The quintessential New England coastal town of Nantucket has everything you can expect from a place with a maritime and whaling history of over four centuries.
It has the ferries, the lighthouses, and the perfectly preserved pre-civil war mansions, buildings, and cobblestone streets.
It is located 30 miles south of Cape Cod and 30 miles away from Martha’s Vineyard. Today it is a preferred summer vacation destination by some of the country’s most affluent and famous people.
But, even non-billionaires can enjoy a trip or vacation to Nantucket, thanks to the availability of many different houses and other lodgings offered as short-term rentals.
If you plan a trip to Nantucket, here are some ideas of the places to visit on the island and nearby Martha’s Vineyard.
Sandbar at Jetties Beach Bar & Restaurant – Nantucket
Jetties Beach is on the north shore of Nantucket, at the coast of the calmer and warmer Nantucket Sound. It is also within walking distance from downtown. So it comes as no surprise that it is one of the most popular beaches for families and other vacationers.
The wide beach offers a stunning view of the boats and the super yachts arriving and leaving the island in the Nantucket Sound.
There are all the amenities you will need to spend the whole day on the beach without having to go back to town.
One of them is the open-air Sandbar Beach Bar and Restaurant. There you can enjoy some refreshing craft cocktails such as the Harbor Breeze or Summertime Frose. You can eat half a dozen fresh oysters from the raw bar or order seafood dishes like grilled oysters or lobster frites, burgers and lobster rolls, and other sandwiches or tacos.
Murray’s Toggery Shop – Nantucket
This store on Main Street has become one of the symbols of the island, thanks to its world-famous Nantucket Reds pants. The pants and other apparel made of the trademarked faded red, pink-hued cotton canvas are iconic for Nantucket.
If you decide to pop by this store, you can meet some of the Murray family members who have been running the shop since 1945.
Brant Point Lighthouse – Nantucket
This is the first building that will greet you when you arrive on Nantucket if you decide to take the ferry.
The historic lighthouse has been guiding the mariners around Brant Point and into and out of the harbor since 1746. It is registered as a National Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
It is still fully functional and is one of the three lighthouses on the island. It is also the one which is easiest to reach from town.
While visitors are not allowed inside it, you can explore the grounds around the lighthouse and take photos or watch the mega yachts in the harbor.
During the Daffodil festival, the locals adorn the lighthouse with a beautiful daffodil wreath. A Christmas wreath decorates it during the holidays, and around the 4th of July, Brant Point Lighthouse proudly displays a large American flag.
Whaling Museum – Nantucket
For years, this museum has been voted the top-rated place to visit in Nantucket. It is located in a restored whale oil candle factory in the town. The museum includes hundreds of exhibits and artifacts from the glorious whaling industry years, which shaped the island’s economy and culture.
There is a skeleton of a 46-foot-long sperm whale hanging from the ceiling and the first Fresnel lenses from a lighthouse on the island.
Among the other exhibits and paintings, you can learn more about the real history of the whaling ship and its heroic captain, which inspired Herman Melville to write the great American novel Moby-Dick.
The rooftop of the museum is an attraction by itself. It has a viewing deck that offers a birds-eye view of the Nantucket harbor and the historic downtown.
Island Alpaca Company of Martha’s Vineyard
You can take a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard via the high-speed passenger ferry or the traditional Steamship Authority ferry from Nantucket.
While this iconic island is known for its pristine beaches, gorgeous mansions and properties, and exceptional seafood cuisine, it is also home to this unique establishment.
The Island Alpaca Company has been breeding Huacaya alpaca for decades and today has over 50 beautiful animals in its herd.
You can visit the premises to admire these wonderful animals, which the company owners brag live in the “Alpaca Hilton” of barns and pastures.
Another unique experience to try out there is to practice some Alpaca Yoga. Experts will guide you through a relaxing Hatha Yoga Hybrid practice in the presence of friendly and beautiful Alpacas! This is definitely a yoga session you will not forget.
There is also a shop on-site where you can buy apparel, bags, décor items, and other products made of the highest quality alpaca fleece, original alpaca yarn, books, and souvenirs.
Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge – Martha’s Vineyard
The Cape Poge Refuge is an absolutely unique and stunning spot you must see if you happen to go to Martha’s Vineyard.
The 516-acre refuge includes a 7-mile-long barrier beach, which starts from Wasque Point and reaches the Cape Poge Lighthouse. This famous lighthouse is located at the northeastern tip of Chappaquiddick Island.
Cape Poge Bay is home to a wide variety of fish, including bonito, striped bass, albacore, and bluefish. The Cape Poge elbow is a place where you can spot some rare birds and walk through old weathered eastern red cedars at The Cedars.
There are walking and hiking trails that are 14 miles long, but you can explore the refuge via over-sand vehicles too.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can paddle through the Poucha Pond to admire the view, flora, and fauna.
Aquinnah Cliffs – Martha’s Vineyard
Aquinnah cliffs are in the town of the same name, which is the westernmost area on Martha’s Vineyards. It can be reached by bus or bike.
It is also the place to go if you want to experience one of the most mesmerizing sunset views over the ocean ever.
Standing on the red clay cliffs, which are Historic Landmarks, will give you the feeling like you are standing at the very edge of the world. The view from the top is unmatched.
These stunning cliffs were formed and carved by the glaciers which melted millions of years ago. The red clay is protected, so don’t attempt to grab a piece to keep as a souvenir.
You can also visit the iconic Aquinnah Lighthouse, built from red bricks and offering a birds-eye view of the cliffs, the south-facing wild beaches, the Elizabeth islands, and the Vineyard Sound.
There is a Heritage Exhibit Kiosk and the Aquinnah Cultural Center, where you can learn more about the history and the people of Aquinnah Wampanoag.
You can buy various locally crafted souvenirs, including scrimshaw items, native handmade clothing, jewelry, wampum, and others.
Once you are done with the sightseeing, you can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the nearby eateries.
