Where To Stay, Eat, And Play In Nantucket: An Island Guide
This is your discerning compass to Nantucket, where quintessential New England charm meets a curated island living. It’s an escape to rugged coastlines, endless secret beaches, bookended by captivating doses of history, art, and timeless architecture. For New Yorkers and Bostonians, it’s the perfect antidote to city life, offering Atlantic waves and cooler temperatures that beckon in the summer months.
Where to Retreat
The stylish Greydon House is your quintessential Nantucket abode. Inspired by the island’s rich maritime history, its classic rooms are thoughtfully appointed, fit for a well-traveled captain. Expect antique furniture, Indian block print bed linens, and the occasional playful detail that adds a dash of unexpected delight. Its restaurant, Via Mare, offers a refined Venetian-inspired menu, making it a complete island experience.
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Island Explorations
Spend your days venturing along Nantucket’s rugged coastline, discovering secluded coves and endless secret beaches perfect for quiet contemplation or active pursuits.
For a truly relaxed day by the water, Jetties Beach is a perfect choice, featuring the open-air Sandbar restaurant, often with a lively atmosphere and fresh offerings. For those in search of rougher surf, Surfside Beach delivers Atlantic waves.
Embrace the island's charm by cycling the Madaket Road Path, with rentals readily available from Nantucket Bike Shop.
For low-impact walks through scenic areas, explore the vast network of trails offered by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s ACK Trails, covering over 9,000 acres.
Beyond the sand, immerse yourself in the island's rich heritage: explore its whaling history at the Whaling Museum , marvel at the iconic Brant Point Lighthouse, or wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Nantucket Town, discovering unique boutiques and art galleries like Nantucket Looms for locally woven textiles.
Culinary Delights
Nantucket’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, from casual seaside bites to distinguished dining experiences.
For a buzzing atmosphere and exceptional seafood, Cru Oyster Bar at the end of the wharf is a must for oysters and fresh catches.
Lola 41 is your destination for popular sushi and Asian fusion, offering a lively scene.
For discerning, globally-influenced small plates, seek out Proprietors.
Billie's On Broad: (Formerly Dune) Opening for summer 2025 after extensive renovations, this new spot promises a modern steakhouse experience with a significant oyster and raw bar component, blending local seafood with a Miami flair.
For Baja-style eats and craft cocktails with stunning sunset views over Madaket, Millie's is a local favorite.
For delicious, casual fare, check out Stubby’s, known for its comfort food.
For classic island sandwiches, Something Natural is a beloved local spot, while Claudette’s (in Sconset) offers a charming alternative.
For a sweet treat, the Juice Bar is an island institution for ice cream.
For a unique, fixed-price menu experience in a romantic setting, Company of The Cauldron offers a special evening, often with live music.
Where to Drink
Beyond its culinary appeal, Millie's in Madaket is the place for margaritas and a lively beachside vibe.
Cru at the wharf is your go-to for martinis and an enticing raw bar.
For a relaxed afternoon tasting local brews, ciders, and spirits, head to Cisco Brewers, a popular spot with a vibrant atmosphere, often featuring food trucks and live music.
August on Island Time: Special Events
Nantucket truly comes alive in August with a vibrant calendar of events that celebrate its unique spirit. Don't miss the iconic Boston Pops on Nantucket (August 9, 2025) for music under the stars, or the thrilling Nantucket Race Week (August 13-17, 2025), which culminates in the historic Opera House Cup Regatta, celebrating the island's deep maritime heritage.
How to Get There
By Air: Private & Chartered
For seamless travel from Manhattan, Tradewinds offers an efficient and comfortable option.
Direct commercial flights connect Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) with major hubs. From the New York City area, you can fly from JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) via airlines such as JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These nonstop flights typically span about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), direct flights are offered by JetBlue and Cape Air, with a flight time around 1 hour. Cape Air also provides year-round service from Boston and Hyannis, as well as seasonal connections from smaller New England airports.
By Sea: Ferry Services
The most classic way to arrive, ferries provide a quintessential New England experience. The main operators are Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority.
From Hyannis, Cape Cod, both lines offer high-speed passenger ferries that make the crossing in approximately 1 hour. The Steamship Authority also operates a traditional car-and-passenger ferry from Hyannis, a more leisurely journey taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes – ideal if you plan to bring your vehicle.
Seasonal high-speed ferry service is also available from New York City and New Bedford, New Jersey (via Seastreak).
84 Rooms recommends: An Insider Guide To Summer In The Hamptons, and Our 10 Favourite Restaurants In New York City.