Curator’s statement
Nantucket has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I spent countless summers on the island, biking and running its incredible network of trails, from the waves crashing at Cisco to the quiet calm of Dionis. My sister lived there and worked in the vibrant food scene, and one of my closest friends owned a shop in town, so the island was never just a vacation spot—it was a community. Some of my best memories are tied to those long, golden evenings in Madaket, watching the sun slip into the ocean like it had nowhere else to be. Nantucket shaped how I travel and what I look for in a place—beautiful, relaxed, and quietly unforgettable.
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Things to do in Nantucket
Beach breakdown: What each beach offers
Madaket Beach
Best for: Sunsets and solitude
Wild and windswept with strong surf—ideal for long walks and watching the sky explode.Cisco Beach
Best for: Surf, people-watching, brewery proximity
Moderate waves, lifeguards, and a fun, active vibe. Great post-beach snacks nearby.Children’s Beach
Best for: Young kids and convenience
Calm harbor waters, playground, and an easy walk from town.Dionis Beach
Best for: Calm swimming and a quiet day
Gentle surf, shallow water, and less foot traffic—great for families.Sconset Beach
Best for: Bluff walks and romantic vibes
Dramatic ocean views and wide beaches. Pair with a stroll on the Sconset Bluff Walk.Surfside Beach
Best for: Teens and classic beach day energy
Bigger waves, snack shacks, lifeguards, and full facilities.
Shopping: From classic to curated
Murray’s Toggery Shop: Home of Nantucket Reds
Serenella: High-end women’s resortwear
Current Vintage: Wine shop meets fashion boutique
CJ Laing: Chic, beachy clothing
Nantucket Looms: Cozy handmade textiles
Faherty: Elevated casual wear
Mitchell’s Book Corner: Best spot for your next beach read
Don’t miss: The Lovely: A standout women’s boutique on Washington Street with effortless, feminine pieces. Think flowy dresses, soft knits, and that perfect outfit for a Sconset stroll.
Other things to do
Whale watching: Shearwater Excursions runs six-hour tours with marine naturalists aboard. Plan ahead and bring a windbreaker.
Harbor cruises: Nantucket by Water offers everything from oyster farm tours to kids' fishing trips.
Maria Mitchell Association: Visit the aquarium, observatory, and natural science museum for a surprisingly cool look at island ecology.
Whaling Museum: A must for history lovers and kids alike.
Annual events to know
Daffodil Festival (late April): Classic cars, flower crowns, and picnic parties
Wine & Food Festival (mid-May): Big-ticket tastings and chef dinners
Nantucket Book Festival (June): Author talks and literary walks
Dance Festival (July): Professional performances and workshops
Fourth of July festivities: Water fights on Main Street, fireworks, and old-school fun
Sidewalk Art Festival (early July): Outdoor gallery magic
Rent a Jeep & hit the sand
Rent a 4x4 with a beach permit and explore:
Great Point: A true adventure out to the lighthouse. Seals, dunes, and full solitude.
Smith’s Point: Madaket's west-end beach drive. Ideal for sunset picnics and surfcasting.
Eel Point: Low-key, beautiful, and less crowded.
Don’t forget to air down your tires, check the tides, and bring bug spray. Getting stuck in the sand is not the island story you want to tell.
Places to eat & drink in Nantucket
Dining: Low to luxe
Casual favorites
Oath Pizza: Creative pies, great for families
Millie’s: Tacos and beach drinks in Madaket
167 Raw: Lobster rolls, fish tacos
Lemon Press: Healthy, stylish café
Mid-range gems
Black-Eyed Susan’s: Iconic breakfast, cash only
The Beet: Globally inspired bowls
Straight Wharf: Seafood done right
High-end highlights
The Pearl: Elevated coastal Asian, beautifully updated
Galley Beach: Fine dining with a sunset backdrop
TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet: Old-school luxe on the water
The Proprietors: Inventive, local, and warm
Best sandwich spots
Something natural: Famous for its fresh-baked bread and backyard picnic vibe. Great for grab-and-go beach lunches.
Claudette’s: A Sconset staple with the best turkey salad sandwich on the island.
Provisions: In town, and home to the cult-favorite Turkey Terrific.
167 Raw: Not just seafood—killer sandwiches from their truck.
Need to know
You can fly. Nantucket is easily accessed by plane from NYC, Boston, DC, and beyond—perfect for quick trips or skipping the ferry crowds.
Book early. Ferries, flights, rentals, and even dinner spots fill up fast.
Pack layers. Even summer nights can be chilly. A light sweater goes a long way.
Know the tides. Especially if you’re off-roading or heading to remote beaches.
Watch for ticks. They’re common on the island. Use bug spray and do quick checks after hikes or grassy walks.
Unplug. Trust us—Madaket sunsets and beach picnics are better without a screen.
Be kind. It’s a small island. Go easy, tip well, and enjoy the slower pace.
Travel Advisor
Lara Srinivasan
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