Nantucket

Nantucket, or ACK, is a charming island off the coast of Cape Cod. It’s a short boat ride from Chatham, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. has direct flights in the summer. The coastal town is filled with harbors, cobblestone streets, old school architecture and of course, beach views. This tiny piece of land is only 14.5 by 3.4 miles, and a large portion of it is still undeveloped.

Nantucket has a uniform look thanks to an island wide building code. Every home has a pointy roof and wooden shingles that weather to a signature Nantucket grey over time.

The NPS calls Nantucket “the finest surviving architectural and environmental example of a late 18th and early 19th century New England seaport town.”

STAY

21 Broad has fancy home vibes like you’re staying with a wealthy older aunt. The front desk is friendly and the decor is island chic.

If you’re looking for a hotel, 21 Broad is in a fantastic location. It is walkable to most dinner spots, and a short bike ride into the main town or any beach.

The hotel has cozy, modern, B&B vibes. The downstairs is a common space and multiple guest rooms are upstairs.

If you’re waiting for the sun to burn that Nantucket fog off early in the morning, get cozy in the downstairs sitting around with a book.

The breakfast spread each morning is gourmet. There are plenty of choices and I always came back for seconds if only to try a new dish.

You can also have breakfast on the back patio, or sit around the fire-pits at night with a glass of wine.

The hotel has complimentary beach gear - the beach chairs have backpack straps so you can put them on your back as you bike to the beach.

BEACHES

Madaket Beach is a short Wave ride, or a long bike ride. Stop at Millie’s for dinner, or get it to go and enjoy it on the beach.

This is a great sunset spot on the island.

Surfside Beach has plenty of bike stands, restrooms, lifeguards, and showers to ditch some of that sand before you head home. If you’re lucky, the taco stand will be open and you can get lunch or a snack.

Surfside has big waves, and plenty of space if you want to walk away from the main entrance and spread out.

Jettie’s Beach is not the nicest beach, but it is close to Brandt Point lighthouse and the main town. There’s shallow water, shells, and seagulls. It can be fishy near the harbor divide, but it is a fun spot to watch boats come into Nantucket harbor.

As an added bonus, Jettie’s is right by the Sandbar, a beach restaurant.

Steps Beach is along the same coast as Jettie’s Beach, but it has a much more remote feel and is not on everyone’s radar. There are no lifeguards or facilities, and limited parking. It’s ideal for a bike ride since its only 4 mile from the main town.

DO

You’re on Nantucket, so unless you brought your car via ferry, you get to bike everywhere.

I had a great time riding bikes all around town, to shops, dinner, and beaches. There are paved paths once you’re outside of the main town. The cobblestones aren’t the most bike friendly, be warned.

Young’s Bicycle Shop was where I rented bikes for a few days. They come with baskets and locks.

Ask the shopkeeper for a map, and any local recommendations of beaches or spots to hit up while you’re in town.

Get a picture with a mural that shows the distance from Nantucket to locations all over the globe.

Explore the Main Town with cobblestone streets and local shops.

When I think of Nantucket, this is the spot I think of: Brandt Point.

The lighthouse is close to Jettie’s Beach and is the perfect spot to watch boats come into ACK.

Walk or bike to Brandt Point, a light house you can also see via ferry cruising into Nantucket.

The surrounding neighborhood is super bike friendly, and a fun area to admire the local architecture along the coast.

SIASCONSET DAY TRIP

Spend an afternoon exploring the oldest part of the island. Take the wave to Siasconset, and wear comfortable shoes for the Siasconset cliff walk

If you’re a golfer, 3/4 of the island’s golf courses are here in ‘Sconset.

Siasconset is the eastern point of Nantucket, and was settled as a fishing village in the 17th centory. The homes still resemble old fishing shacks that were haphazardly expanded.

Give yourself extra time to stop and admire all the homes on the way to your next stop…

The cliff walks ends at the Sankaty Head Light House. The lighthouse was built in 1849, and housed the keeper until 1944 when the U.S. Coast Guard took over.

EAT

Millie’s Market is connected to a restaurant. The market is a more casual spot with drinks and ice cream.

Next door is Millie’s, where you can stay for a sit in dinner or take out. If you get to go, enjoy your meal on nearby Madaket beach.

The Sandbar at Jettie’s Beach Bar and restaurant is a fun and casual lunch or dinner spot.

It has a festive patio, open air seating with an ocean view that serves New England seafood.

You’re on vaca and it’s summer, so treat yourself to some ice cream at any time of day.

Since it’s summer time, in the evening there are a lot of long lines. Walk towards the harbor for even more ice cream options if you don’t feel like waiting.

If you’re tired of sandy or casual spots, Cru is the place to dine. Cru has elegant vibes, fancy menu options like caviar and oysters. This is a place to treat yourself as you sip on some Champagne and watch the sunset.

DRINK

Cisco Brewers is the place to be during the day. It has food trucks, live music, local beer and a cocktail bar.

It’s always a party at Cisco. There’s a giant lot for bikes, or a shuttle that runs from the main town so you can enjoy yourself and not worry about driving.

Galley Beach is another great sunset spot. Come here for apps and pre dinner drinks and enjoy the view at this open air restaurant.

The Gazebo is a Nantucket staple. When I take the ferry into Nantucket, its the first place I stop. There’s almost always a fun crowd here.

The mudslide is one of their signature drinks.

GET CAFFEINATED

Island Coffee is centrally located in the main part of Nantucket for a quick caffeine hit.

Roasted General Store is a little bit off the beaten path but a short bike ride from town. I loved the wooden frames on the ceiling and plants. There are great coffee and tea options here.

This spot has a wellness focus and healthy snacks.