Explore Nantucket

Thirty miles out to sea, Nantucket is made for long beach days, leisurely lunches, and evenings spent wandering along the wharf and cobblestone streets. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or settling in for a full East Coast summer escape, consider this your guide to where to stay, eat, drink, and shop on the island— plus a few essentials to pack.

Where to Stay:

White Elephant: A Nantucket classic overlooking the harbor, with an understated coastal feel and an ideal location close to town.

Faraway Nantucket: Set within a collection of historic buildings, Faraway offers a more “guest house” style lodging. The courtyard makes for a lively meeting place throughout the day, from morning coffee to nightcaps.

Where to Eat:

For breakfast, go to Black Eyed Susan’s for pancakes.

For a lobster roll, head to Millie’s after a beach day in Madaket or stop by Brotherhood of Thieves in town.

Order a selection of shared plates at The Nautilus, sushi at Bar Yoshi, or a bowl of clam chowder at The Lobster Trap.

For lunch by the water, settle in at Galley Beach, where tables sit directly on the sand. Before heading to the beach, pick up sandwiches from Stubby’s or Something Natural, or stop at Sayle’s Seafood for takeout lobsters and everything you need for a beach barbecue at Ladies Beach.

No day is complete without ice cream from Juice Bar or Jack & Charlie’s— get the coffee oreo waffle cone at either.

Where to Drink:

Grab a mudslide fresh off the ferry at The Gazebo or order the signature Crucumber while overlooking the boats at Cru.

Spend an afternoon at Cisco Brewers, stop by Slip 14 for a cocktail on the wharf, then head to The Gaslight or The Muse for live music later in the evening.

Where to Shop:

Visit Ten Easy Street, a thoughtfully curated Nantucket home filled with art, jewelry, linens, and clothing from rotating design brands. Pop into Bon Ton on the property for antiques and small home decor pieces.

Continue through town with stops at Veronica Beard and Hart. Then browse the shelves at Mitchell’s Book Corner for an island read (stop in on a Wednesday morning for an Elin Hilderbrand book signing).

For a piece of traditional Nantucket craftsmanship, visit Michael Kane to discover his handwoven Nantucket lightship baskets.

For secondhand pieces, go to the Hospital Thrift Shop.

Where to Explore:

Visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum to learn more about the island’s maritime history. Be sure to seek out the Ari Kopelman Wing, along with the museum’s rooftop views over the harbor.

Wander through the rose-covered cottages and quiet lanes of ’Sconset, then follow the bluff walk for views of the water and some of the island’s most picturesque homes.

Closer to town, walk out to Brant Point Lighthouse to watch the boats pass through the harbor and wave to ferry riders.

Where to Go to the Beach:

Ladies Beach: A laid-back south shore beach made for an afternoon picnic or beach barbecue. Pack everything you need for the day, as there are no concessions nearby.

Steps Beach: Known for its steep wooden staircase, calm water, and sweeping views across Nantucket Sound. Visit in the late afternoon and stay for golden hour into sunset.

What to Pack:

The Freya Gardenia Hat is a versatile island essential that works just as well for a morning at the beach as it does for shopping in town or heading out to lunch.

Pack the Sanibel Sarong for beach days. One sarong can be styled multiple ways, making it an especially efficient addition to your suitcase.

The Palomino Beach Bag folds down compactly to fit inside a carry-on, then opens up to hold everything needed for a day by the water.