How to Enjoy Summer in Nantucket

Home to beautiful white-sand beaches, natural wonders, fascinating historic sites and charming shops, the island of Nantucket is located off the Massachusetts coast. It is an absolute summer delight for many visitors each summer. Pack your swimsuit, hop a ferry and set sail for an unforgettable getaway.

Things You'll Need

• Comfy walking shoes
• Casual clothing
• Beach gear
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat

Instructions

1. Take a tour of Nantucket Town, where you can take a relaxing stroll past 300 years of history. It’s packed with downtown delights, and you’ll find historic tree-lined streets with completely preserved 18th and 19th century buildings. Browse the antique shops and stylish specialty stores that line cobblestone streets.

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2. Glimpse lavish lifestyles at the Hadwen House, located at 93 Main Street. Built in 1845 by whaling merchant William Hadwen, it’s an outstanding example of Greek revival architecture. You can also tour the grounds of the lovely Victorian Gardens, which are at their peak of beauty during the summer.

3. Visit the famous Whaling Museum at 13 Broad Street. Located in a converted 1846 candle factory, it now houses a fascinating collection of whaling artifacts, including an awesome 43-foot whale skeleton and outstanding carved whalebone collection. To understand Nantucket, it’s best to begin with its history. When you visit the museum, a curator will greet your and give a brief history of the whaling industry. Next, visit the Maria Mitchell Aquarium for an up-close look at Nantucket marine life.

4. Take a Hyline Ferry tour. It offers a wonderful overview of the island. The tour lasts a little more than one hour and you’ll enjoy learning about Nantucket’s seafaring heritage, and hear anecdotal stories of Nantucket, when it was the whaling capital of the world. Next, visit the Maria Mitchell Aquarium for an up-close look at Nantucket marine life.

5. The best place to enjoy Nantucket’s breathtaking sunsets? At popular Madaket Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the area and also a great place to picnic. Relax in tranquility here or splash around in the calm waters. To get to the beach, you can take the NRTA shuttle service from town or via the Madaket Bike Path, which runs 5.5 miles from town. On a bicycle, you’ll get marvelous, up-close views of the islands many scenic wonders. Another great option: Jettie Beach. It’s within walking distance form town and has a little bit of everything, including a playground, volleyball net and concession stand.