Nantucket's natural beauty is just one of the many things the island has to offer.
Low tide in the harbor exposes this boats underside.
Are you ready for a Nantucket lobster dinner?
Classic Penny Toss shot rounding Brant point Lighthouse. How I miss “The Rock.” Submitted by Bill Robinson.
How to skate backwards: Lesson One.
Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts | Shopping | Restaurants | Hotels & Inns | Services
Even if you’ve never been to Nantucket, no worry; we’ve got some helpful info for your first time visit to the Island. First off, Nantucket is 3 1/2 by 14 miles, a relatively small island that is 30 miles out to sea. There are only two towns on Nantucket: downtown Nantucket, and Siasconset, known to the locals as "'Sconset", where quaint restaurants and rose-covered cottages reside. Downtown Nantucket is the place for shopping, eating, and most anything else you can think of.
If you plan on spending most of your time on the beach, remember that the North Shore has calmer waters and the South Shore is a little rougher. Madaket is the place to catch a memorable sunset. But whatever you decide to do, try to relax and enjoy yourself. You're on island time.
Sleeping: Take It Easy
First, you’re going to need a place to put your bags and sleep at night. It's important to consider your island travel arrangements, most of the island activities occur in Nantucket town. The Beachside at Nantucket is an ideal place to stay close to downtown and Jetties Beach. There's also The Wauwinet and the Summer House Cottages, located far away from the busy summer traffic. Another favorite of ours when getting away for a Nantucket vacation is the Nantucket Whaler Guest House.
For a more middle-of-the-road cost, you can go with Brass Lantern Inn, conveniently located in the heart of downtown on the island. For more options, take a look at our in-depth Hotels & Inns directory.
Nantucket's Dining Experience
For a scenic and elegant meal, we recommend The Summer House in the quaint village of 'Sconset and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Topper's has been listed as one of Zagat's top 100 Restaurants in the nation, while The Pearl blends Far East flavors with local seafood for an exciting menu.
Another couple of favorites of ours are the ocean-views at The Jetties and the awesome cuisine at Even Keel Cafe. Be sure to try the fresh Sushi at Sushi By Yoshi or LoLa 41 or pick up some of the local catches at Glidden's Seafood. There are many delicious sandwich shops like Something Natural and Provisions, serving their goods on Nantucket's unique Portuguese Bread. If you’ve got a lot of mouths and need to go easy on the wallet, The Rose & Crown located right downtown is your best bet for affordable, casual and inviting eatery.
If you plan on eating at home, The ‘Sconset Market and Tutto Sfoglia offer gourmet food products, while Annye's Whole Foods and Bartlett's Farm offer delicious and healthy pre-made meals.
Check out all of the Restaurants on Nantucket in our Dining Guide.
Shopping: All You Want
Downtown is the mecca for shopping on Nantucket, where you can find anything your heart desires. Want a designer purse? Try Gypsy. You can pick up more Island threads at Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, or Maax. Of course, no trip to Nantucket would be complete with out checking out the official home of Nantucket Reds at Murray's Toggery Shop.
If you're looking for authentic Nantucket Jewelry, try Diana Kim England Goldsmiths . Want a few t-shirts for the in-laws? Head on over to the pirates at The Sunken Ship. The island has inspired artists for hundreds of years. For your art fix, you can find everything from landscapes to expressionist works of art on Old South Wharf or through the Artist Association of Nantucket. For more shopping ideas, don't miss our Shopping Guide Directory.
Nantucket Nightlife:
With a number of bars to hop from, they all have a distinct flavor and feel offering you the best in entertainment, drinks, and atmosphere. Go to Schooner's, The Gazebo, or The Tavern to meet up with a crowd that has just come in from a good sail at sea. For something a little more elegant, head on over to The Pearl, The Boarding House, or the beautiful back bar at 21 Federal (all three in combination are known as The Vodka Triangle.) If you’re in the mood to meet up with some salty locals The Lobster Trap or Shannon's Bamboo Supper Club will be your best bet. If you have on your dancing shoes The Muse or the Rose & Crown usually have DJ's and an international mix of guests. If you're looking for something a bit tamer than mixing and mingling, The Starlight Theatre & Cafe offers dinner and a movie all in the same convenient downtown location.
ACK-tivities
If you’re the type to sit on the bench while your significant other shops till they drop, what about some awesome activities? If the weather’s great, try a fishing charter on the Althea K. For a more romantic atmosphere, the sailboat The Endeavor offers sunset cruises off of Straight Wharf. If it’s a stay-inside kind of day, why don’t you cool off at Nantucket’s only ice skating rink. A brand-new facility, Nantucket Ice has open skating every day of the week all year long. They’ve got rental skates for you if you happened to forget your skates at home. Bring the family for a real treat!
Take a look at our videos for more, and don't forget to let us know how you like to spend your days on Nantucket in our comments section below.
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