The Nantucket Travel Guide
July 18th, 2024
Nantucket is an island off of Cape Cod, MA and epitomizes the idyllic summer New England town. While known to many for an amazing restaurant scene, unique boutique shopping and shingled houses surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and manicured hedges, we love the fog-covered "Grey Lady" for her natural beauty and all of the activities she has to offer. Here is our bucket list and guide from 30+ years of summer, fall and holidays on island.
Hit up Cisco Brewery for an afternoon of live music, food, and drinks.
Bike to Sconset Beach and do the iconic Bluff Walk to Sankaty Lighthouse.
Enjoy a beach day with lunch from Something Natural (don’t skip the herb bread). Stay until sunset!
Explore local boutiques and treat yourself to a frappe at the Pharmacy.
Walk or run the nature preserve at Tupancy Links or Sanford Farm. Off-road at Great Point!
The Nantucket Look
Classic, laid-back, and effortless. Choose a blue and white color palette with subtle pops of red—very Americana cool.
Where to Stay
White Elephant Nantucket
An island landmark, the iconic White Elephant has been named among the finest luxury hotels on Nantucket Island for decades. Edging the harbor, White Elephant is steps from Children's Beach, the Brant Point Lighthouse, and Nantucket Town.
Wauwinet
A blend of charm and sophistication, The Wauwinet is a seaside refuge with breathtaking views, historic architecture, and luxury amenities for the perfect hotel stay on Nantucket Island. As Nantucket's only member of Relais & Châteaux hotels, this historic inn is known worldwide for its outstanding cuisine, and accommodations.
Greydon House
Come experience this exquisite boutique hotel in Nantucket’s downtown historic district with 20 uniquely appointed luxurious rooms and suites and an internationally inspired and very lively bar and restaurant. Greydon House weaves the warmth and comfort of a village inn with the many eclectic and worldly touches for today’s generation of sophisticated travelers.
Faraway
Inspired by the maritime adventures of a captain, Faraway offers a guest room experience with light, airy, and coastal details. Complete with objets d'art, unique textiles, and cherished treasures, a whole Grey Lady-esque story unfolds within the walls of the hotels classic 200-year-old New England architecture.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
The Downyflake
An institution, The Downyflake has a diner vibe and "to-die-for" doughnuts. We love the simple plain flavor.
Black-Eyed Susans
A charming cafe in town with great omelettes, pancakes, and classic breakfast options.
Born & Bread
This is our go-to for freshly baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
Lemon Press
Starting your day off here means starting your day right with healthy eats and a yummy cup of coffee or matcha. We especially love the energizing smoothies. Get the TB12!
Lunch
Provisions
A mainstay since 1973, this is the spot for delicious sandwiches reminiscent of seaside summers. Bonus: they have gluten free bread!
Bartlett's
Bartlett's Farm is Nantucket's oldest and largest family-owned farm offering fresh locally grown vegetables, groceries, flowers & plants. We love their chicken and lobster salads.
The Green Market
This is your one-stop store for a wide range of easy and healthy takeout options.
The Soda Fountain
This old-school 1929 soda fountain serves the best grilled cheeses, bringing you right back to your favorite childhood days.
Cru Oyster Bar
Located in an iconic spot on the water where many boats dock, Cru has great oysters, seafood towers, drinks and ambiance. Spend a day shopping and end up here, and also come back for a great nightlife scene.
Bar Yoshi
For great sushi and poke bowls, put your name down here and shop around while you wait for your table or your takeout.
Something Natural
A bakery and sandwich shop, this is our favorite place to pick up sandwiches made on the must-have herb bread baked daily in house.
Claudette's Sandwich Shop
In the town of Sconset, this sandwich shop makes a special sauce we can't resist. Stop for lunch and walk the bluff after biking out via the Polpis bike path.
Dinner
American Seasons
An island favorite, chef Neil Ferguson brings 25 years of Paris, London and New York City experience to Nantucket. Focusing on seasonal, local and thoughtfully prepared ingredients, the menu is always changing and incredibly tasty. Enjoy dinner in a charming yet rustic, farm decor setting.
Galley Beach
Quintessential Nantucket, Galley Beach restaurant offers an exceptional (although very expensive!) American menu surrounded by walls of windows and views of the ocean.
Chanticleer
Originally opened as a small tea house at the turn of the century, The Chanticleer is now one of the premier restaurants on Nantucket.
Oran Mor
A Nantucket restaurant on the second floor of a historic, charming house, Oran Mor celebrates the island's finest seasonal dishes, handcrafted cocktails and select wines.
Topper's at The Wauwinet
This is one of our favorite elegant spots with upscale East Coast fare and lots of wine options.
Straight Wharf
We love coming here for classic coastal dishes with a water view.
Le Languedoc Bistro
Always inviting anytime of year, this French-influenced spot has both a changing menu and classic staples. Get a delicious burger at a good price!
Dune
Modern chic meets casual comfort. Classic, fresh, and charming, Dune is in the heart of historic Nantucket. You'll feel like you can eat there every night! We love the swordfish dish.
Lola41
A chic hot spot with a global menu featuring sushi, cocktails & gourmet burgers. We recommend the tuna burger and truffle fries if you aren't in to sushi.
The Nautilus
A rustic local hot spot, The Nautilus serves inventive cocktails and global seafood-centric dishes.
Sister Ship
Inspired by travels around the Mediterranean, Sister Ship has a lively bar, private dining rooms, and great seafood dishes. We love sitting outside for cocktails or dinner in the coastal-inspired courtyard.
Sconset Cafe
This quaint shingle restaurant is available for dining in and taking out, and is a great casual option for classic summer dishes.
Family-Friendly Spots
Millie's
Located in Madaket, Millie's is a great spot to watch the sunset on the second floor while sipping on margaritas and eating fish tacos, steak quesadillas or blackened salmon salad. We go here often, as it's a delicious and laid-back spot for families and ideal for spotting Tuckernuck Island.
Sandbar Jetties Beach
Sandbar at Jetties Beach offers the quintessential beachfront Nantucket experience — with a spacious, open-air restaurant and bar and plentiful seating in the surrounding sand. Enjoy a fresh raw bar, delicious burgers, sandwiches, and seafood.
167 Raw
A great post-beach spot to sit outside with fish tacos, fried oysters, or lobster rolls. You can also buy wine and fresh fish to grill at home!
Steamboat Pizza
This is takeout only, so grab pizza pies here and have a picnic on the beach. We recommend Children's Beach, which often has concerts!
Where to Go Out
The Gaslight
This spot has a great atmosphere with live music. This is also a great dinner spot, so go on the earlier side for a great menu.
The Chicken Box
This is a classic, unfussy go-to spot with regular live music and games in the back.
Club Car
Stop by this retrofitted railway car with a lively bar.
Back Bar at Ventuno
This is the hip little sister of Ventuno restaurant, and the best spot to sip Italian wines.
Where to Shop
Our Must-Visits
Murray's Toggery
The most iconic shop on the island, Murray's is a family-owned clothing store that has been open since 1945. Home of the original Nantucket Reds and many exclusive designs with Nantucket icons, this is where we recommend you buy something to remember your stay on the Grey Lady
Nantucket Looms
Since 1968, Nantucket Looms has offered handmade throws, handwoven gifts, artisanal goods, home decor, and artwork.
Nantucket Bookworks
This charming and quaint bookstore has been an island institution since 1972.
Atlantic
The Atlantic offers an assortment of art, antiques, accessories, apparel and jewelry. With an attention to artistry and craftsmanship, the owner Colleen is an exceptional curator.
Our Fashion Friends
Milly & Grace
A quaint, upscale boutique selling womens clothing from brands like Rebecca Taylor and Joie, Milly & Grace is owned by two sisters who are absolutely lovely. From cashmere ruanas, to jewelry, home decor & gifts, you'll be sure to find something you love.
The Skinny Dip
The Skinny Dip on Nantucket is a collective concept store housing a well-Âcurated mix of mens, womens and lifestyle brands, with a focus on introducing fresh and new designers from around the country.
Eye of the Needle
This boutique has been around for more than 40 years, and remains a go-to for fun and seasonal clothing.
Serenella 44
Serenella 44 is the owners concept store and second location. It is a shopping destination for its modern, on-trend, and always high-quality styles.
Gypsy
This boutique curates high-end brands and luxury finds.
Clorinda Antinori
Treat yourself to any of these pairs of beautifully handmade Italian shoes. You won’t regret it!
Current Vintage
This is a hidden gem for one-of-a-kind wine, cheese, gifts, and even vintage clothing.
Erica Wilson
Her famed needlework and fashion collections for women of all ages make Erica Wilson Nantucket an important destination for islanders and visitors alike. Featuring contemporary apparel brands and unique accessories, her style is laid back chic with an eclectic twist.
Home Away from Home
Centre Point
Centre Point offers a fresh perspective on coastal chic living, with a collection of home goods, jewelry, gifts, and artwork. This is the perfect destination to find a little piece of Nantucket to bring home.
Nomad
This curated collection of textiles and home goods was born out of a love of travel and is sourced from around the world. If you're looking for something truly unique, this is the place to go.
Bodega
Blending timeless and trendy, Bodega is a frequent destination for the design savvy, searching for rare items that are both new and vintage.
Rafael Osana Auctions
This family-owned, full service auction house holds exceptional decorative and fine arts in every category. Conducting several auctions every year, it is an industry leader in Nantucket and maritime materials.
Tots and Toys
Force5 Water Sports
This is a one-stop shop for all of your beach needs, from surfboards to bathing suits and flip flops.
Sunken Ship
Go here for your yearly beach toy run!
Assemble
Blending comfort, style, and eco-friendly materials, Assemble is the place for your tot’s next favorite outfit. Carefully curated for newborns and toddlers (and something for mom as well!), their mission is clear: to provide the best pieces for your little one and the planet.'
Pinwheels
A charming childrens store on the island, Pinwheels offers clothing, toys and accessories.
More Nantucket Must-Dos
Final activities to make the most of your trip.
1. Stop at The Juice Bar and get a green monster cone.
2. Bike to Sconset Village and get the can’t-miss crumb cake at the market.
3. Book a boat ride! Try Shearwater Excursions for a cocktail cruise, or a morning Critter Cruise with kids.
4. Visit Altar Rock. Walk or drive there for 360-degree views of Nantucket!
5. Go to The Whaling Museum. It’s the ideal rainy day activity.