Our Nantucket Guide

Your go-to guide for Nantucket: hidden gems, classic spots, new additions, and a visit to Beau & Ro at 4 Federal St.

Nestled off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is a magical little island that offers enchanting experiences for every visitor. Begin your visit by wandering through the cobblestone streets in town, where you'll find charming boutiques, art galleries, and delicious restaurants.

Things To Do

From slow mornings by the water to afternoons spent wandering charming streets, Nantucket is best enjoyed without a rush. Think beach days, boutique hopping, and Cisco brewery in between, here’s how to spend your time like a local.

The Beaches

Good news: all the beaches are public, so you're free to bask in the sun wherever you like! My favorite beach is Ladies Beach. Grab sandwiches at Bartlett's Farm and take the sandy pathout to the dunes.

JETTIES

A family-friendly beach with calm waters, just a short bike ride from town. Sandbar at Jetties is a great spot to grab lunch and drinks instead of bringing your own.

CISCO BEACH

A stunning south shore beach known for its powerful waves and beautiful sunsets. Popular with surfers and beachgoers alike.

LADIES BEACH

A quieter alternative on the south shore with soft sand and gentle waves. Perfect for a peaceful day by the ocean.

SURFSIDE BEACH

Wide sandy beach with consistent surf and lifeguards on duty. Great for families and offers ample parking and facilities.

STEPS BEACH

A quiet beach accessed by stairs down the dunes, known for its calm water and steady shoreline views. It’s a low-key spot that’s especially popular for walking, swimming, and avoiding the busier beaches on the island.

MADAKET BEACH

Located on the western tip of the island, this beach offers spectacular sunset views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Best Walks

CLIFF ROAD TO STEPS BEACH - Great walk to do if your staying in town. I suggest going on the earlier side and stop at Something Natural on your way back to pick up sandwiches for the beach. Beautiful houses and great views of the Nantucket Sound. Go to the top of steps to see the gate that everyone takes pics of.

SCONSET BLUFF WALK - The Siasconset Bluff Walk is an aboslute must! Expect beautiful homes, blooming flowers, and ocean views as you walk along the bluff to Sankaty Lighthouse.

Nantucket Staples

Sunset Sail

A sunset sail or harbour cruise makes for a great afternoon outing. Walk Straight Wharf to pick a charter. My favorite is the Endeavor Sailboat.

Cisco Brewers

Enjoy cocktails, beer, food trucks, and a raw bar! Go around 3pm as live music usually starts at 4. And if it's a holiday weekend, GO EARLY!

Juice Bar

Expect to wait in line during the post-dinner rush, but their ice cream and homemade waffle cones are well worth it.

Where To Shop

BEAU & RO Of course

28 CENTER POINTE - Well-curated home decor and accessories.

FOR NOW- A boutique featuring rotating emerging brands, unique home goods, jewelry, and children's apparel.

MURRAY'S TOGGERY - The creator of Nantucket Reds and an institution on the island! 

MITCHELL'S BOOK STORE - Pop into this sweet bookstore to pick up your beach read. 

FLOWERS ON CHESTNUT- A beautiful flower shop, overflowing from floor to ceiling with blooms!  

New On Island

BIRDIE - New home store, offering furniture, accessories, clothing, and gifts inspired by design and travel.

HART - A Charleston jewelry and charm bar brand.

BILLIE'S - A new steakhouse in town, reservations required!

MÓR WINE - A boutique bottle shop on Federal St by the owner of Oran Mor.

Where To Eat

casual bites, elevated dinners, and can’t-miss cocktails

CRU

An iconic mid-day spot with the best lobster roll on island. Grab a drink at the back bar and enjoy a great view of the harbor! Try their signature drink, the crucumber

PROPRIETORS

Relaxed restaurant and bar serving locally sourced, globally influenced fare in a contemporary space. You can't miss out on the broccoli.

JETTIES SANDBAR

Great easy lunch spot for kids and for casual drinks. They also do a good oyster happy hour, lovingly dubbed as Buck-A-Shuck.

VENTUNO

Amazing Italian food - all of their pastas are excellent, but we recommend their bay scallop dish when in-season and the Pepe Picante cocktail over ice.

MILLIES

Out in Madaket Beach, a casual favorite for the best tacos on island and their famous Madaket Mystery drink!

THE CHANTICLEER

Escape the hustle of town to this rose-covered cottage in the heart of Sconset. The Chanticleer is a truly special, old-school, elegant dining experience.

Where To Grab & Go

FRESH - Great spot to grab sandwiches and booze in town before hitting the water.

SOMETHING NATURAL - Great sandwiches and their tuna is amazing! You'll find their bread for sale all over the island. 

CLAUDETTES   The go-to sandwich spot in 'Sconset. Try the turkey or seafood salad. 

PROVISIONS - In town option for sandwiches, I love their Sicilian Tuna! 

LEMON PRESS - A great spot to grab a coffee, smoothie, wrap or breakfast sandwich. Tons of fresh and healthy options. 

BARTLETT'S FARM - Bartlett's Farm is Nantucket's oldest and largest family-owned farm offering fresh locally grown vegetables, flowers, and groceries, plus lots of prepared foods for the beach! Grab a sandwich and take a right out of the parking lot to head down to Ladies Beach.

Where To Drink

GALLEY BEACH - Spectacular views paired with great food, The Galley is definitely the number one place to watch the sunset on the island with a glass of rosé in hand. If you don't want to splurge on dinner, you can get all the magic of the island sunset by just going for drinks!

BACK BAR - Great playlist and a lively atmosphere behind Ventuno

CHICKEN BOX - An institution on the island and the spot to go if you want to get sloppy and dance. Check to see who's playing, sometimes they get great bands like The Revivalists! 

GREYDON HOUSE- The romantic bar scene is tight but beautifully done, definitely worth checking out in this super well-designed hotel in town. 

Where To Stay

WHITE ELEPHANT -  Harborside hotel, close walk to town. Their newer property, White Elephant Village has modern suites with kitchens and living rooms that are great for families! 

GREYDON HOUSE - A hip and high-end hotel in town.

LOFTS & COTTAGES - Adorable cottages on the docks, complete with kitchens. 

THE WAUWINET - If you're looking for something more remote, The Wauwinet is a sophisticated retreat on the far side of the island. 

CLIFFSIDE BEACH CLUB - A spectacular resort vibe on the beach near Galley Beach 

SUMMER HOUSE - Cute cottages in Sconset.