Nantucket is a tiny, picture-perfect island about 16 miles from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Stepping onto Nantucket is like stepping into another world: a quaint island frozen in time, blooming with fresh hydrangeas, teeming with beautiful people, grey clapboard cottages, world-class restaurants and picture-perfect beaches. Here’s your guide to The Best Things to Do on Nantucket, Massachusetts.
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See the sunset at Sankaty Headlight
Sankaty headlight is a site of amazing scenic beauty and historic significance to the town. It was built in 1850 to ensure that ships don’t get wrecked by the dangerous shoals. It was automated in 1965 and is working even now.
To save it from soil erosion by the shore, In 2007 it was bought and moved from its place a bit inland. Now it’s a major tourist spot because of the picturesque view of the sunset and the surrounding area from its top. Located at Baxter St, Siasconset, Nantucket MA 02554.
The Old Mill
The Old Mill is the only smock mill still to stand in Nantucket. Built-in the 1700s and consequently abandoned to the elements in the 1800s, the mill has since been lovingly restored to reflect its original design. A working mill up to the late 1800s is also now part of the Nantucket Historical Association.
You can visit the old mill and take a tour by itself or combine it with a Historic Sites self-guided tour that takes in the Oldest House, Old Gaol, Greater Light, and the Fire Hose Cart House. This is an excellent option for those interested in the history Nantucket has to offer.
Jetties Beach
Northern Jetties is pretty similar to its southern, sandy counterpart, Surfside. Both bustle with activity in the summer and are loaded with beachside perks like food carts and public bathrooms. But there are two major things that set Jetties apart. First, because of its location on Nantucket Sound, Jetties’ waves are much calmer than those found at Surfside, making it a better place for younger or less experienced swimmers. And second, Jetties has a boardwalk lined with casual eateries, keeping visitors from going hungry on an all-day beach trip.
Most recent travelers love the family-friendly atmosphere at Jetties, but a vocal minority complains about the shore’s upkeep. Jetties Beach is conveniently located a mile from downtown Nantucket Town, off of North Beach Street.
Enjoy art at Dreamland film and performing arts center
Do you enjoy watching dramas, ballets, and other art form performances? Even if you’re staying in the town for a short period, If you enjoy art you will enjoy visiting here. Dreamland film and performing arts center is the hub of entertainment activities including movies plays, dance, and even opera in the town. Located at 17 south water St, Nantucket, It is the place to be for the tourists and locals with curious and creative minds.
The Oldest House in Nantucket, Massachusetts
The Oldest House, as the name suggests, is the oldest home in Nantucket. It is also known as the Jethro Coffin House and was built in 1686 as a wedding gift to Jethro Coffin. The house is settled in a beautiful meadow surrounded by mature trees, and you can spend an hour or two simply wandering around the grounds enjoying nature.
The Oldest House became part of the Nantucket Historical Association in 1923 and has undergone extensive preservation and reconstruction. The mission of the historical association is to provide an experience that accurately depicts the lives of those who lived here in the late seventeenth century. Visit the Greater Light home by itself or as part of the Historic Sites self-guided tour.
Nantucket Aquarium
The Nantucket Aquarium showcases local aquatic species found in the waters surrounding Nantucket. The displays are constantly changing depending on what species are available for the summer season. Displays range from seahorses and fish to sharks. The aquarium prides itself on returning all animals back to the ocean.
Visit the touch tank where you can explore and touch crabs, fish, clams, and snails, perfect for kids of all ages. The outdoor tank is home to dogfish (sharks), crabs, and large fish while inside you will find smaller tanks showcasing individual species. A visit to Nantucket Aquarium is a fun, interesting day out for the whole family.
