36 Hours in Nantucket: Things to Do and See

• The Whaling Museum offers a stunning look into the 18th-century whaling industry that shaped Nantucket’s foundation, complete with a 46-foot skeleton of a sperm whale.
• The Jethro Coffin House is the oldest house on Nantucket (built in 1686), where you can imagine early colonial life amid its preserved parlors and period furnishings.
• The African Meeting House, one of the few surviving 19th-century African American meeting houses in the United States, honors Nantucket’s free Black community and abolitionist history with powerful storytelling and preserved architecture.
• The Nantucket Atheneum, the island’s historic public library and cultural hub, offers cozy reading rooms, literary events, live performances, children’s programming and more.
• Bartlett’s Farm is a family-run farm and market that’s perfect for stocking a beach picnic, grabbing a farm-fresh sandwich or sampling strawberry shortcake.

• At Great Point Lighthouse, reachable by a rented jeep, you can climb the lighthouse, watch seals dance along the shoreline and enjoy a beach picnic.
• Cisco Brewers is a quintessential island experience. An e-bike can take you to nearby Fat Ladies Beach for a swim. Then head here for local beer, frozen sangria, live music and fresh-shucked oysters.
• The Frederick Douglass Walking Tour (PDF guide available) traces Douglass’s 1841 speeches and abolitionist stops — from the old Atheneum Great Hall to the African Meeting House — offering an immersive glimpse into the island’s rich civil rights history.
• Sconset Bluff Walk offers first-class views of well-manicured gardens and shingled cottages that lead out to the dramatic cliffs of Siasconset.
• The Brant Point Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots on the island. It’s tradition to toss a penny into the harbor as you pass by — legend says it ensures your return.

• Erin Hielle is a lifestyle boutique where everything from the curated capsule wardrobe to the artfully displayed home goods leans into quiet luxury with a coastal edge.
• Perched on Main Street, Blue Beetle is a longstanding favorite for stylish Nantucket-themed gifts, classic resort wear and accessories.
• Bodega, on Federal Street, is a jewel box of a home store stocked with kitchen goods, apothecary items, coastal décor and design-forward gifts.
• Murray’s Toggery Shop is a must-visit for men’s and women’s preppy staples — including the original Nantucket reds and all the “ACK”-adorned apparel your closet can handle.
• At the Lightship Basket Museum and Four Winds Craft Guild, you can see — and purchase —hand-woven Nantucket lightship baskets, a traditional craft that dates back to the 1800s when sailors made baskets aboard lightships to hold whale-oil lamps. Today’s artisans continue the technique, crafting heirloom-quality pieces that can take up to a year to complete and start at around $975 for a 17-inch tray-shaped basket or $1,250 for a classic quarter-bushel style. For more budget-friendly finds, check out Nantucket Looms, where mini lightship-style baskets run around $425.

• Tucked just off the beaten path, Born & Bread is a local gem where the coffee is strong and the ooey gooey breakfast sandwiches draw early-morning crowds.
• The Juice Bar barely fits a family inside, but its homemade ice cream — served in warm, freshly baked waffle cones — draws a line that often snakes down the narrow, red-brick sidewalk on Broad Street.
• Lemon Press is a women-owned, Persian-inspired all-day cafe offering creative, healthy cuisine.
• Cru epitomizes Nantucket’s casual elegance with its upscale dockside setting, serving fresh oysters and seafood towers. Dine at the airy back bar for a marina view.
• In a courtyard behind Ventuno’s main dining room, the ivy- and twinkle-light-adorned Back Bar is known for Italian bites, craft cocktails and serious Instagram appeal.
• After a renovation in 2023, the Pearl now pairs its light and bright interiors with modern Japanese coastal cuisine. Book dinner here, then slip downstairs to Below the Rose — a moody, intimate speakeasy-style bar serving inventive cocktails.
• Galley Beach, heralded for its high-end service in a toes-in-the-sand setting, is a seasonal mainstay offering butter-poached lobster, pan-seared halibut and oysters on the half shell.
• Nestled on the second story of a rose-covered house, Òran Mór is a charming bistro that serves up seasonal New England cuisine with French influences.
• For rowdy, late-night revelry with live music and local flavor, the Chicken Box and the Gaslight are the go-tos.

• Situated just steps off Main Street, the White Elephant is an iconic resort adored by the upper echelon thanks to its luxe accommodations, harbor views and impeccable service. Prices start around $1,095 in peak summer (up to $1,995).
• The Nantucket Inn exudes laid-back sophistication. Situated just outside downtown, a four-minute walk from the airport, the 100-room inn offers complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, tennis courts and a free shuttle to town and the beach. Summer rates start around $424 per night (up to $723 at peak).
• In the heart of Nantucket’s historic downtown, Faraway is within walking distance of the ferries, shops, restaurants and attractions. The boutique hotel comprises 58 rooms spread across five historic captain’s homes, and is home to the trendy Sister Ship restaurant. Summer prices begin around $315 (up to $761).
• If you’d rather skip the hotel scene, renting a house is an option — whether you’re drawn to a historic townhome overlooking the cobblestone streets of downtown, or prefer the peace and privacy of a quiet cul-de-sac in outlying neighborhoods like Surfside, Cisco or Tom Nevers, closer to beaches and bike paths.

3 p.m. Savor oysters and a stroll

Disembark the ferry and stroll to the Cru Oyster Bar. Order a dozen fresh-shucked oysters (about $48), and watch fishermen returning with their impressive catches. Head over to Murray’s Toggery Shop for preppy staples and ACK-branded T-shirts. From there, walk up India Street to Four Winds Craft Guild and admire — and perhaps purchase — artisanal lightship baskets. Continue north onto Main Street, stopping in Erin Hielle for refined coastal fashion, then end the loop at Nantucket Looms to shop for handcrafted works from local artisans: basket makers, painters, carvers and more. Take a break from shopping and walk two blocks to the Nantucket Atheneum — the island’s public library since 1900, with its soaring neo-Classical facade and rotating exhibits. Pop inside to browse rare books and archival materials about Nantucket’s history, then head up to the rooftop terrace for sweeping views of Main Street, the harbor and maybe the Gray Lady fog rolling in. It’s a peaceful, noncommercial space beloved by locals, and you can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes there.

6 p.m. Enjoy a sunset aperitivo

Head to Galley Beach to sip a cocktail with your toes in the sand. Guests rave about the New England Spritz ($18), with its blend of hibiscus-infused gin, yuzu liqueur, lime juice and a whisper of simple syrup. Galley Beach’s linen-draped tables sit directly on the sand, just steps from the surf, and the staff puts down flickering lanterns as dusk falls. Alternatively, enjoy your pre-dinner pick-me-up at Ventuno’s Back Bar — an ivy-draped courtyard hidden behind the main dining room. Sip Italian favorites like a sangiovese or an Aperol spritz, or ask the bartender to whip up something inventive like the Pepe Picante (Casamigos Blanco tequila, mango, habanero, poblano, japaleño, lime and agave, $21). As the sky turns pink and the air cools, there’s no better place to settle into island time.

7:30 p.m. Try Asian fusion

Take the 20-minute stroll on foot or opt for a taxi over to the Pearl (reservations strongly recommended). The restaurant underwent an extensive makeover in 2023, retaining its original 1850s layout while introducing contemporary millwork, richer textures and warmer tones. Celebrated for its modern Japanese coastal cuisine, the Pearl offers small plates to share, like the kimchi dip ($22) and the beef tartare lettuce wraps ($16); mains include the fan-favorite salt and pepper wok-fried lobster (market price) and the swordfish katsu ($49). Service is unhurried and polished, and it’s a favorite date-night spot.

10 p.m. Sip a cocktail in a cinematic setting

Steps from the Pearl, you’ll find Sister Ship, Nantucket’s sultry, Wes Anderson-worthy cocktail den, tucked beneath the Faraway hotel. Try the Faraway Mermaid ($20) — a spicy and tart concoction featuring your choice of mezcal or tequila, lime- and jalapeño-infused agave, and a cilantro-and-lime salt rim. Plush leather club chairs and low velvet banquettes invite you to linger, while the soundtrack of mellow jazz and down-tempo electronica underscores conversation. If you can snag one of the bar’s elevated window seats, you’ll catch the glow of lantern-lit patios outside.

9 a.m. Fuel up, then roam the shops

Start your day early at Born & Bread, a beloved neighborhood bakery in the area of downtown known as Petticoat Row (where, beginning in the mid-19th century, a cluster of women-owned shops transformed Nantucket’s commercial heart). Treat yourself to one of their sourdough breakfast sandwiches, stacked with ingredients like organic, cage-free eggs; Vermont Cheddar cheese; and applewood-smoked bacon (about $10), paired with an espresso beverage. If you’re in the mood for more shopping, hit up a few downtown shops that open early: Bodega for home goods with a beachy vibe — think handmade Toluca ceramic trays, Dash & Albert runner rugs, framed coastal prints and hand-woven baskets, and Blue Beetle for stylish women’s clothing and Nantucket-themed gifts and accessories.

11 a.m. Honor an abolitionist legacy

Kick off your deep dive into history with the Frederick Douglass walking tour, beginning at the Nantucket Atheneum’s Great Hall, where Douglass delivered his only Nantucket address on the evening of Aug. 11, 1841 — an impassioned anti-slavery oration to roughly 1,000 attendees during one of America’s first mixed-race abolitionist conventions. Douglass was invited by local abolitionists, including the banker William C. Coffin, after a brief address in New Bedford, and spent three days on the island as the convention’s featured guest. Next, follow the map down Centre Street to the African Meeting House, one of the nation’s few surviving 19th-century Black meetinghouses. Inside, powerful exhibits trace Nantucket’s free Black community and its abolitionist movement with original pews, archival letters and multimedia panels.

12 p.m. Explore colonial treasures

From the meetinghouse, take a short walk to the Jethro Coffin House, built in 1686 and recognized as Nantucket’s oldest dwelling. Wander through its low-ceilinged parlors and hearth kitchen, where wide-plank floors creak underfoot and period furnishings evoke daily life in the 17th century. Informational displays highlight early agricultural tools, original paint colors and family records that chart Nantucket’s transformation from a settlement to a seafaring powerhouse. Then cross the lawn to Hadwen House, now displaying the collection of the Lightship Basket Museum. Inside, more than 100 meticulously woven baskets span three centuries of craftsmanship. Allow 45 minutes to marvel at these delicate works and learn how each basket tells a story of survival, trade and island ingenuity.

1:30 p.m. Stock up, then hit the beach and brewery

Hop on a rented e-bike from Young’s Bicycle Shop ($100 for 24 hours), then ride inland to Bartlett’s Farm, a seventh-generation family-run farm and market perfect for stocking a picnic lunch. Choose from sandwiches, green salads tossed with locally grown herbs and heirloom tomatoes at their peak. Don’t miss the Bartlett’s chicken salad sandwich (chicken salad, honey mustard, Cheddar and pepperoncini on ciabatta, $12). Then follow the sandy back roads toward Fat Ladies Beach, a local spot with fewer beachgoers than the more popular south-shore spots. The shaded dunes provide the ideal spot to spread out a blanket and savor your picnic. Cool off with a dip, and admire the surfers catching clean, peeling waves. On your ride back, consider a stop at Cisco Brewers, an open-air compound blending brewery, distillery and vineyard that’s become an island favorite. Dock your bike, sample a signature Whale’s Tale Pale Ale ($8) or a frosty frozen sangria ($9), and if you’re peckish, grab a bite from the rotating food trucks (Korean BBQ tacos, lobster rolls, pretzel bites) to the soundtrack of live music.

5 p.m. Take a stroll on a cliff walk

Hop back on your bike for the 15-minute ride to the Sconset Bluff Walk. Park near Front Street and follow a narrow path that’s been open to the public since 1892 — a one-mile stretch of weathered cobblestones and boardwalk along Nantucket’s eastern cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. On the land side, manicured cottage gardens overflow with roses and hydrangeas; on the ocean side, windswept grasses frame dramatic views of rolling blue waters. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket — the bluff can be breezy — and plan about an hour to meander the route at a relaxed pace.

7:30 p.m. Catch sunset, and dine among roses

Begin your evening back in town with a photo opp at Brant Point Lighthouse — one of the most photographed spots on the island. Time your visit about 15 minutes before sunset to capture golden light beaming through the beacon’s windows, with the harbor glittering behind you. Dinner is just a short stroll away at Òran Mór (reservations open 30 days in advance), a romantic, rose-covered former residence turned bistro. On the menu are French-infused New England fare like the foie gras torchon paired with Ritz crackers, cream cheese and hot pepper jelly ($32), and the Long Island duck duo: tender honey-mustard-glazed duck confit paired with braised sauerkraut, tart cranberry mostarda and rich, buttery fondant potatoes ($40).

10:30 p.m. Party like a local

If you’re still up for more, walk a few blocks over to the Gaslight, where around 10:30 p.m. the restaurant transforms into a buzzing live-music space. Expect impromptu jam sessions, a rotating lineup of local singer-songwriters, and a laid-back vibe that feels like a house party everyone’s invited to. If you’re feeling even rowdier, take a five-minute walk over to the Chicken Box. Once a humble fried-chicken restaurant on the outskirts of downtown, “the Box” (as regulars affectionately call it) has morphed into Nantucket’s prime dive bar — complete with sticky floors, neon signs and a raucous dance floor where live bands crank up the volume, cheap drafts flow freely, and locals and off‐islanders cut loose until the early hours.

8 a.m. Do picnic prep

Rev up your day at Lemon Press, a wildly popular all-day cafe specializing in healthy Persian cuisine. Order the zesty Za’atar Garden Bagel ($18), or opt for something refreshing like a seasonal açaí bowl brimming with fresh berries, granola and a drizzle of local honey ($16). Pair it with a specialty latte like the Bee’s Knees (lavender espresso, local honey and bee pollen, $8) or a fresh-pressed green juice ($13), for a true energy boost. While you’re there, pick up a curated picnic box (starting at $20) to enjoy later, on the sand at Nantucket’s northernmost tip. Their boxes are packed with local cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal spreads and fresh fruit, all neatly wrapped in eco-friendly packaging.

9:30 a.m. Off-road Nantucket’s wild edges

With your picnic box stashed for later, drive or bike to Young’s, which also rents Jeeps, and pick up a 4×4 Jeep Wrangler or Sahara for $399 for the day. Before you head out, stop at the deflation station (Young’s staff will point you to it) to let air out of your tires, dropping them to around 15 to 20 pounds per square inch for better traction on the loose sand. Navigate the winding sand roads of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, past towering dunes dotted with beach grass and the occasional osprey nest. Along the way, pause at shallow tide pools to spot fiddler crabs scuttling in the surf. Once you arrive, climb the lighthouse’s spiral stairs to take in sweeping views of the sound, coastline and marshes. Before you head back, spread out your picnic and watch the playful seals bobbing along the water’s edge.

1 p.m. Get a scoop, and one last history lesson

After your Great Point adventure, head back to downtown and scoot into the Juice Bar for a scoop of its signature Cookie Butt ice cream (vanilla ice cream with Oreos and Butterfingers) in a warm waffle cone ($10). If you prefer something lighter, create your own healthy juice, choosing from ingredients like carrot, apple, orange, watermelon, lemonade and ginger. Once you’ve cooled off, make your way next door to the Whaling Museum. Set inside a beautifully restored 19th-century candle factory, the museum lets you stand beneath a suspended 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, explore scrimshaw galleries — collections of whale tooth and bone engravings carved by 19th-century whalers into works like intricate brooches and detailed scene panels. Don’t miss the rooftop deck — perch on the observation bench for panoramic harbor views and drifting Gray Lady fog.