“The Faraway Land” is located 30 miles off the south coast of Cape Cod and is a beautiful oasis of over 40% conservation land with plentiful beaches. Once a major whaling port, Nantucket today is a mecca for tourism and draws people to its natural charm, history and beauty. In addition, the restaurants are first-rate restaurants, and the lodging establishments are charming.
The Small List
Best Places to Stay
Ships Inn – A historical landmark and a place that provides all the comforts and conveniences you should expect from a boutique bed and breakfast inn.
White Elephant – Enjoy waterfront accommodations with magnificent harbor views and first class service at this island landmark while experiencing the beauty, serenity, and romantic nature of this Nantucket Island resort.
21 Broad – A chic boutique hotel where the energy of Nantucket meets an elegant, modern vibe. This Nantucket hotel brings urban style to the island.
Best Restaurants
Cru – This premier oyster bar offers casually elegant cuisine on the waterfront with views of the mega-yachts in the harbor. A stylish hot spot for people watching and for the most unique and delicious Nantucket lobster roll on the planet…warm and buttered on a toasted brioche roll.
The Club Car – An island institution near the waterfront featuring a fun and boisterous bar in a classic railway car. An extremely carefree and convivial environment.
The Nautilus – A truly special dining destination where “rustic meets modern” with unique and vibrant small plate offerings that have a coastal, seafood base and where Asian meets Latin. Reservations are taken on the day-of only! The door opens at noon for in-person reservations on a first come first serve basis.
Straight Wharf – Delicious, down-to-earth food at one of the most storied restaurants overlooking the harbor on Nantucket where the food speaks of the culture of the island.
Ventuno – A celebration of Nantucket…Italian style.
The Proprietors – There is more on Nantucket than seafood! Against the background of sage-green walls and wood accents, Proprietors serves up small and large plates of global fare.
The Gaslight – Downtown Nantucket’s live music destination featuring talented local musicians and a thoughtfully curated music program. The cuisine incorporates local ingredients from Nantucket’s bounty with a Japanese influence.
Best Cocktails
Tree Bar – An al fresco hotspot like no other! Mixing drinks from 11:00AM- 1:00AM. Specialty cocktails, Cisco Brewery, and much much more!
Cisco Brewers – A Winery, Brewery, and Distillery born out of a passion and a little home brewing with friends. Nantucket Vineyard, Cisco Brewers and Triple Eight Distillery offer a variety of tasting flights on premise with great draft beer, tasty craft cocktails, wine, food trucks, live music, tours, a free shuttle and parking!
Best Breakfast
Fog Island Cafe – In the heart of downtown, serving breakfast and lunch, all year round.
Best Lunch on the Beach
Galley Beach – On the beach since 1958, this restaurant is rich in history with impeccable service, award winning cuisine and a beach chic atmosphere.
Things to Do
Whaling Museum – Artifacts, including an impressive array of scrimshaw, offer a glimpse into what life was like during the Island’s golden era as the whaling capital of the world.
Res Ipsa – The flagship store founded by two lawyers that began with neckwear and evolved because of their love for travel and sustainability, to focus on globally-designed one-of-a-kind products made from vintage and repurposed materials. Priceless!
Sconset Bluff Walk – Every trip to Nantucket should include a walk on the Sconset Bluff Walk, the most scenic path in Nantucket. Breathe in the views on this footpath in front of some of the most beautiful properties on the island. To one side, walkers see the bluff down to the ocean, and on the other side are lavish summer homes.
Best Beaches
Surfside Beach – Known as the family beach, Surfside is one of the most popular beaches on Nantucket. Above all, it has plenty of room for any beach activity.
Cisco Beach – One of the best surfing beaches on the island with the softest sand on Nantucket.