What to See & Do on Nantucket Island

In good weather everyone takes off to the beaches, by taxi, bus, tour or bike.

Here's a map (.pdf) of the main historic sights on Nantucket Island.

Beaches
Nantucket's ten public beaches offer something for every sun-sand-and-sea preference. Several are only steps from the town center, others reachable by a pleasant bike ride or by shuttle bus. More...

Bicycling
Several island shops rent bicycles, and a ride to 'Sconset, Sankaty Light, or to one of the beaches is a favorite day's activity. More...

Cruises, Sailing & Fishing
Several companies operate all sorts of cruises on motor craft and sailing yachts. More...

Walking Tours
The Nantucket Historical Association sponsors a 1.5-hour historical-architectural walking tour through the best of Nantucket's art and architecture. Call 508-228-1894 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm for a reservation, as the tour is limited to 15 people. They also organize family tours of special interest to young children.

Museums
The Nantucket Whaling Museum details the island's important 19th-century history or whaling. More...

The Nantucket Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road (map; Tel 508-228-1885), about three miles (5 km) from the center of town, has exhibits explaining the role of the island's life-saving service. More than 750 ships foundered off Nantucket, with great loss of life, which would have been much greater but for the brave men who risked their lives to save others'.

Nantucket Atheneum
Nantucket's free public library (Tel 508-228-1110) is among the oldest in the USA. Thoroughly updated, its 42,000 volumes are available for reading, its Great Hall for lectures, itsWeezie Wing for children. Look for it on India Street in the center of town.

The Maria Mitchell Science Center (tel 508-228-9198), 2 Vestal Street, is organized and maintained in honor of Nantucket's foremost astronomer, Maria Mitchell (1818-89). More...

Concerts
Nantucket has supported chamber music concerts at various times, particularly in the weeks of high summer. Ask at the Information Bureau, or look for notices of upcoming events.

Also, visiting and local bands often give free concerts in the bandstand near Straight Wharf (at the foot of Main Street). The Weekly Vacation Guides, available at the Information Bureau, will have listings of times and programs.

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