Certainly, one of the reasons Nantucket is famous is Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. A place described in the text as an authentic corner, “all beach, no backing”. The description relates to the fact that this place was once the most important whaling port in the world. But that city is very different from the vibrant city we find today, which attracts tourists from all over the world. That’s why this time we want to tell you what to do in Nantucket for an amazing experience.
The history of this city
Now part of Massachusetts, Nantucket has an urban core that is easily accessible on foot. It has old stone houses and cobblestone streets that make it feel like a place far from its own territory. Importantly, the town has more than 800 historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Thomas Macy House and Hadwen House. Sites that belonged to wealthy families involved in the whaling business.
What to do in Nantucket: a guide
Now that we have briefly talked about the particularities of this town, we want to tell you all the answers to the question of what to do in Nantucket.
Visit Brand Point Lighthouse
This is an iconic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the sea as well as a perfect spot to watch the seabird migration during certain times of the year. It’s also a great spot to start a hike out to Jetties Beach, where it is possible to enjoy wonderful scenery and outdoor sports.
If you are thinking of visiting Nantucket, one of the accommodations we can recommend is the Veranda House. It is located on a quiet, tree-lined cobblestone street in the historic heart of the city. It is housed in a restored heritage house that is innovative in its design. Furthermore, it offers luxury boutique-style accommodation and excellent breakfast in a setting that feels intimate. It is a strategic point for visiting different parts of the city.
Explore the historic center
Without a doubt, one of the answers to what to do in Nantucket is to visit its historic downtown and indulge in a leisurely stroll through its diverse streets. For example, you can visit the Quaker House, which dates to 1770. You can also stroll through the Red-Light District, which was the red-light district during the whaling era and is steeped in history.
Enjoy some time on the beach
There are many worthwhile beaches on Nantucket. Some of the highlights include Madaket Beach and Surfside Beach. But there are also lesser-known but beautifully scenic beaches where you can spend time if you want to take a break from the rest of the crowd, such as Cisco Beach, which tends to be popular with surfers in particular, due to its good waves. Another favorite is Dionis Beach, which is ideal for romantics who want the best sunsets.
Discover Nantucket’s diverse scenery by bike
If there’s one town that’s perfectly accessible by bike, it’s Nantucket. Nantucket now boasts more than 30 miles of bike trails that lead to stunning coastal scenery and lush forests. In addition, trails link downtown to Siasconset, a pretty seaside town a few miles away that is known for its thatched-roof houses and its rose bushes.
Another hotel we would like to recommend if you are thinking of visiting Nantucket is the 21 Broad. It is a quaint, recently opened design accommodation that aims to offer a unique urban and traditional atmosphere. It’s a cool yet historic hotel that can be hip, local, fun and stylish. Likewise, it offers a very good breakfast, and luxury accommodation, hospitality and excellent facilities.
Enjoy the local cuisine
In addition to the fresh seafood that’s typical of coastal towns like this one, if you visit Nantucket, you can’t miss the famous Nantucket Bay scallop, a local delicacy served in many restaurants across the island during the harvest season, which runs from November to March. You can also enjoy a unique dining experience at the historic Jared Coffin House, which is a typical restaurant offering traditional New England dishes in an elegant and cozy setting. Food is another of the city’s strengths and should not be overlooked when exploring the diverse aspects of its culture.
Finally, we would like to recommend the Union Street Inn as another alternative. It is a boutique hotel with an exquisitely designed interior and a façade that gives you the feeling of entering a homely place. Breakfast is served every morning in a lounge with a wonderful view of the harbor, in the open-air courtyard or, if guests wish, in bed. The style and design of the hotel are traditional to the region, with greenery, rich patterns, and artwork, but always maintaining a distinguished character and excellent service.
The above are some of the best things to consider when thinking about what to do in Nantucket. A town with a long and interesting history and a focus on development without losing sight of its past.
