Nantucket is one of the most popular summer vacation spots in New England, on the East Coast of the United States. There are numerous enjoyable activities for couples, families, and lone tourists in Nantucket.
Nantucket is a small island off the coast of Cape Cod, the peninsula of Massachusetts. Two Cape Cod ports, Hyannis and East Falmouth offer ferry service to Nantucket. The ferry ride from Cape Cod takes only one hour. However, there are additional ferries from New York and New Jersey. However, these ferry voyages might last more than eight hours.
The easiest way for non-locals to reach Nantucket is to fly into the Nantucket airport or the Boston airport. If you fly into Boston, you must drive to Cape Cod before boarding a ferry. There are direct flights to Nantucket, although they are more expensive. If you want to travel to Nantucket you need to stay in the best place for good sightseeing. This article helps you to know more about tourist attractions in Nantucket.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach, located on the island’s southern coast, is one of its most popular beaches. It is also among the most amenity-rich stretches of beach: During the peak beach season, public rentals, showers, snack booths, and lifeguards are all available. Although the waves may be too rough for younger guests, Surfside is an excellent location for surfing and other extreme watersports.
Nantucket’s Beaches
The beaches are one of the greatest tourist attractions of this island paradise. Nantucket’s 82 miles of coastline offer numerous options. Whether you are a surfer trying to hang ten or a family looking for a safe spot for the kids to play, there is sand and waves to accommodate your demands. Children’s Beach is a family-friendly beach located on the North Shore. It is close to town, and the water is tranquil, making it an ideal introduction to the ocean for beginners. The municipality organizes family-friendly activities such as yoga and live music for children.
Nantucket Whaling Museum
The museum educates tourists about the four-hundred-year history of the island by displaying more than a thousand objects of art, crafts, and collectibles in nine luxury galleries.
The museum features an enormous Fresnel lens, a 46-foot-long sperm whale skeleton, and an 1847 candle factory that has been refurbished.
In addition, there is a rooftop deck with a spectacular view of Nantucket Harbor. To see all of a location’s attractions, it is necessary to plan the trip in advance.
Lighthouses
When considering the top activities on Nantucket, a lighthouse is certainly the first thing that springs to mind. Nantucket is home to a variety of distinctive lighthouses. Important navigational aids for approaching ships were lighthouses. The shifting terrain around Nantucket is known to have caused the loss of over 700 vessels throughout documented history.
The Brant Point Lighthouse is among the most popular sites on Nantucket. It is located just outside of downtown, making it relatively accessible. If you take a ferry to Nantucket, you will likely see it en route.
Brant Point Light was originally built in 1746. It is the second-oldest lighthouse in America! It is also the shortest lighthouse on New England’s coasts, with a height of 26 feet. The Brant Point Light has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Old Mill
The Old Mill is the only remaining smock mill on Nantucket. The mill, which was constructed in the 1700s and abandoned to the elements in the 1800s, has been meticulously restored to its original design. The Nantucket Historical Association includes a mill that was operational until the late 1800s.
You can visit the old mill and enjoy a tour on its own, or you can combine it with a self-guided tour of the Historic Sites that includes the Oldest House, Old Gaol, Greater Light, and the Fire Hose Cart House. This is a fantastic option for individuals interested in Nantucket’s historical significance.
Sconset Bluff Walk
If you will be in town for a while, make ‘Sconset Bluff Walk your regular morning or evening walking spot. The route is located in the old historic site of Siasconset. With breathtaking views of the sea and heathlands, this is an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum is open every day from April to December and allows visitors to engage with the island’s past as the world’s whaling capital. It is operated by the Nantucket Historical Society and was named by Andrew Harper as one of ten sites to visit in America before you die.
The new, enlarged exhibit space permits exhibitions such as a 46-foot-long sperm whale dangling from the ceiling, thousands of relics, and 11 distinct galleries. Children enjoy the interactive displays. Visit Tucker’s Roof Walk for breathtaking views of Nantucket Harbor.
Cisco Brewers
On the grounds of Cisco Brewers, which contain a vineyard, a distillery, and a brewery, you may take a walk through a little cottage devoted to each type of beverage and receive a thorough explanation of the production process. And at the conclusion of the walk, remain to try some of the most recent cocktails created by bartenders who are knowledgeable and courteous. Aside from the palatable beverages, most recent guests adore the outdoor location.
Nantucket Atheneum
If you believe that visiting a library is uninteresting, you have never been to the Nantucket Atheneum. This stoic edifice, which was established in 1847 as a free public library, has almost 170,000 visitors annually – in Nantucket! The structure itself is an enormous draw. This impressive Greek edifice was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and is difficult to miss. Between its huge columns is a pleasure.
Obviously, there are rows upon rows of books within. The library provides free access to approximately 1.6 million books, in addition to DVDs and CDs. Additionally, they organize approximately 1,300 educational and cultural events annually.
Loines Observatory
A visit to the Loines Observatory will allow you to spend a night gazing at the sky. Allow the astronomy staff to assist you in navigating the night sky, and they will point out constellations and other celestial phenomena that cannot be observed on earth. Observe comets, meteor showers, eclipses, and the international space station.
They offer a summer lecture series in which some of the most prominent astronomers will speak. The Loines Observatory is an ideal location for families to introduce their children to the universe beyond our own.
Final Thoughts
When the island of Nantucket is mentioned, it is not only dunes, lighthouses, and beaches that come to mind.
Be sure to explore some of the island’s beautiful stores and several historic mansions to learn more about the island’s history as you travel to this important Massachusetts annex.
Nantucket will become one of your favorite East Coast destinations if you spend some time enjoying all that it has to offer, regardless of your reason for visiting this charming location.
