Nantucket: Defender Dreamland & Hydrangea Heaven. The Quintessential New England Summer!
Curated By
Lindsay Mcknight
Curator’s statement
Nantucket is the ultimate New England destination. Cobblestone streets, pristine beaches, nautical charm and sophistication make this THE place to vacation. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with December being popular as well with the Christmas Stroll being held here. I recommend the first week of September; kids are back in school, less tourists and perfect weather with warm, sunny days and chilly nights.
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Things to do in Nantucket
Stroll the streets downtown and explore: Lots of shopping, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and more. Don’t miss purchasing a piece from the Nantucket Reds collection at Murrays.
Bike to Sconset one morning: This was about a nine-mile bike ride from town one way, but SO worth it. Grab a toasted everything bagel from Claudette’s and sit on the beach to enjoy it. We had the beach completely to ourselves and it was the most perfect, tranquil moment. Fingers crossed you get to see some whales. While in Sconset, stroll the bluff walk. It’s about a mile or so and you feel like you’re walking through people’s backyards, but the views are STUNNING. You’ve got these gorgeous New England coastal homes on the left with blooming hydrangeas everywhere, and the beach/ocean on the right. Continue your walk to see the Sankaty lighthouse.
Spend a day on Jettie’s beach: Take an Elin Hilderband novel out there, have lunch at the Sandbar, take a stroll down the beach and watch the boats come and go. Perfect beach day!
Catch a sunrise by the harbor.
Watch the sunset in Madaket.
Whaling Museum
Places to eat & drink in Nantucket
Lemonpress: For a coffee and pastry.
Downyflake: Amazing breakfast.
Millies: Go for lunch and get a lobster quesadilla.
Cru: Lobster Roll on the water. What’s better than that?
The Summer House: The nightly piano player here is fantastic.
Brant Point Grille: Amazing views and the best clam chowder.
Ships Inn: Romantic date night.
The Seagrille: The best meal we had on the island. The lobster bisque is to die for!
Toppers @ the Wauwinet: Cocktail & sunset.
Galley Beach, The Nautilus (best martini & mussels), Straight Wharf, Le Languedoc, Dune.
Late night ice cream at the Juice Bar. Don't let the long line intimidate you — it moves quickly.
Need to know
Depending on the amount of time you have to spend here, make sure you have a good beach day or two. Spend a day strolling around town and the harbor without plans and see where the day takes you. Stop in for a mudslide at The Gazebo or a spiked Arnold Palmer at The Tavern. Rent a jeep and drive out to Great Point with a picnic of sandwiches from Something Natural. Spend an afternoon at Cisco Brewery with live music and food trucks. Downtown Nantucket is very walkable and laid back in a luxurious kind of way. End a day at The Chicken Box for a good dive bar with live music. Nantucket is truly one of a kind. Five to seven days here is ideal, although I don't think I'll ever have enough time on the island.
Travel Advisor
Lindsay Mcknight
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Nantucket page.