Location: Nantucket
Top Things to do in Nantucket
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Nantucket, Massachusetts (MA)
Windswept beaches, sand dunes, blinking lighthouses and a charming pace of life await on this 50-square mile island. The world's former top whaling port is now designated a National Historic District. Leave the car and take the shuttle or bike around. Seaside cottages, old whaling captains' mansions and historic harbors contain quaint inns, boutique stores, chowder shacks and upscale dining delights. Swim, surf or load up the tackle for Nantucket's excellent striper, bluefish and bonito fishing.
Restaurants in Nantucket
1. Long Pond Trail
2. Jetties Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
The best island beach within walking distance of town, Jetties is ideal for kids.
Reviewed By stephaniecN4784LA - New York City, United States
This is such a great low key spot for amazing seafood. Their happy hour is awesome with $1 oysters, you can't beat it. It's right on the beach so you get a great view too. The lobster roll is awesome as are the shrimp tacos and fried clams. The drinks are strong and yummy. Can't wait to go back!
3. Madaket Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Located on the south side of Nantucket, this beach is known for its rough surf.
Reviewed By TheFlyingLatvian - Newton, United States
A delightful experience, visiting Madaket Beach was a treat! Away from the tourist hordes in downtown, it is well worth the trip to the south side of the island. It's beautiful, peaceful, and there's plenty of space to relax and enjoy the booming surf. Added bonus: Millie's restaurant, bar, and market are just a short trot away, and offer all sorts of goodies and treats for beach goers.
4. Cisco Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Nantucket beach on the ocean side.
Reviewed By 673sheric - Hopkinton, United States
Absolutely gorgeous spot to view the sunset all year around. It can get crowded so get there early to ensure a beautiful viewing spot.
5. Surfside Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Oceanside Nantucket beach.
Reviewed By Joel137
We took the public bus to Surfside and it is a beautiful beach. Not sure if the wav3s are always like this, but these were enormous and beautiful to watch crashing. There were quite a few surfers attempting (not always successfully) to ride. Inviting sand, plenty of room as this is a very large beach. Great snack stand offering sandwiches, burgers, wraps, lemonade and ice cream...along with restrooms. A great day at the beach!
6. Siasconset Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Nantucket beach on the ocean side.
Reviewed By dlmaiocca - Chatham, United States
The cliff walk that takes you through the lovely homes back yards with outstanding views of the ocean! Can be muddy in some spots, so wear boots!
7. Tupancy Links Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
8. Oldest House (Jethro Coffin House) and Kitchen Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
The Oldest House on Sunset Hill, also known as the Jethro Coffin House, was built in 1686 and is believed to be the oldest residence on Nantucket still on its original site. The island’s English population at the time totaled several hundred, and the native Wampanoag outnumbered them by at least three to one. Built as a wedding gift for Jethro Coffin (1663–1727) and Mary Gardner (1670–1767), the house represents the unity of two of the island’s oldest families. Jethro was the grandson of one of the island’s original proprietors, Tristram Coffin, and Mary was the daughter of John Gardner, one of the leaders of the so-called Half-Share Revolt, in which the island’s tradesmen rallied against the wealthier full-share proprietors. Although the relationship between Gardner and Coffin was never amicable, the marriage of Mary and Jethro helped unite the families and soothe old wounds. Built on Gardner land using Coffin lumber, the house is a physical manifestation of this unity.
Reviewed By Chickadee0825 - Victoria, Canada
We had a nice walk up to the location of this house, and two tour guides met us outside (one was learning to be a guide) Amazing to see all the history that this house endured, and the story of the family that lived here.
9. Miacomet Pond
10. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Discover this ruggedly beautiful coastal environment where deer, raptors, and shorebirds play. Explore sand dunes and small coastal forests, salt marsh and tidal ponds, on 16 miles of trails and sand roads. We also offer guided over-sand vehicle tours of the refuge.
Reviewed By CarTRVLR - Carlisle, United States
However you can get there, try to go. Whether by guided tour or by self-tour, this is an always-changing, incredibly beautiful place. I've never taken a tour so can't recommend a specific one. Rent a kayak/canoe on Washington St and row over to Coatue. If you are driving yourself and are not used to driving on sand, stick to the beach routes--there's a lot of soft sand in the interior routes (and ALWAYS have your tires down to 15 psi). Stop frequently and look around. The light and the vistas are priceless. It's just an amazing place. Go to Great Point Light. Go to Coatue and just stop again.
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