Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Nantucket, MA

Summary of Key Attractions in Nantucket:

Thirty miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is an island that evokes numerous associations, ranging from affluence to maritime tragedies.

For many years, up until the mid-19th century, this island was the whaling capital of the world, driven by the demand for the vividly burning and nearly odorless wax derived from the head case of sperm whales.

The misfortune that inspired Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick (1851) was the ill-fated journey of the Nantucket-based whaling vessel, Essex.

Present-day Nantucket is recognized as a sophisticated, upscale retreat characterized by a laid-back atmosphere, featuring breathtaking beaches, iconic lighthouses, and a town center rich in maritime history.

Moreover, few places in the United States offer the same opportunity for exploration by bicycle, as the island is equipped with paved paths running parallel to all major routes.

1. Whaling Museum

The whaling industry of Nantucket is comprehensively documented in this premier museum, detailing its origins, zenith, and eventual decline.

A component of the museum is a 19th-century Greek Revival edifice, once utilized for the extraction of whale oil and wax.

Among the captivating displays, visitors can observe the world’s only remaining original whale-oil press in its original location, showcasing these historical processes.

Additionally, a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, an extensive collection of scrimshaw, and various other maritime curiosities from centuries past can be found throughout the exhibits.

Dramatic narratives from the whaling era illustrate the perils encountered during these extended expeditions, and the connection to Nantucket’s Melville legacy and the sinking of the whaling ship Essex after a confrontation with a sperm whale in 1820 can be explored.

2. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Discover Nantucket’s untamed beauty along these two lengthy sandy peninsulas that converge at the island’s northernmost point at Great Point.

This remarkable coastal region is preserved by various conservation initiatives, with the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge spanning 1,117 acres, overseen by the Trustees of Reservations.

Visitors can witness expansive maritime dunes, wind-shaped maritime oaks, and The Cedars, which represents the largest red cedar savannah woodland in New England.

One of the noteworthy sites here is Great Point, home to numerous gray and harbor seals that hunt in the riptide.

Great Point Lighthouse, the most powerful in New England, is also located here and has a lineage of lights established since 1784.

3. Biking

Nantucket is widely regarded as one of the most bicycle-friendly destinations in the United States, contributing to the island’s unique lifestyle.

This characteristic is facilitated by a network of shared-use paths along all principal routes, enabling access to beaches, attractions, and stunning natural landscapes efficiently.

While you can bring your own bicycle from the mainland, rental facilities are conveniently available at the Steamship Authority ferry dock.

Certain regulations should be reviewed prior to your departure, and checking the Town & County of Nantucket website is advisable.

4. Brant Point Lighthouse

Brant Point has served as a navigational aid since 1746, guiding ships into Nantucket Harbor.

The initial Brant Point Light was the second lighthouse constructed in Colonial America, but it was consumed by fire after just over a decade.

The current lighthouse, 26 feet in height and adorned with wooden shingles, is the ninth of its kind on this site and was built in 1901. A trip from downtown to this iconic symbol of the island is highly recommended.

An elevated walkway leads from the coastguard station over the sandy beach, providing picturesque views of the harbor and Nantucket’s skyline.

5. Sankaty Head Light

Located at the island’s eastern tip, the functioning Sankaty Head Light was constructed in 1850 and was among the first beacons in the United States to utilize a Fresnel lens.

This original lens can be found at the Nantucket Whaling Museum, while the lighthouse was relocated 400 feet inland in 2007 due to coastal erosion.

Adorned with a prominent red stripe against a backdrop of grassland, this lighthouse is one of the island’s most iconic sights.

Regardless of whether you visit early for a sunrise over the Atlantic or later to enjoy golden hour, this spot is splendid for photography enthusiasts.

6. Downtown Nantucket

Since the 1950s, the Nantucket Historic District Commission has imposed strict guidelines to maintain the island’s distinctive architectural character, resulting in a cohesive aesthetic in the downtown area.

Visitors can explore cobblestone streets lined with traditional Nantucket houses, modest lean-tos, and grandiose mansions from the whaling era.

The Great Fire of 1846, which consumed 40 acres of the center and was instigated by flammable whale oil, further contributes to the historic uniformity.

The reconstruction period occurred just as Nantucket’s whaling industry was declining, leaving lower Main Street adorned with enduring examples of Greek Revival commercial architecture, particularly between Federal and Centre Streets.

7. Siasconset Beach

Located on the eastern part of the island, Siasconset Beach is among Nantucket’s more rugged beach destinations. The surf here can be vigorous, and the beach descends steeply from the shore.

While this may not be the most suitable location for inexperienced swimmers, the expansive sandy area and lack of tall dunes still render it a delightful spot.

During peak season, lifeguards are present, along with conveniences such as a snack bar and restroom facilities.

A wall of towering bluffs lies just inland, and from Siasconset town, visitors can traverse the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk for nearly a mile, offering breathtaking ocean views.

8. Madaket Beach

For an unforgettable sunset view, Madaket Beach is the ultimate destination on Nantucket, showcasing pristine white sands at the island’s western edge.

Madaket Beach has a dynamic relationship with the elements, facing significant erosion due to robust surf, resulting in a notable drop-off between the parking lot and the beach itself.

This elevation is compensated for by a ramp during peak season, and during other times, simply enjoying the views from the parking area is satisfactory; the late-day vistas of rolling waves and sky are mesmerizing.

9. Nantucket Atheneum

Often regarded as the finest building from the post-fire restoration, the Nantucket Atheneum (1847) is designed in the Greek Revival style, featuring fluted columns and Ionic capitals on its portico.

The Atheneum originated in the 1820s from the amalgamation of the Nantucket Mechanics Social Library and the Columbian Library Society.

In 1900, it became a free public library, providing a comprehensive range of services and programs for both residents and visitors.

Additionally, the site has historical significance, having hosted an annual anti-slavery convention in the 1840s that featured abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison.

During her tenure as librarian from 1836 until the mid-1850s, pioneering astronomer Maria Mitchell played a significant role in the institution.

10. Hadwen House

A tribute to Nantucket’s whaling heritage, Hadwen House is an impressive Greek Revival mansion constructed in 1846 for William Hadwen, a merchant engaged in whaling and silver trade.

The 2½-story residence stands out with its grand Ionic portico, designed by local builder and architect Frederick Brown Coleman, showcasing a level of opulence unprecedented on the island at that time.

Since 1963, the Hadwen House has been under the stewardship of the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA), serving as a display space for several NHA collections, including lightship baskets, decorative arts, and an intriguing assortment of historical maps and nautical charts.

11. Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

Due to its unpredictable weather, hidden shoals, and treacherous currents, the waters surrounding Nantucket have claimed an extraordinary number of ships.

Over 750 shipwrecks have occurred in the area, including modern incidents such as the Argo Merchant tanker disaster in the 1970s.

This museum, located near the harbor from downtown Nantucket, chronicles the courageous efforts of local residents who dedicated their lives to saving others in these hazardous waters.

The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum features moving narratives from the United States Coast Guard, the Massachusetts Humane Society, and the US Life-Saving Service, alongside Fresnel lighthouse lenses, ship models, historic photographs, beach carts, and surfboats.

12. Jethro Coffin House (Oldest House on Sunset Hill)

Believed to be the oldest remaining residential building on Nantucket, the Jethro Coffin House was constructed in 1686.

Serving as a wedding gift for Jethro Coffin (1663–1727) and Mary Gardner (1670–1767), it represents a union of two of the island’s oldest European families, historically marked by rivalries.

Constructed with materials sourced from the Coffin estate and placed on Gardner land, the residence symbolizes the bond between these families.

The Nantucket Historical Association has preserved the Jethro Coffin House since 1923, maintaining it as a representation of 17th-century Nantucket life, complete with a kitchen garden featuring herbs and vegetables cultivated over 350 years ago.

13. Cisco Brewers

Established in 1981, Cisco Brewers is Nantucket’s sole brewery, boasting a reputation that extends far beyond the island. Cisco Brewers operates four locations on the mainland, including Boston, with its beers available in a dozen states.

A shuttle bus operates from East Chestnut and Federal Street downtown on peak weekends to facilitate visits.

Upon arrival, visitors are treated to a lively atmosphere in a spacious outdoor setting, where summer afternoons resemble a relaxed festival, featuring live music, a variety of food trucks, and a raw bar.

Flagship beers include Wandering Haze (Hazy IPA), Gripah (Grapefruit IPA), Whale’s Tale (Pale Ale), Shark Tracker (Light Lager), and Grey Lady (Wheat Ale), with Summer Rays (Golden Ale) available during the warmer months.

14. Jetties Beach

Located just a short bike ride from downtown Nantucket, this beach derives its name from the massive rock jetties that have directed ships into the harbor since their construction in 1911.

Jetties Beach’s proximity to the town center makes it a preferred venue for festivals like the renowned Boston Pops on Nantucket, Sandcastle and Sculpture Day in August, and the 4th of July fireworks.

Facing north on Nantucket Sound, Jetties Beach features calm surf and warm, shallow waters, with sandbars visible at low tide. This, combined with its accessibility, ample space, and amenities, makes it an excellent choice for families.

15. Daffodil Festival

Springtime on Nantucket is particularly delightful, especially in late April when approximately three million daffodils bloom across the island, many of which were planted by the Nantucket Garden Club since the 1970s.

To celebrate this vibrant display, the local chamber of commerce organizes a series of events during the last weekend of April.

The Daffodil Festival, which has been a tradition for approximately 50 years, features the exquisite Daffodil Flower Show at Bartlett’s Farm, with a unique theme each year.

Additionally, an antique car and motorcycle parade along Main Street culminates in a tailgate picnic in Siasconset, complemented by various family-friendly activities at Children’s Beach.