What to do in Nantucket

Nantucket is famous for its beautiful beaches and cobblestone streets. It’s a picturesque place to spend a summer day. It’s also a shopping and dining destination like no other! Though I’ve lived in New England for most of my life, I’ve only been to Natucket twice, the last time in 2019 with NIR Retail. But I cannot wait to jump on a Nantucket ferry and head back for a day trip to this fun-filled island retreat. Here is what to do in Nantucket.

Sunbathe, Swim & Surf

Spend your morning at the beach! Nantucket beaches are second to none and there are several so everyone is bound to find one to their liking. On the north shore of the island is the popular Children’s Beach, great for kids just like it’s name suggests. Also on the north shore is Jetties Beach which is close to the town. Surfers will find the best waves on the south shore beaches like Cisco, Surfside, Miacomet, and Tom Nevers Beach. Pack a picnic breakfast or brunch, your suit, a towel and some sunscreen and your morning will be made.

Savor

Once you’ve had your fill of Nantucket sun and sand, retreat to one of the island’s many delicious restaurants for a seafood lunch. We sampled the meatiest lobster roll I’ve ever had at or, The Whale, paired with crispy fries and a glass of apple cider wine with a sugar rim (a seasonable offering). It was heaven for a New Englander like myself! 

Then we visited Aunt Leah’s Fudge where we sampled their chocolate covered cranberries, a Nantucket specialty, and their homemade fudge. I just had to bring home a box of chocolate walnut fudge for the rest of my family!

Shop

Nantucket is also an artists’ colony, home to many painters, jewelers, and artisans. G.S. Hill Gallery is right next to the ferry entrance and if you’re looking for a piece of art to add to your collection or a new strand of beautiful pearls, this is where you want to go. It’s a small shop, but every corner is packed with treasure.

Olivela was one of my favorite Nantucket shops. This luxury boutique is more like an art gallery of beautiful dresses, cute shoes, dreamy handbags, and the hottest beauty products on the market. But the great thing about shopping at Olivela is that 20% of the proceeds from every purchase is donated by Olivela to a specific cause. Right now that charity is Save the Children which provides aid to children and families around the world, including the situation happening in the Ukraine. 

If you’re looking for a truly unusual gift or souvenir, look no further than Freedman’s of Nantucket. This Nantucket main-stay has been selling nautically-inspired clocks, unique light fixtures, and other home accessories for over 43 years. Owner Don Freedman’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Architectural Digest and Veranda Magazine.

Sip

As we waited to board our ferry to head back to the mainland, we stopped into CRU, an oyster bar right on the waterfront. We sat on the restaurant’s luxe patio and sipped cocktails, enjoying the refreshing breeze and the setting sun. It was a relaxing way to end our trip

These are the best things to do in Nantucket. If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out The Cottages, right next to where the ferry comes into port, the historical Jarrod Coffin House, or The White Elephant.

Thank you so much to NIR Retail for working with me on this Nantucket Travel Guide. If you are planning a trip to Nantucket and have any questions, feel free to DM me!