Planning your Nantucket trip? Good call. I've spent entire summers here since college, and let me tell you – most guides miss half the good stuff. You won't just get recycled tourist advice here. We're covering everything from $1 oyster happy hours to secret sunset spots even some locals don't know about.
Nantucket Island what to do isn't just beaches and lighthouses (though those are great). It's about finding that perfect bakery before the crowds hit, knowing which bike trails actually have shade, and where to grab chowder without paying $20 a bowl. I learned the hard way – showed up once without reservations in August and ate peanut butter sandwiches for three days.
Must-See Attractions & Landmarks
Look, you can't skip the classics. But timing matters. Hit these wrong and you'll be elbow-deep in crowds.
Historic Downtown & Whaling Museum
Start at the Whaling Museum (13 Broad St). Open daily 10am-5pm, $23 adults. Pro tip: Go after 3pm when cruise crowds thin. The skeleton of the sperm whale alone justifies admission. Nearby, stroll the cobblestone streets – notice the cedar shingles weathered grey by sea air. Some houses have plaques dating back to the 1600s.
| Site | Location | Hours | Cost | Hot Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brant Point Lighthouse | Easton St | 24/7 (exterior) | Free | Sunrise shots = no tourists |
| Sankaty Head Light | Sconset Bluff Walk | Exterior only | Free | Combine with bluff walk |
| First Congregational Church | 62 Centre St | Tower: 10am-4pm | $5 climb | Best island view (94 steps!) |
The Old Mill (50 Prospect St) surprises people. It's a creaky 1746 windmill still grinding corn. Free to visit, open sporadically – just peek through the fence if closed. More charming than thrilling, but worth a quick stop.
Beaches Ranked by Vibe
All public beaches are free before 9am and after 5pm. Parking passes? $30/day or $150/season. Save cash by biking.
- Surfside Beach (South shore): Waves, lifeguards, snack bar. Parking lot fills by 11am. Great for teens.
- Madaket Beach (West end): Killer sunsets. Rough surf sometimes – better for walking than swimming. No facilities.
- Jetties Beach (Town-adjacent): Calm water, sand volleyball, rentals. Gets packed. Avoid weekends.
Cisco Brewers? It's fun but overrun after 2pm. Go at 11am when they open – you'll actually find seating. Their lobster roll is decent but $$$ at $34. Honestly, I prefer the food trucks.
Beyond the Brochure: Local Experiences
This is where your Nantucket Island what to do research pays off. Skip generic tours.
Hidden Trails & Pathways
The secret sauce? Footpaths connecting villages. My favorite: Sconset Bluff Walk (Cliff Rd to Ocean Ave). Unmarked entry between houses – look for the public right-of-way sign. Free, 1-mile cliffside stroll ending at Sankaty Light. Bring water – no shade.
Shellfishing licenses ($35 resident/$75 non-resident) let you rake clams at low tide. Head to Polpis Harbor – quieter than Madaket. Check tide charts religiously.
Food Like a Local (Without Going Broke)
$18 cocktails hurt. Here's where locals eat:
| Spot | What to Order | Damage | Hours | Inside Scoop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Something Natural | Portuguese bread sandwiches | $12-$16 | 7:30am-6pm | Order online to skip line |
| Proprietors Bar | Miso cod small plate | $18 | 5pm-1am | Late-night secret: half-price apps after 10pm |
| Downyflake | Donuts & cheap breakfast | $3 donuts | 6am-2pm | Cash only, closes early |
Lobster rolls? Sea Grille near Jetties does a $28 version that's meatier than the fancy spots. BYOB saves cash too.
Seasonal Strategies & Logistics
Nantucket transforms wildly by season. July 4th fireworks? Magical but hotel prices triple.
When to Visit (Honest Pros/Cons)
- June: Roses blooming in Sconset. Fewer crowds. Water's freezing though.
- August: Peak warmth (+75°F). Also peak prices and waitlists.
- September: My top pick. Warm water, empty beaches. Restaurants still open.
- Winter: Ghost town vibes. Many closures. Only for solitude seekers.
Ferries book months ahead. Steamship Authority (Hyannis port) is cheapest at $38 roundtrip walk-on. Bring a bike? $14 extra. Cars cost $400+ roundtrip – just don't. Parking is hell downtown.
Where to Stay Without Bankruptcy
Hotels average $400/night summer. Alternatives:
- HI Hostel (Western Ave): Shared bunks $55/night. Book 6+ months ahead.
- Nantucket Resort Collection: Mid-range cottages from $250/night near Surfside.
- VRBO Rentals: Sconset cottages run cheaper than town. Get one with bikes included.
Camping? Only at Miacomet Campground – basic sites $50/night. Showers cost extra. Mosquitoes love it too.
Nantucket Island What to Do: FAQs Solved
You asked – I've got real answers.
Is Nantucket walkable?
Downtown? Totally. But beaches need wheels. Uber exists but scarce. Shuttle buses cover main routes ($3/ride or $15 day pass).
Can you do Nantucket cheaply?
Possible but tough. Budget killers: food and lodging. Save by: - Taking ferry walk-on + bike rental ($60 total transport) - Picnicking from Bartlett's Farm market - Hitting free beaches/bluff walks
Best rainy day plan?
Movie theatre at 19 South Water St ($14 tickets). Or Nantucket Bookworks bookstore with fireplace cafe. Avoid the overpriced aquarium.
What NOT to do?
- Rent a car (parking costs $50/day in summer) - Wear heels on cobblestones (seen too many ankle twists) - Expect nightlife beyond pubs (last call is 12:30am) - Forget layers – weather shifts fast
Tailoring Your Trip
Your ideal Nantucket Island what to do list depends on who you're with.
Families With Kids
Jetties Beach has calm water + ice cream. EZRide bike trailers rent for kids ($25/day). Mini-golf at 12 Nobadeer Farm Rd saves sanity on crowded days.
Romantic Getaway
Book sunset sail on Endeavor Sailing ($85/person). Picnic at Sanford Farm (hidden meadow at mile 2). Galley Beach cocktails at dusk – pricey but epic views.
Solo Travelers
Bar seats at CRU make meeting locals easy. Morning walks at Coatue Wildlife Refuge (need 4WD permit). Yoga on the beach at 7am – free with hotel towel.
Look. Nantucket isn't Disneyland. Some shops close randomly. Fog rolls in for days. But when sunset hits Madaket and the sky turns sherbet colors? Worth every penny and planning headache. Just bring a sweatshirt.
Leave a Comments