You’ve made your way to the Cape, and you have your ferry ticket in hand. The build-up in traveling to Nantucket can sometimes overwhelm the actual trip planning once you’ve arrived at the island. Discover the best of Nantucket during your next visit. We’ve made a list of all of our favorite places to eat and the best things to do to ensure you see the island like a local. Here is everything you need to know about planning a trip to Nantucket.
Still want more? Access our exclusive Vacation Guide for hand-picked recommendations on Nantucket’s best restaurants and activities. Our complimentary guide is the only reading material you’ll need during a speedy ferry ride to the island!
What You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Nantucket
You’ve pulled into the harbor, and you’re ready to start exploring. But where to first? Looking to grab a bite to eat? Want to stretch your legs at one of Nantucket’s landmark museums? Ready to unpack your bags at one of the island’s most charming inns? We have the best of Nantucket right here at your fingertips. Here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to Nantucket.
Where to Eat
- Lola 41
Lola 41 is located just next to Children’s Beach in the Downtown district. The vibrant seaside restaurant offers a mix of Asian-infused dishes featuring fresh catches and decadent hors d’oeuvres. Lola effortlessly combines trendy, cozy, and relaxed with its candle-lit tables and sunfilled dining rooms.
- Ventuno
Ask a local where to eat, and Ventuno is likely to make the top of the list. The Italian-inspired Downtown restaurant can be hard to get into on a Saturday night, but, boy, is it worth the wait. From their lengthy wine menu to the homemade bread and pasta, they’ve left no stone unturned. Once you get in, you won’t want to leave.
Via Mare is the sister restaurant to Ventuno and boasts some of the best cocktails and fine dining on the island. Via Mare is located inside of Greydon House off of Broad Street. Its Bohemian-style decor and friendly staff make it the perfect spot for a drink and a small bite to eat before heading out for a night on the town.
- Bartlett’s Farm
Bartlett’s Farm Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options year-round. You won’t find fresher produce than at Bartlett’s Farm. The farm is the oldest on the island and features over 100 acres of flowing fruits, vegetables, and flowers, 20 of which are certified organic.
Check out their weekly dinner specials and bring back a feast to enjoy on the patio of the Periwinkle Inn, on the beach, in the park, or anywhere you enjoy! It’s the perfect way to beat the crowds without sacrificing five-star dining.
What to Do
- Visit the Whaling Museum
You’ll want to dedicate a portion of your trip just to visiting some of Nantucket’s best museums. One of our favorites is the Nantucket Whaling Museum. The museum is a repurposed Hadwen & Barney Oil and Candle Factory, and it features a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, artifacts from Nantucket’s whaling past, and a rooftop deck with picturesque views of the harbor.
Located just west of the Periwinkle Inn is the awe-inspiring Steps Beach. Situated within the Nantucket Sound, the waters are typically calm, and the beach is usually quieter. Look for the small sign leading the way to a lush garden of dunes, seagrass, and flowering trees that will lead you to the stunning coastline.
- Sankaty Head Lighthouse
Hop on a bike and head east to ‘Sconset. The Polpis Road route will guide you past the cranberry bogs, the exclusive Siasconset Golf Club, and into the heart of the tiny village. Sankaty Head Lighthouse was established in 1850 and was the first Massachusetts lighthouse to display a working Fresnel lens that could be seen 40 miles into the sea. It’s stunning cliffside views make it an ideal place to set up a picnic and stay awhile.
- ‘Sconset Bluff Walk
From Sankaty Lighthouse, ride south to the beautiful ‘Sconset Bluff Walk. The rose bush-lined sandy path features the quaint, nostalgic cottages on one side and the vast Atlantic on the other. Listen to the waves crashing and the seagulls above, feel the warm summer breeze against your skin, and take in the stillness of Nantucket from ‘Sconset Bluff Walk.
Where to Stay
Book your stay at the Periwinkle Inn. Unwind in true Nantucket-style in one of our queen-size rooms complete with Egyptian cotton sheets, plush Turkish towels and bathrobes, Malin + Goetz toiletries, and a fresh continental breakfast included each morning of your stay. The rooms mimic the classic novel, “Moby Dick.” They feature hand-tied, fishnet canopies, mahogany bed frames, harbor views, cozy furnishings. No trip is complete without a stay at the Periwinkle Inn!
Book direct and save big! Don’t be duped by third-party sites advertising low rates. You’ll always get the best price when you book direct with the inn. More than that, you’ll be met with friendly faces eager to help. We can’t wait to welcome you to Nantucket!