Location: Nantucket
Top Things to do in Nantucket
What to do and see in Nantucket, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Loines Observatory
2. Raven's Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
The Spirits of Nantucket Await!Join your guide and her raven on a ghost adventure. Hear tales of Nantucket's past infused with ghostly encounters that took place throughout the centuries. We will take you on a historic walk past places that contained these unexplained phenomena.You may see a curtain move, a breeze perhaps... but maybe not - a light may come on... but no one is at home - you ma
3. Nantucket Walkabout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Nantucket Walkabout is Nantucket's only year-round guided natural history hiking service. We pick you up in our air-conditioned van downtown and drive out to the trailhead. Hikers will gain a clear understanding of how the last glacier formed the island 21,000 years ago, how wildlife and plants populated Nantucket and learn about conservation efforts, and the first humans to live on the island.
4. Theatre Workshop of Nantucket
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Nantucket's public theater since 1956.
5. Nantucket Bike Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 399 reviews
Meet Nantucket Bike Tours! Our team has designed safe, memorable, guided bike experiences for all ages and abilities. Based right in town, guests can easily walk to our starting location and be fit with a comfortable bike and helmet. We will then head out on a 2-3 hour tour of the island. Our classic tours include a Town Adventure, Sunset Tour, Spin to Scionset, and the To the Brewery Tour. We also offer custom tours for special events or interests. Nantucket is best seen by bike!
6. Nantucket Atheneum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
The Nantucket Atheneum is the public library for Nantucket, Massachusetts. The institution was formed in 1834 as a private, membership organization and became a public library in 1900. The Nantucket Atheneum offers free access to millions of books, films and music as well as over 1,000 programs for all ages year round. Our iconic building, built in 1846, is located in the heart of downtown and features art and artifacts important to the island's maritime history as the center of whaling. The library also provides a free wifi signal, computer access on the second floor and a beautiful, inviting garden.
Reviewed By Cezannepainter - Walpole, United States
The Nantucket Athenaeum is a hub of local history and sponsors concerts, lectures, symposiums, classes and children's programming. And most of these are free or reasonably priced. They also team up with the Unitarian Church for events. The building itself is a landmark and you will find authentic antiques and artifacts on display. The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff is very friendly and helpful. I was on the Island for two weeks and attended a Coastal Conference and concert, both free of charge and wonderful. The small garden is a place right in town where you can stop and sit quietly with your sandwich or coffee. Of course it is also a library and those resources are accessible. Bravo to this resource!!!
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
