ingredients, and unpretentious takes on classic dishes. You can’t go wrong with the avocado toast, breakfast burrito, or eggs Benedict.
Handlebar Café
If you’re looking for a barista who really knows his stuff, this is the place for you. The service is delightful, and the back garden is a hidden treasure.
45 Surfside Bakery and Café
A pretty bakery and café with ample indoor and outdoor seating. A go-to spot for grabbing an iced coffee and a croissant en route to Surfside Beach.
Island Coffee Roasters
Steps off of the Steamship Authority ferry is this tiny coffee counter on Broad Street.
Shopping in town
The shopping in town is to die for! You'll be sure to find a great outfit, unique piece of art, or a one of a kind piece that'll always bring back memories of Nantucket.
'Sconset Bluff Walk
An only-on-Nantucket experience, the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk is a public walking path that takes you from the village of Siasconset almost all the way out to Sankaty Lighthouse through the backyards of some of the island’s most exquisite homes. To get to the start of the walk, turn right after 21 Front Street and make a quick left.
Brant Point Lighthouse
The closest lighthouse to town and a great spot to catch both sunrise and sunset. Grab an ice cream cone from Juice Bar and walk down to the lighthouse to dip your toes in the water and wave to passing ferries.
First Congregational Church Nantucket
Climb 92 steps to the steeple of the First Congregational Church in town for phenomenal views of the harbor and beyond. Check the sign out front for open days/times at the beginning of your visit as they change frequently and make a $5 donation at the door.
The Juice Bar
The best ice cream on Nantucket! The line often stretches around the block, but the smell of homemade waffle cones is always enough to keep me waiting.
Nantucket Bike Shop
Head to Nantucket Bike Shop on Broad Street and rent a bike or Vespa for the day. The island has incredible bike paths leading out of town to Surfside Beach and all the way to ‘Sconset, but it’s also fun to rent a Vespa and cruise over the cobblestones more comfortably.
Endeavor Sailing Excursions
Book a spot on one of the four daily departures or rent out the boat for a 90-minute private charter with family and friends. Bring your own food and beverages and say hi to Captain Jim!
Nantucket By Water
A one-hour cruise around the harbor complete with ice cream sandwiches for the ride.
Just Do It Too
Take a 2.5 hour fishing excursion aboard the Just Do It Too with Captain Marc to cruise out of the harbor in search of bass and bluefish. A fun afternoon whether you love to fish or simply want to enjoy the ocean views!
Paddle Nantucket
If you want a challenging workout combined with an insanely relaxing experience on the water, book a stand up paddleboard yoga class through Paddle Nantucket. An instructor will guide you through paddling out onto the water, doing a series of yoga poses on the floating boards, and ending the class in the most peaceful shavasana with your fingertips in the water.
Whaling Museum
Spend an afternoon at the Whaling Museum in town to learn about the history of Nantucket. Bonus: you’ll be just across the street from an ice cream cone at Juice Bar!
Nantucket Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, an affiliate of Egan Maritime Institute, is dedicated to honoring Nantucket's history of shipwrecks, lifesaving, and rescuers.