As a native New Englander, I’ve spent years exploring the coast, islands, and hidden corners that make this region special—and Nantucket remains one of my favorite escapes.
While the island is known for its postcard-worthy beaches, historic charm, and iconic cedar-shingled cottages, there’s much more to discover beyond the classic snapshots. Locals like to say that Nantucket is more of a feeling and it’s true. The island is like a storybook adrift at sea, where cobblestone streets lead to weathered gray cottages draped in roses, and sailboats dot the harbor while golden light spills across the wharfs. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a summer getaway, Nantucket invites you to slow down and discover the best places to eat, stay, and play beyond the usual tourist stops.
Editor’s note: you can arrive to the island by one of the many ferry routes offered from other points in the region or by airplane to Nantucket Memorial Airport.
Eat
Nantucket’s dining scene is one of the island’s biggest draws, blending fresh-off-the-boat seafood with classic New England favorites. From waterfront lobster rolls to upscale restaurants showcasing locally sourced ingredients, there’s something for every appetite and occasion. Summer brings an energy all its own, with bustling patios, harbor views, and menus that celebrate the season’s freshest catches. And while seafood understandably takes center stage, you’ll also find excellent bakeries, coffee shops, and globally-inspired dining options throughout the island. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a day at the beach or settling in for a memorable dinner downtown, Nantucket’s culinary scene offers far more variety than its small size might suggest.
For a fresh and healthy start to the day, Lemon Press has become a Nantucket favorite among both visitors and locals. Known for its cold-pressed juices, smoothies, organic coffee, and breakfast and lunch offerings, it’s the perfect stop before heading to the beach or exploring the island by bike. The menu focuses on clean ingredients and vibrant flavors, with everything from acai bowls and avocado toast to nourishing salads and grain bowls. Lemon Press embodies Nantucket’s laid-back lifestyle while providing a refreshing alternative to traditional breakfast fare.
A Nantucket institution, Claudette’s is the kind of neighborhood sandwich shop that locals return to again and again. Tucked away in ‘Sconset, it’s known for generously sized sandwiches and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re picking up lunch for a beach day, packing provisions for a bike ride, or grabbing a casual meal on the go, Claudette’s delivers classic deli favorites that have earned a loyal following. Make sure you get your sandwich with their house sauce.
A stop at the 167 Raw food truck and market has become a Nantucket tradition for seafood lovers. Known for serving one of the island’s most talked-about lobster rolls and fish tacos, this casual roadside favorite consistently draws a crowd during the summer season. The menu is simple but exceptionally well executed, focusing on high-quality ingredients and bold coastal flavors. 167 Raw delivers delish seafood in a laid-back, grab-and-go setting that perfectly suits Nantucket’s easygoing summer vibe.
No visit to Nantucket is complete without a trip out to Madaket for a meal at Millie’s. Beloved for its laid-back atmosphere, coastal cuisine, and legendary sunsets, Millie’s has become an island tradition. The menu is known for fresh seafood tacos, colorful salads, and refreshing cocktails (served in Mason jars!), making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the beach. While the food is reason enough to visit, the real magic is in the setting—arrive in the late afternoon, grab a table, and stay for sunset at nearby Madaket Beach. It’s one of those quintessential Nantucket experiences that captures the relaxed spirit of summer on the island. Note: there’s a location on the rotary, too.
Few Nantucket traditions are as beloved as a stop at The Juice Bar. Famous for its homemade ice cream and lines that often stretch down the block on summer evenings, this island institution has been satisfying sweet cravings for generations. With a wide variety of flavors, The Juice Bar is a fun post-dinner treat after a day spent exploring. While the wait can be long during peak season, locals and visitors alike will tell you it’s part of the experience—and well worth it for a scoop of some of Nantucket’s most iconic ice cream.
Sister Ship brings a breezier, more stylized energy to Nantucket’s dining scene, leaning into an “old Florida” -like coastal aesthetic with rattan textures, warm lighting, and an easy, lived-in charm. The space feels more like a sun-faded waterfront lounge than a traditional New England seafood spot, setting the tone for long, unhurried evenings. The menu matches the mood—refined but relaxed, with a focus on fresh seafood, tender meats, and shareable plates that pair naturally with a strong cocktail program. It’s the kind of place where dinner doesn’t feel rushed, where the design is as much part of the experience as the food, and where Nantucket’s polish meets a more playful, tropical-esque edge.
Nautilus is one of Nantucket’s most sought-after dining experiences, known for its inventive, globally-inspired small plates. Tucked into downtown, it has built a reputation for bold flavors, creative seafood preparations, and a menu designed for sharing—think crudos, oyster tacos, spicy noodles, and unexpected flavor combinations. The space is intimate and lively, and securing a table in peak season is no small feat, with reservations often booking out in advance—it is a true standout in Nantucket’s competitive dining landscape.
Brotherhood of Thieves is one of Nantucket’s most historic and recognizable taverns, blending island lore with a hearty menu. The space leans into its nautical character with low ceilings and wood beams and was once an 1840s whaling bar. The menu covers classic pub fare with a coastal twist—think clam chowder, burgers, fish and chips, and lobster rolls—making it an easy choice for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner in town. End with a night cap at their upscale whiskey bar, Notch Whiskey Bar or at their garden patio.
Via Mare brings a polished, coastal-Italian sensibility to downtown Nantucket, pairing a refined dining room with one of the island’s more atmospheric bar scenes. The restaurant leans into simple but elevated Mediterranean flavors, served in a space that feels both moody and warmly coastal. Just as compelling as the dining room is the bar, known for its well-crafted cocktails. It’s an easy spot to settle into for a drink that turns into dinner, especially with the dark wood making it feel like you’re on the inside of a ship.
Black-Eyed Susan’s is one of Nantucket’s most beloved breakfast and brunch institutions, known for its unfussy charm and reliably excellent comfort food. Tucked just off the main bustle of downtown, it’s the kind of spot where locals and in-the-know visitors line up for hearty plates, strong coffee, and a classic breakfast menu. The space is small, cozy, and always buzzing, with a lived-in country feel. It’s less about scene and more about substance—exactly why it’s endured as a Nantucket staple.
CRU is one of the island’s quintessential waterfront dining experiences, best known for its lobster roll, Champagne selection, CRUCumber signature cocktail, and front-row views of Nantucket Harbor. Positioned right on the water, it leans into a classic coastal luxury feel. The menu highlights a raw bar, especially oysters and chilled shellfish towers, paired with crisp wines and celebratory bottles of bubbles. It’s the kind of place people return to year after year, as much for the view and the energy as for the food itself, especially at golden hour when the harbor lights begin to glow.
Galley Beach is one of Nantucket’s most iconic “feet in the sand” dining experiences, where the boundary between beach day and dinner service all but disappears. Set directly on the shoreline, it’s known for its unobstructed sunset views, coastal cuisine, and a setting that feels both relaxed and elevated at the same time. The menu leans into fresh, seasonal seafood, and is firmly on the Nantucket dining map.
The Proprietors is one of Nantucket’s most thoughtfully curated dining rooms, with a polished and intimate downtown setting. The menu changes regularly, built around fresh local seafood, market produce, and unexpected flavor combinations layered with global influences. It’s a place that leans into a more modern, chef-driven approach to island dining, where dishes are designed for sharing.
Straight Wharf Restaurant is one of Nantucket’s most enduring waterfront dining destinations, sitting right along the harbor. The menu is rooted in New England seafood and often lean classic. The setting is a big part of the experience, with dockside dining in both the restaurant and their newer clam shack/seafood market.
Sandbar at Jetties Beach is one of Nantucket’s easiest going waterfront spots. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are the dress code and is known for its laid-back vibe, cold drinks, and simple, beach-friendly food. It’s an easy place to roll in from the sand for a bite without leaving the shoreline.
Stay
Faraway Nantucket brings a distinctly design-forward energy to the island, offering a fresh and breezy seaside charm. Spread across a collection of six buildings, it feels more like a curated neighborhood than a single hotel, where the vibe is relaxed but intentional—equal parts stylish retreat and social hub. Its location is one of its biggest advantages, set just steps from downtown Nantucket’s shops, restaurants, and ferry docks, making it easy to move between beach days, dining reservations, and strolls through town. The atmosphere shifts throughout the day: calm and sunlit in the morning, lively and communal in the evenings, as the restaurant and outdoor courtyard come alive. Rooms are cozy, beds are super comfy, and the whole experience here is a 10 out of 10!
Play
Stroll Downtown
Strolling downtown Nantucket feels like moving through a perfectly preserved coastal village where every turn offers something worth slowing down for. Cobblestone streets and brick walkways wind past weathered gray cottages, boutique shops, and curated storefronts that range from local designers and home goods to classic island apparel. Coffee shops spill light conversation onto the sidewalks in the morning, while afternoons bring a steady rhythm of browsing, people-watching, and ducking into galleries or boutiques. It’s an easy, walkable stretch of town where the charm should be savored, it’s quintessential, after all.
Sankaty Head Light & Great Point Lighthouse
Two of Nantucket’s most striking coastal landmarks, Sankaty Head Light and Great Point Lighthouse capture the island’s more windswept side. Sankaty Head, perched above the bluffs of ’Sconset, is a red-and-white tower standing watch over rolling fairways and the Atlantic beyond, especially beautiful in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. It’s easily accessible compared to many coastal viewpoints, making it a favorite stop along a bike ride or a drive out to the east end of the island, where the landscape feels quieter and more residential.
Great Point, by contrast, feels more remote and elemental—reached by driving hrough the protected expanse of Coskata-Coatue, where sand tracks stretch through dunes, salt marsh, and shoreline. The lighthouse itself stands at the northern tip of the island, often surrounded by shifting tides, seals, and wide-open sky, giving it a more rugged, almost untouched feel. Getting there is part of the experience! I recommend renting a jeep (a rite of passage!) from Young’s Bicycle Shop (and make sure you purchase any additional off-road beach passes!).
Stroll Siasconset
Strolling through ’Sconset feels like a quieter, more timeless side of Nantucket, where rose-covered cottages, vintage Land Rovers, and narrow lanes set an unhurried pace. It’s best explored on foot, with every turn offering another postcard view of shingled homes, gardens, and glimpses of the ocean beyond the dunes. When the roses and hydrangeas are in bloom, it is a sight to see! The Bluff Walk is another highlight—an easy coastal path that traces the edge of the bluffs above the Atlantic, weaving past historic cottages (you’ll feel like you’re in their backyard and in some cases, you are!). It’s simple, scenic, and one of the island’s most iconic walks.
Cisco Brewers is one of the island’s most energetic and casual hangouts, where the vibe is more open-air than traditional brewery. With craft beer, cocktails, food trucks, and live music all happening in one sprawling outdoor space, it’s a place that naturally turns a quick stop into a longer stay. Picnic tables fill up fast in the summer, and the atmosphere stays lively from afternoon into evening, making it a go-to for groups looking for something relaxed and social.
Bartlett’s Farm
Bartlett’s Farm is a quietly essential stop on the island, offering a more grounded counterpoint to the bustle of town. It’s known for its seasonal farm stand filled with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and prepared foods that reflect the rhythm of island life in summer. It’s an easy place to swing by after the beach or before dinner, whether you’re picking up ingredients, grabbing something quick from the café, or simply wandering through the grounds. Simple, local, and unpretentious, it captures a side of Nantucket that feels rooted in everyday living rather than vacation vibes.
Go Shopping
Shopping on Nantucket is best done slowly, wandering downtown’s cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks where a curated mix of boutiques, galleries, and island staples sit tucked into historic buildings. The scene leans coastal and refined—think nautical-inspired clothing, elevated home goods, local art, jewelry, and small independent shops that reflect the island’s style. Some of my favorites include For Now, Long Wharf Supply, A Sailor’s Valentine by Tuckernuck, and Sal Amore just to name a few.
Go Antiquing
Antiquing on Nantucket feels like a natural extension of the island’s history, with shops tucked into quiet corners, offering a thoughtful mix of maritime relics, weathered furniture, vintage art, and well-loved New England pieces. It’s easy to drift between stores discovering objects that feel tied to the island’s past—scrimshaw, Nantucket Lightship Baskets, and coastal curiosities that carry a sense of the island. It’s less about checking off a list and more about finding what speaks to you. Some spots to visit include the famous Hospital Thrift Shop, Rafael’s Marketplace, Sylvia Antiques, Bon Ton, John Rugge, and Nantucket House Antiques. Craftmasters of Nantucket is not necessarily an antique shop, but is a really cool spot to check out for scrimshaw.
The Chicken Box
The Chicken Box is Nantucket’s most legendary late-night institution, known less for unfiltered energy. Late night, it transforms into one of the island’s busiest gathering places, with live music, a packed dance floor, and a crowd that skews young, loud, and fully in vacation mode. The vibe is intentionally no-frills and can be considered a rite of passage for many summer visitors. If you’re looking for something more walkable that’s also lively, there’s The Gaslight, too.
Go to the Beach
Nantucket’s beaches range from lively stretches to quieter, more rugged sands, each offering its own version of a classic island summer. Steps Beach is one of the most memorable—reached by a long wooden staircase down the bluff to a stretch of sand below. It feels quieter than some of the other beaches on the island, making it a favorite for a peaceful swim, a beach walk, or an unhurried few hours by the water.
Brant Point Light
Brant Point Lighthouse sits right at the harbor entrance and is often the first and last landmark visitors see when arriving by ferry. Small but mighty, it’s become one of the island’s most iconic symbols, marking the shift from mainland travel to island life. It’s an easy walk from downtown and a classic spot for photos, especially around sunrise or sunset by the water. I love sitting by the water here to watch the boats and the world pass by.
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