Nantucket Island is a popular tourist destination off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Every summer, the island’s 10,000 full-time residents are joined by tens of thousands of tourists who flock there for its beautiful beaches and rich culture.
There are several ways to reach Nantucket. Visitors can take the ferry from ports in Hyannis, Cape Cod, or New York City. Travelers can fly from Boston to Hyannis or take a train between the two cities.
One of Nantucket’s biggest draws is its shoreline. The island boasts more than 80 miles of beaches. Steps beach is notable for its flower-covered dunes. Next door is the livelier Jetties beach, which offers seaside activities like volleyball and sailing. Jetties are also home to the Galley Beach restaurant.
Visitors can head to the western side of the island to view the sunset from Madaket Beach, which is one of the few beaches where visitors can drive on the sand. However, a permit from the city is required.
Families with young children will appreciate Children’s Beach, which often hosts concerts and group exercise classes.
The waters around Nantucket also offer a variety of activities. Visitors can charter private fishing tours to take advantage of the island's abundant marine life. Anglers can find bass, tuna, and cod during their offshore fishing adventures. Meanwhile, travelers who want to experience the open sea in a calmer manner can also sign up for a sailing tour and view Nantucket by boat.
Nantucket is also home to several historical landmarks. There are several lighthouses and mills, some of which date back to the 1700s. The island is also home to several stunning examples of Colonial and mid-1800s revival architecture.
The stately Hadwen House features classic elements from ancient Greek building styles, such as symmetrical ionic pillars. The home was built by whaling magnate William Hadwen. The older Jethro Coffin House is an well-preserved 17th century home. It was first built in 1686 as the venue for the Coffin wedding. The house is open to visitors.
Tourists can learn more about Nantucket’s seafaring history at the Whaling Museum, which contains the remains of a massive sperm whale. Other popular museums include the Museum of African American History and the Shipwreck Museum.
Nantucket also has a vibrant food and nightlife culture. It is the headquarters for Cisco Brewers, a local purveyor of craft beers and wines. There are also many seafood restaurants featuring New England delicacies like oysters and lobster.
The island hosts several annual festivals that attract attendees from across the world. The Daffodil Festival, held in April, celebrates the blooming season of more than 2 million bulbs planted across Nantucket. The town’s cranberry bogs are recognized in December. Movie lovers also travel to Nantucket for its popular film festival held every summer.
Nantucket is small, so visitors staying longer than a few days may want to schedule day trips into their agenda. The renowned New England getaway Martha’s Vineyard is only an hour’s boat ride away, and visitors can also spend some time exploring Boston.
