Lifestyle
Gray's Guides
Nantucket

Nantucket

Located just 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, this nautical paradise feels straight out of a postcard. From breathtaking beaches and lighthouses to vibrant hydrangeas and quaint cottages — you are sure to leave this island with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Stay

From family-run inns to world-renowned luxury resorts, find a welcoming home away from home.

White Elephant

This is the quintessential coastal New England style hotel with wooden shutters and beachfront lobster rolls. It is truly the perfect place to stay if you want the classic Nantucket experience.

The Nantucket Hotel & Resort

This adorable hotel has its own vintage trolley bus, as well as beautiful rooms, suites, and cottages decorated to nautical perfection.

The Wauwinet

Part of the same group as White Elephant, The Wauwinet offers stunning amenities including a private beach along the Nantucket Bay.

21 Broad

This stunning boutique hotel boasts modern island-inspired decor and a deck with fire pit (perfect for sunset drinks). Ideally located on Broad Street.

Faraway Nantucket

This adorable recently-opened hotel is situated in the heart of downtown. Fun fact: Faraway was inspired by the adventures of a Parisian female ship captain during the 1920s.

Greydon House

For design lovers, Roman + Williams offers a stunning stay. Be sure to check out the roving cocktail cart that goes from room to room before dinner.

Cliffside Beach Club

This stay offers a combination of a private beach club and boutique hotel amenities with a European, St.Tropez flair.

Life House

With beautifully styled homes and countless areas to chill out on the patio this place is perfect for some rest and relaxation.

Harborview

Book one of their cottage style rooms and stay on this serene piece of land that is directly on the harbor. Its easy access to town makes this place so special.

Eat

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Cru

Truly one of my favorite restaurants with the most iconic waterfront views and delicious, fresh seafood. Be sure to try their freshly-shucked oysters, and of course — Clam Chowder and Lobster Rolls.

Straight Wharf Restaurant

After a day at the beach, this is the perfect place to freshen up and enjoy one of the most upscale dinners on the island.

Dune

Blending sophisticated elegance and soothing comfort, Dune offers an upscale dining experience you won't want to miss.

Galley Beach

This is the place to be in the summer. You can even reserve a table directly on the beach while taking in gorgeous seaside views.

Something Natural

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Something Natural is a great place to stop for a fresh, delicious sandwich.

Millie's

You will find a lot of amazing seafood in Nantucket, but Millie's is not one to be missed if you love fresh fish.

Sconset Cafe

A village institution is known for its comfortable beachfront atmosphere and wonderful dishes, including one-of-a-kind crab cakes.

LoLa Burger

Named "the best burger on the planet" by the Boston Globe, LoLa Burger is a great place to go for an informal, yet quality meal — or for takeout.

TOPPER'S

Found alongside the waters of Nantucket Bay, TOPPER'S is The Wauwinet's acclaimed restaurant offering wonderful fare and a very large wine list.

The Juice Bar

While you can try delicious fresh-squeezed juices here, the hidden gem is their selection of homemade ice creams.

Proprietors Bar and Table

Using fresh ingredients sourced from local farms to create globally-inspired dishes, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience housed in a restored 19th Century home.

or, The Whale

Located on Nantucket's downtown Main Street, the concept of this restaurant is "American Diner meets Bistro on the Lower East Side." Stop here for brunch or dinner — both are winners.

The Chanticleer

Originally opened as a small tea house at the turn of the century, this is the perfect place to experience a quintessential Nantucket lunch — especially amongst the restaurant's gorgeous rose garden.

American Seasons

A well-loved neighborhood favorite, American Seasons is located in the downtown historic district of Nantucket and offers New American dishes served by candlelight.

Provisions

Delicious sandwiches — perfect for a picnic or to bring along on a bike ride. The BLT is a favorite.

Lemon Press

A bright and airy brick-lined cafe offering a fun variety of brunch foods, smoothies, and cocktails.

Drink

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Galley Beach Bar

With an over 5,000 bottle wine cellar and a stunning view overlooking Nantucket sound, this local favorite has been in operation since 1958.

LoLa 41

Enjoy delicious eats and sips at this vibrant restaurant. LoLa stands for longitude and latitude, and the number 41 is the specific parallel in which it is located.

The Tree Bar

A hidden local gem offering a stylish atmosphere and outdoor patio.

The Nautilus

The perfect place to cool off and grab a refreshing drink after a day of exploring the island.

The Club Car

This darling bar is housed in a train from the original Nantucket railroad, and is known for its classic cocktails and fine wine.

Cisco Brewers

Try world-class wines, beers, and spirits at this stunning outdoor brewery.

Nantucket Tavern & Gazebo

This bar offers great energy whether it under their gazebo or not. With an extensive cocktail and drink menu there is plenty to try.

The Club Car

With an decorative interior, this restaurant and bar offers an exciting yet relaxed atmosphere to sit with a few friends and enjoy.

What to do

Immerse yourself in local activities — including world-class golf courses, beaches, spas, parks, and more.

Nantucket Mermaids Yacht Charter

The perfect way to cruise along the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Nantucket's coastline. We recommend Nantucket Mermaids.

Surfside Beach

Another great Nantucket beach offering large waves and scenic views.

Jetties Beach

The perfect spot to spend a day at the beach. Rent umbrellas and enjoy a picnic.

Madaket Beach

Ideal for a calm swim — Madaket Beach is typically less crowded.

Sconset Beach

A quaint beach near Sconset Market (perfect for grabbing items for a picnic).

Ladies Beach

A popular beach for surfers, as some of the best waves can be found here.

Jack + Charlie's Ice Cream

This adorable family-owned ice cream shop is the perfect spot to stop after a day of exploring the island.

Bicycle Ride

You will find several places to rent bicycles along the island (and some hotels provide them). I suggest riding from downtown Nantucket to Sconset, which is about 40 minutes one way.

Loines Observatory

Make a trip over to the observatory to stargaze and get a closer and clearer look at the stars that light up the Nantucket sky.

Culture

Discover local art museums, theaters, landmarks, festivals, and more.

Whaling Museum

Located in what was originally a candle-making factory, you can tour this museum with constantly changing exhibitions including a giant whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling.

Brant Point Lighthouse

For over 250 years this lighthouse has been guarding the entrance to the inner harbor and is a prominent Nantucket landmark, having been built in the 18th century.

Sankaty Head Light

This lighthouse was built in 1850 to protect mariners from hazardous shoals off the eastern coast. It is stunning to see, and a perfect photo op.

Egan Maritime's Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

This museum is dedicated to those who were caught in the extreme weather off the island of Nantucket. You can see stunning nautical paintings here, as well as ship models.

Explore Nantucket Photography

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