Nantucket is an island and town located 30 miles (48 km) off the coast of Cape Cod, and is part of Massachusetts. The island offers quiet harbors, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, beautiful old mansions and gardens, and interesting history. Nantucket is served by Nantucket Memorial Airport, which is located on the south side of the island. Nantucket can be reached by sea from the mainland by using one of the commercial ferry services or by private boat.
Nantucket is a National Historic District. Seaside cottages and old-fashioned lamps still line the streets and the island features one of the highest concentrations of pre-Civil War structures in the United States.
Nearly 40 percent of Nantucket is protected conservation land. Walk the wide sandy beaches, swim in the still, sparkling waters of Nantucket Sound, or brave the mighty Atlantic along the island’s south shore. Try surfcasting for stripers and bluefish, charter a boat for deep-sea fishing, or catch a breeze on a sailboat or a windsurfer.
Enjoy the boutique shops and explore the art galleries and museums. Celebrate Nantucket’s cultural offerings year-round with theatrical performances, music, art, film, and literature. Take a guided tour of the island or pick up a picnic lunch and rent a bike to discover Nantucket for yourself.
Nantucket has an impressive number of fine restaurants, as well as many casual eateries. Sizzling steaks, seafood, sushi, Asian and sandwiches. For example, the Fog Island Cafe serves American cuisine, Arno's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and The Chanticleer serves French cuisine.
There are many lodging options, from an historic Nantucket bed and breakfast, to a luxurious, full-service hotel. For a room with a view, stay at The Wauwinet, a classic gabled New England manse next to a nature preserve on the northeastern tip of Nantucket Island. The windows of the bayview bedrooms here offer a simple and classic composition of meadow, sea and sky. The far side of the bay is visible on the horizon, and at dusk you may see an occasional sailboat.
Anytime is a good time to visit. Come in April and see millions of daffodils with the coming of spring or celebrate the Annual Christmas Stroll the first weekend in December.