Updated on by Lohanna Reis
Nantucket is a small but charming island located 30 miles south of the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Also known as the “Little Gray Lady of the Sea,” the island has been declared a National Historic District and features some of the most beautiful beaches, vast preserved lands, unique sights, and experiences.
It boasts a wide variety of beautiful vacation homes, cottages, villas, and other residences that visitors can rent throughout the summer season in Nantucket or just for a week or a few days.
Although the island is only about 3.5 miles wide and 14 miles long, it is home to over 700 historic buildings, including three of the oldest lighthouses in the country. It is also a place where you can enjoy some of the country’s most delicious seafood and delicacies and engage in all kinds of water sports and activities.
If you want to see and experience the best of Nantucket, add these ten places to your vacation plans.
1. Whale Museum
This museum has been voted the best spot on Nantucket for years. The unique museum is housed in a 1846 building that used to be a whale oil candle factory. It is located in the heart of the historic downtown. It displays thousands of artifacts and exhibits from the glorious years when the island was known as the world capital of whale hunting.
Some of the most impressive pieces of the museum include a giant sperm whale skeleton and the first Fresnel lens in the US, which was first used at the Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
The museum includes various handmade items, including scrimshaw, lighthouse baskets, art, and portraits from the whaling years.
You can learn more about the captain and crew of the whaling ship Essex that inspired famous American novels like “Moby-Dick” and “In the Heart of the Sea.”
The museum has another unique feature – an accessible lookout on its roof where you can admire and take photos of the panoramic view of the town, Nantucket Sound, and the harbor.
2. ‘Sconset Bluff Walk
This short path through the village of Siasconset, called Sconset for short, is one of the most beautiful walks in the country.
It is only one and a half miles long and covered in white shells. The path will take you past the famous historic gravel-style houses, adorned with climbing roses and surrounded by well-kept gardens of the small village.
The path also offers some of the most stunning ocean views from the cliffs on the east coast of Nantucket.
You can walk to the top of the cliffs and then head to Siasconset Beach and the nearby historic Sankaty Lighthouse.
3. Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewers is more than just a local brewery. It was named “the happiest place on Earth” in a 2017 Men’s Health article.
The company comprises the local craft brewery, Nantucket Vineyard, and Triple Eight Distillery. Therefore, there is a drink of choice for every taste.
Most importantly, it is a favorite meeting spot for locals, millionaires, and ordinary tourists and is much more casual than many of the island’s upscale restaurants and bars. It is also suitable for children and dogs.
The venue has a large beer garden with plenty of tables and benches. There are three bars and several food trucks on-site where you can order the finest drinks, blends, seafood, and other local delicacies.
Live music is played every day during the summer.
Furthermore, you can sign up for some fun tasting tours at the brewery, vineyard, and distillery and buy some unique local drinks like Grey Lady Wheat Ale, Whale’s Tale Pale Ale, or any other local spirits, beers, and wines as souvenirs and gifts from your vacation in Nantucket.
4. Brant Point Light
Brant Point Light is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the US and has been guiding ships, boats, and other vessels and saving sailors’ lives for over 270 years.
It is the first structure that welcomes those arriving by ferry and by sea to the port of Nantucket.
The lighthouse, built in 1746, has been destroyed and rebuilt ten times over the years. The current tower is from 1901.
Brant Point Light is famous for being adorned with a large daffodil crown in April, when the Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival is held. At Christmas, the lighthouse sports a beautiful Christmas wreath, and on the 4th of July, the tower is decked out with the American flag.
One local legend claims that when leaving the island and passing by the lighthouse, you should throw two cents if you want to make a wish and want to safely return to Nantucket someday.
5. Steps Beach
Steps Beach is less famous, crowded, and noisy than some of Nantucket’s popular beaches like Jetties, Cisco, Surfside, or Nobadeer.
This beach is considered a “hidden gem” even though it is
located between the popular Jetties and Dionis beaches on the Nantucket Sound coast, north of the town.
The only way to reach it is by a narrow, steep wooden staircase, making access difficult and therefore less popular.
The beach itself is beautiful, the water is warmer, and it has gentle waves.
But the panoramic view from the top of the stairs makes Steps Beach especially special and one of the highest-rated spots on the island.
You can admire the fantastic view of the harbor, boats and yachts, Nantucket Sound, and the lush green coastal plants from the top of the cliff above Steps Beach.
6. Jetties Beach
Jetties is one of Nantucket’s most popular beaches due to its proximity to the town, its amenities, and the fact that it is on the warmer, shallow, calm Nantucket Sound coast.
There are lifeguards all summer, as well as a playground, tennis court, skate park, beach volleyball nets, bathrooms, pavilion, and beachside restaurant.
You can walk to Jetties Beach in just 10 minutes from town and spend the whole day resting, swimming, looking for sea glass and shells, and engaging in your favorite beach activities.
The beachside restaurant and bar offer delicious fresh oysters, lobster rolls, snacks, full meals, and amazing cocktails and drinks that you can enjoy at tables and bars directly on the sand.
7. The Juice Bar
The Juice Bar at 12 Broad Street has been selling the best homemade ice creams, smoothies, juices, and pastries to island residents and visitors for over 45 years.
Despite being a small store, you are likely to have to wait in a very long line if you want to buy a delicious ice cream at the Juice Bar, especially in the height of summer.
The restaurant offers over 40 different creamy ice cream flavors and healthier options like sorbet, yogurt, and low-fat ice cream. Everything, including mouth-watering waffle cones, is made at the Juice Bar.
You can also order various refreshing juices, smoothies, other specialties, unique homemade ice cream cakes, and pies in this store.
8. Nantucket Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum
This museum may not be as large and famous as the Whale Museum, but it is definitely worth a visit.
The Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum, located 3.5 miles from town