Live Like a Local: Nantucket Island

Beaches:

Steps beach is a must for sunset or even an afternoon dip. There is a gorgeous path to the stairs that leads down to a soft sandy beach. There is some parking around the circle, not a lot, but it is also accessible via bike, which is very common.

Jetties Beach: This is a very family-friendly beach as they do have lifeguards. The waves are small and sometimes you'll get to experience a sandbar. Jetties also offers gorgeous views of the boats coming in and out of the harbor. Jetties Beach has a restaurant not far from the shore, called "Sandbar" - an open-air restaurant offering raw bar, sandwich to a full bar. Also, great for a sunset dine in the sand.

Drive on beaches: (Permit Required) - 40th pole, Nobadeer beach and Great Point: These are all accessible by 4x4 car, and a permit. A great time to bring a cooler with lunch and refreshments! Don't forget to take air out of your tires.

Lighthouses:

Brant Point Light: If you take the boat option to get to the island, you have the best view of this lighthouse. This is the second-oldest lighthouse in the USA! A must-see if you don't see it coming in the harbor.

Great Point: This lighthouse is only accessible via a 4x4 car and a beach permit (a little more expensive than the regular beach drive-on permit). A great place to spend the day, watch the seals and maybe even see a fin. Note: because there are a lot of seals, there are a lot of sharks - maybe not the best beach to swim far out!

Sankaty Head: Located on the eastern-most part of the island, this lighthouse is a must-see. Whether you bike out to Siasconset, take The Wave Shuttle Bus or drive out there, it is accessible! Recommend to go early morning to avoid crowds.

Museums:

Whaling Museum: As a local, my favorite museum is the Whaling Museum, which is right downtown. You could easily spend a day here, but if you wanted, you could hustle through it. Learn the history of whaling on the island! Along with your visit, you get free access to a couple of other Historic Landmarks.

Sights:

Old Mill, The Oldest House, sunrise at 'Sconset Beach, 'Sconset foot bridge, bluff walk, Main Street, Cisco Beach, Sanford Farm (hike).

Breakfast and brunch:

• Island Kitchen: Mid-island area. Delicious wide-variety menu with the best fresh-squeezed OJ. Recommend reservation.

• Lemon Press: Downtown, on Main St. This is a great place to get a coffee and smoothie on the go. Very health-conscious. They do get very busy very fast. Order online for a quick pick-up.

• Espresso To Go: The friendliest staff and mom-and-pop coffee shop. They offer morning pastries and quick-to-go lunch options.

• Wicked Island Bakery: A must-stop for the morning buns, that is all. Coffee is good, too!

• Nantucket Bake Shop: This is an all-time favorite (since I was a kiddo). My favorite doughnut is the Boston Creme. Must go early or you'll end up empty handed.

Lunch (to go/outside dining):

• Cooks Cafe: Some delicious warm or chilled wraps. My favorite is the Teriyaki Chicken. You'll find the friendliest employees from the Dominican Republic who work here. Right in the downtown area, perfect location to stop by after going to the Whaling Museum.

• Claudette's: Located in Madaket, great for lunch after a bluff walk and Sankaty Head Lighthouse visit. They offer very simple, but delicious sandwiches made to order. Take-out only, but they do have a small porch to eat there.

• Something Natural: Located just outside of town, this is a wonderful spot to take out or sit on property in the lush grass. Famous for their bread, they make huge sandwiches to order and are totally customizable. I highly recommend getting a half sandwich or whole to share.

• Provisions: Always stop here before you head out on the boat. It is right next to the terminal and they have the best Turkey Terrific Sandwich.

Lunch (dine in):

• Cru: On the wharf, raw bar, views of the harbor.

• Queequegs: Downtown snug spot for delicious food.

• Straight Wharf Fish: New, trendy with local flavors.

• Bar Yoshi: Quaint little sushi and raw bar hot spot on the old wharf.

Dinner:

• Straight Wharf Restaurant: Elevated seafood dishes paired with wine in rustic-chic environs or on the waterfront porch. Dining is a pleasure. Staff knows how to treat guests.

• The Nautilus: Rustic-modern hot spot featuring global, seafood-centric small plates and inventive craft cocktails.

• The Proprietors Bar & Table: Relaxed restaurant and bar serving locally sourced, globally influenced fare in a contemporary space.

• The Seagrille: An eclectic menu of inventive seafood and meat dishes lures locals to this welcoming institution. Locally owned by a wonderful, hardworking family, this place is a must!

• Galley Beach: Refined New American menus and craft cocktails in polished surrounds, plus a beach bar and lounge. A great idea to see a sunset here. Absolutely stunning.

• Sister Ship: Serving cocktails alongside seafood-forward, Mediterranean dishes, made using New England seafood and local ingredients.

Go because you're on the island:

• Cisco Brewers: A local brewery that has gone off the charts in recent years for the summer vibes, cool people and awesome beverages. They brew beer onsite, have a wine bar and cocktail bar. They feature food trucks on property! Dog-friendly and family friendly.

• Millie's: A Mexican-inspired restaurant located in Madaket (western-most part of the island). It is a trendy spot to grab a bite to eat for takeout and watch the sunset on the beach. Or sit upstairs and watch the sunset while dining in. Recommend reservation.

• The Juice Bar: World-famous homemade ice cream, where the line wraps around corners of downtown. They offer handfuls of flavors of ice cream. You can't not go! Mid-day and afternoon visits are best to avoid the line.

• Markets: There are a handful of local markets with fresh produce and freshly caught fish that I need to highlight.

• Bartletts' Farm, Moore's End Farm, 167 Raw, Sayle's Seafood, Nantucket Meat & Fish, Eat Fire Farm, Pumpkin Pond Farm, Fog Town Farm and Sustainable Nantucket (Saturday market downtown).