Nantucket is a rugged little island located 30 miles off the south coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It’s a quintessential example of a seaside town complete with a ferry, lighthouses, and a maritime history dating back 400 years.

Once known as the “Whaling Capital of the World,” Nantucket has since experienced a revival as one of the most popular summer destinations in New England. The captains and traders and their travels still influence Nantucket today, between the historic architecture of the town and the cosmopolitan attitudes and styles the island’s establishments enshrine.

Nantucket translates into “The Faraway Land” from the Wampanoag language. Travel here, and you’ll feel like you’re worlds away from life back on the mainland. In Nantucket, lazy days are spent biking down cobblestone streets, paddleboarding in the Atlantic Ocean, and dining on fresh seafood in farm-to-table restaurants.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Nantucket for you. Stick to these fun, historical, and unique Nantucket bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous Massachusetts island!

15 cool and unique things to do in Nantucket, Massachusetts

1. Visit the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge encompasses hundreds of acres of dunes, woodlands, and a remote barrier beach on the island’s east side. A trip out here is one of the coolest things to do in Nantucket if you want to experience the island’s wild side and have the chance to see the picture-perfect Great Point Lighthouse.

This wildlife refuge is home to the largest red cedar savannah in New England and a beautiful oak forest. You can explore over 16 miles of sandy roadways, serene walking paths, and coastal trails. In the forests, you’ll find deer and coastal flora, and along the beach, look out for horseshoe crabs, seals, and shorebirds!

Great Point is located at the northeastern tip of the refuge. Here, you’ll find the Great Point Lighthouse, which was first built in 1784 (and later rebuilt as a replica in 1986). 

You’ll need to rent a 4×4 vehicle and get an over-sand vehicle permit to drive here. Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can tackle the sandy 7-mile hike to reach this iconic lighthouse. Either way you go, you may even be able to take a tour inside, depending on when you visit.

Getting to the refuge is an adventure in itself. Hiking over the sands from the Wauwinet Gatehouse is a popular choice. Just make sure you’re properly kitted out with insect repellant and water.

2. Get a splash of Nantucket history at the Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum is easily one of the most iconic Nantucket attractions. As the former “whaling capital of the world,” Nantucket has a rich maritime history to share with visitors. Peruse the museum, and you’ll find more than a thousand works of art, treasures, and artifacts spanning four centuries.

The museum’s showpiece is a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. Nine galleries containing permanent and rotating exhibitions, a massive Fresnel lens (also known as a lighthouse light), and a restored 1847 candle factory will give you plenty to see on your visit.

You’ll also find rare scrimshaw (image-engraved ivory), an exhibition dedicated to Moby-Dick, and the world’s only original whale-oil level press. Kids will enjoy the Discovery Center, which is full of interactive activities, crafts, games, and movies designed for families.

Tucker’s Roofwalk, a rooftop deck, offers amazing views of the Nantucket Harbor. From here, you can look out over the island with a new appreciation of the industry that made Nantucket the idyllic coastal town it is today!

3. Enjoy fresh seafood with an Asian twist at The

The Nautilus has been serving up fresh New England seafood with a unique twist since 2014. From the Asian flavors and styles that flip between street food and gourmet to the Spanish-style tapas plates and the far-ranging influences, you’ll find there’s no other place quite like this on the island.

Everything on the menu is amazing. A few standouts include the Blue Crab Fried Rice, Tempura East Coast Oyster Tacos, and Thai Lobster Curry. You can expect interesting textures, bright accents, and rich sauces mingling together in each memorable dish.

Expect a drink selection that puts sake right next to wine and spirits from regions all over the world. The cocktails are a mix of new creations and re-creations with seasonal and regional inspirations. Whichever one you choose, everything is selected to pair perfectly with the food.

The vibe is inspired by Jules Verne and his classic novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It’s nautical (without the kitsch), fun, and a little bit moody. If you want to dine at this popular hole-in-the-wall, plan ahead. Reservations are open seven days in advance and get booked up fast!

4. Photograph Picture-Perfect Brant Point Lighthouse

Brant Point Lighthouse was first built in 1746 before the United States became an independent country. One of the most famous Nantucket attractions, this postcard-perfect locale is a must-see. 

It’s the ideal place to take some photos, have a picnic, and enjoy the harbor views. Plus, it’s located a stone’s throw from Nantucket Town, so it’s super easy to get to.

The lighthouse is an iconic and fascinating part of Nantucket’s maritime history. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, Brant Point Lighthouse is still operational, but it’s now automated.

The structure has a tendency to catch fire due to the wooden construction and has been rebuilt nine times. Still, this is the second-oldest lighthouse in America, right after the Boston Lighthouse.

You’ll usually find people fishing out on Brant Point and wooden sailboats anchored just off shore. Explore the area, and you’ll see that the beaches of Brant Point are well worth a visit in their own right. It’s a great way to while away an hour or two before heading off on your next Nantucket adventure!

5. Explore the island on Nantucket’s bike trails

A lesser-known part of Nantucket is the 35 miles of multi-use pathways that run across the island. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Nantucket, these paths will take you through downtown all the way to Sconset in the east and every beach in between.

Bike rentals are complimentary at many of Nantucket’s hotels, and there are plenty of rental shops downtown. It’s the perfect way to get around this tiny island, and you’ll be glad to know that you can get most anywhere you want to go on two wheels.

Notable trails include the Milestone Cranberry Bogs Trail, a sandy trail that offers great views of the cranberry farms on the island. In autumn, these bogs turn bright red with the harvest! For a longer ride with water views, go up the Triple Crown. This 15-mile route will take you past Nantucket Harbor, Nantucket Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean.

You could make your way to Sconset on the eastern side of the island or to Surfside Beach in the south, to name a few bikeable locations. In case you set out but don’t want to pedal back home, all public buses on Nantucket come equipped with bike racks.

6. Dine on Eclectic Locally Sourced Fare at Sister Ship

Indisputably one of the coolest things to do in Nantucket, Sister Ship is a restaurant, cafe, and cocktail club set in the Faraway Hotel. Expect New England fare with Mediterranean influences and a unique vibe that’s not to be missed.

Sister Ship’s concept was inspired by Susan R. Bloomfield, a pioneering female sea captain in the 1800s. The result: globally-inspired fare with an eccentric spirit!

Expect local ingredients and New England seafood. The carefully edited menu is seasonal, and while the seafood is always good, the real star of the show at Sister Ship is the veggies, which are always farm-fresh and artfully arranged.

Go big with a few cocktails, and you won’t be disappointed. The selection is interesting and original, and you won’t find these drinks elsewhere on the island. Local beer, sake, and an impressive wine selection round out the drinks menu.

7. Catch some waves at Surfside Beach

There’s a reason a trip to Surfside Beach is one of the most fun Nantucket activities. This wide, flat beach features rolling surf over sandbars. With moderate waves, it’s suitable for surfers and boogeyboarders alike, with plenty of real estate for everyone else.

Pick up a game of beach volleyball, or just set down your chair, umbrellas, and towels and finish up that beach read you’ve had on your list all summer! At Surfside Beach, you’ll find soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of amenities. It’s pristine, and best of all, everyone is welcome – including your furry family members.

It’s easy to grab lunch nearby, and restrooms are easily accessible. All these factors make Surfside the quintessential hangout beach.

If you’re looking for something even more family-friendly, Children’s Beach is aptly named – it’s guarded, quiet, and full of kid’s amenities. Or, if you’re interested in bigger waves, consider Cisco Beach or Ladies Beach.

8. See the stars at Loines Observatory

The two domes of Loines Observatory serve as an active research site as well as a venue for public astronomical programs. This is one of the most unique things to do in Nantucket and well worth a visit if you’re here in early fall.

The Loines Observatory is operated by the Maria Mitchell Association. Maria Mitchell was America’s first professional female astronomer, and the association continues her legacy of scientific achievement.

You won’t want to miss the public stargazing nights in September and October. You’ll have the chance to view the stars through an 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor and a 24-inch research telescope.

Scientists are onsite to answer questions and give advice during these open houses. You’ll be able to get amazing views of Jupiter, Saturn, the craters on the moon, the celestial bodies in the Milky Way, and so much more.
Located a mile from the heart of Nantucket Town, the observatory is easy to get to on foot or by bicycle, but you can also take a cab to avoid stumbling on the cobblestone streets at night!

9. Bring home coastal charm from Nantucket’s local boutiques

Charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a sea breeze will accompany your shopping trip in downtown Nantucket. You’ll find home decor, apparel, artwork, and antiques here, all ready to find a new home with you.

For unique accessories with a dose of island chic, check out D. Dream and Nantucket Chic. Natural pearls, beach glass, and seashells are the aesthetic – but with an artful, minimalist approach.

Art collectors should look out for Ireland Galleries. The mosaic art and sculpture represent Nantucket with a unique brightness and a fresh idea of what nautical means.

You can find iconic Nantucket lightship baskets at Brown Basket Gallery. Pieces are made to order, so you know yours will be unique!

For quintessentially Nantucket home decor, make sure to check out Freedman’s of Nantucket. You’ll find clocks with hand-printed glass faces, carved boxes, and unique light fixtures to bring home.

Upscale home goods can be found at Bodega, which both embodies the coastal aesthetic and gives it a new twist. The showroom itself is a great source of design inspiration and is brimming with vintage and new items perfect for design aficionados.

10. Groove to live music at Brotherhood of Thieves

It’s no wonder Brotherhood of Thieves is a local institution – with four very different concepts, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Nantucket, look no further.

Brotherhood of Thieves itself is a historic Whaling Bar and Tavern with roots dating back to 1840, and you’ll find old-school New England fare and classic drinks at this raucous establishment. Meanwhile, Notch Whiskey Bar is an upscale, speakeasy-esque experience that features Notch, which is an acclaimed small-batch whiskey and a product of Nantucket’s own local distillery.

At Cisco Kitchen & Bar, you’ll find a quintessential surfer’s bar. Sushi, nachos, and burgers all come together to create a beach menu with live music every night.

Finally, if all that structure seems less than appealing to you, just head to the beer garden. You’ll find pub fare and plenty of brews (local and not) in an ultra-casual, yet somehow secret, location.

11. Day trip to the charming village of Sconset

On Nantucket’s east end, you’ll find the quaint Siasconset Village, affectionately nicknamed “Sconset” by the locals. This tiny fishing village is a beautiful time capsule – rife with historic architecture and vintage signage.

In town, you’ll find rose-covered cottages adorned with quarter board signs and nautical decor. Many of the buildings date back to the 1800s – and they’re original. It’s an amazing place to stroll around and take in the bucolic charm.

You’ll also find a quiet beach populated by seals right by the village. It’s definitely worth a look if you have a hankering to dip your toes into the ocean.

The Sconset Bluff Walk is one of the most popular things to do in Nantucket, and it’s the best way to experience this quaint seaside village. Starting at Front Street, you’ll go past shingle-style cottages with immaculate landscaping and spectacular ocean views from the bluff.

Getting to Sconset is easy. It’s a 20-minute drive or a 45-minute bike ride from downtown Nantucket. We recommend biking to fully appreciate the scenery. Plus, if you go during the height of summer, the roses are in full bloom!

12. Explore Nantucket’s essential historic sites

Nantucket has a rich history, all of which shows in its unique architecture and well-preserved historic sites. You’ll find buildings that date back to the 1600s, which have somehow withstood sea storms and drastic changes to the island’s industry.

These monuments are a testament to the mettle of Nantucket’s early settlers. Beginning with the Oldest House, which was built in 1686 and is a tribute to the island’s own Romeo and Juliet story with the heirs of warring houses coming together in marriage.

Hadwen House is a Greek Revival mansion that formerly housed a whaling merchant at the peak of Nantucket’s whaling industry. It’s a monument to the island’s maritime prosperity and now operates as a house museum, accepting guests and displaying various exhibitions.

Overlooking Nantucket Town, the Old Mill is one of the top things to see in Nantucket. It’s the oldest functioning mill in the country and was built in 1746 by a Nantucket sailor who took inspiration from his travels in Holland.

13. Sip local brews at Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers is a local operation committed to bottling Nantucket’s unique energy. Cisco has been called “the happiest place on Earth,” and, well, who wouldn’t want a pint of that? If you’re looking for cool things to do in Nantucket, be sure to stop by this local favorite.

Good vibes are the name of the game here. The brand’s brewpubs now dot the New England landscape, but Cisco Brewers began right by a Nantucket beach.

This rustic brewery is just down the street from Cisco Beach and is well-known as the best on the island. Between the unique brews, variety of food trucks, and fresh seafood available, it’s the perfect surfer’s bar.

Cisco Brewers brews up a variety of beers, including IPAs, wheat ales, and goldens. Look out for seasonal specials like their Pumple Drumkin Pumpkin Ale in the fall or Summer Rays Golden Ale in the summer. You can also choose from four different Hard Teas for a new take on this classic New England drink.

14. Visit the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

Nantucket’s history of shipwrecks, lifesaving, and rescue is all on display at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. The grounds are open to the public year-round and are located on one of the most scenic parts of the island.

A visit here is a great way to immerse yourself in Nantucket’s origin stories in a way no other destination on the island can. Beautifully restored relics and impeccably researched exhibits set this experience apart.

Museum talks and tours are offered with admission, and we’d recommend taking advantage if you can. A personalized touch will change how you receive the stories the museum contains, and the Collections team offers in-depth talks on many of the exhibitions.

Situated at the edge of Folger’s Marsh, this is also the perfect place to enjoy a waterfront picnic, bask in the view, and watch the birds in the early afternoon.

15. Rejuvenate the mind and body at White Elephant Spa

Nantucket’s premier spa is located right on the harbor at the White Elephant resort. Rest and relax in the best environment possible with a range of pampering treatments and amenities. 

The White Elephant Spa by Darya uses only organic ingredients in its treatments and offers a number of innovative specials: the Jessner Peel combats sun damage, the Nano Needling Facial will leave you rejuvenated, and the Hot Stone Massage will soothe your aching muscles after a long day.

You’ll have a full buffet of massages to choose from, including a couples massage for a special occasion. Once you’re feeling relaxed, treat your skin to a Detoxifying Algae Wrap or Detoxifying Salt Polish and leave feeling brand new!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Nantucket. What’s your favorite thing to do in Nantucket?

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