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Harbors, Hydrangeas & Hidden Gems on Nantucket 🪻

41 items

Erin Pearson

Welcome to my favorite place on earth. Nantucket is one of the corners of the earth that is so special and has an undeniable magic. If you’ve ever thought of making your way 30 miles out to the Grey Lady, this is the list you need 😎

Map

Sections

Where to Stay

Best Beaches

Restaurant Guide

Shopping

Cocktails by the Sea

Fun Activities

Where to Stay

Another island icon! Staying at the White Elephant is a must at some point. Also in an ideal location with walking distance to Jetties and Children’s beach, this would be my vote if you were traveling with young children. They have bikes at the hotel...

White Elephant - Harborside Modern Hotel in Nantucket

Is a B&B more your vibe? I recommend the Brass Lantern. Perfect for a couples trip if it’s just you and a loved one. Scratches the itch for a New England ideal bed and breakfast experience.

Brass Lantern Inn

If you are looking to explore private cottages and a more remote/intimate island experience, the Wauwinet is the pinnacle of luxury and privacy. Get picked up in one of their hotel BMWs or take their private boat from their hotel into town for shoppi...

The Wauwinet, Nantucket

The vintage fire truck outside marks the Nantucket Hotel and all the charm it brings. Also home to one of my favorite hotel restaurants, the Nantucket hotel will ensure they prepare you and your family to have the most perfect island experience possi...

The Nantucket Hotel & Resort

The Cottages at the Nantucket Boat Basin are for all the maritime lovers in your life. If you enjoy sitting outside watching the boats go in and out of the harbor - from sailboats to mega yachts - the cottages provide a great home for a family getawa...

The Cottages At Nantucket Boat Basin

The Faraway is one of Nantucket’s newer hotels and has made a splash as one of the most trendy and fun places to stay. Centrally located in an ideal part of town, you won’t need a car to be here. Grab some bikes and enjoy the town! Has one of the mos...

Faraway Hotels

Best Beaches

Cisco holds a special place in my heart. As the “surf capital” of Nantucket, this is the beach you want to be at to catch some waves 🌊 The Nantucket Surf School can be found here throughout the summer with lessons, boards, and wet suits for rent. 🤙

Cisco Beach | Nantucket, MA - Official Website

Jetties Beach is an amazing family beach. Also home to “the Sandbar” beach bar and restaurant, it’s a great place to bring the family for food and fun. Very close to town!

Jetties Beach | Nantucket, MA - Official Website

The name says it all! If you have little ones, Children’s beach is perfect. Shallow waters and calm waves can be found here. In the summer you have the added protection of the superstar Nantucket life guards. If the kids need to pop over to the playg...

Children's Beach & Playground | Nantucket, MA - Official Website

40th Pole is a drive-on beach! Important - you will need a beach sticker! Most rentals have them available. Additionally, you need to let the air out of your tires (the rental places will advise the best psi for your vehicle). You don’t want to join ...

40th Pole | Nantucket, MA - Official Website

Nobadeer Beach is where the party is. Also a drive-on beach, you need to have a sticker and let the air out of your tires (see my note on 40th pole). The energy here in the summer is unmatched! Prepare to listen to some fun music by beachgoers and co...

Nobadeer (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

I grew up going to Surfside. If you have kids aged 7-18, I feel like this is the best spot. Adventurous and very swim-able! Perfect for a family day and you can also take the WAVE free shuttle bus right to the beach!🏖️

Surfside Beach | Nantucket, MA - Official Website

Known by its breathtaking view and steps down to the beach, this is the recommended spot for picnics, long walks, or reading Elin Hildebrands latest book. I wouldn’t say this is the spot to swim at if you are a huge swimmer, but more so a beautiful p...

Steps Beach - Nantucket

As the western-most beach on the island, this is where you head out to catch the sunset. 🌅 grab food from the iconic Millie’s (careful of those Madaket Mysteries) and watch the sunset with your loved ones.

Madaket Beach

Restaurant Guide

Straight wharf is often mentioned when asked where to have the best dinner of your life on island. Subjective, I know. If you can get a reservation, do NOT miss out!

Straight Wharf Restaurant

This list would be incomplete without mentioning Lemon Press. One of the best Main Street locations, you must have brunch here at LEAST once. They also have a great grab and go coffee/smoothie bar up front. The brunch menu has a Mediterranean inspira...

Lemon Press

I think this takes the cake as my personal favorite. My husband has frequent dreams of their clam chowder. Now, they only have seatings at 6 and 8pm and you need a reservation. There’s only about 8-12 tables in total. Small and undeniably exquisite. ...

Sconset Café

If it’s your first time on the island, you MUST get the legendary “Turkey Terrific” from provisions. My husband and I always get 2 to go to take with us and eat on the ferry. It’s one of my all time favorite sandwiches!

Provisions

If you are looking for the freshest seafood, 167 Raw is one of the most recommended. We love to stop here on bike rides and on our way to Cisco beach!

167 Raw Nantucket

One of our all time favorites. Family owned, there isn’t a bad meal to be had. The back bar has a great bar menu and is so cute! We love doing Easter dinners here.

The Seagrille

An island favorite! Out by Madaket beach, Millie’s is the top place on island to get fun drinks, killer chips and salsa (get the Altar Rock) and incredible quesadillas. I love their salads too! Careful of those Madaket Mysteries - they’re fun and dan...

Millie's Nantucket

Ships Inn is a restaurant located in a historic home, serving a bespoke traditional New England dinner. I had a fabulous meal here and the service is great. High praise recommendation

Ships Inn

Just on the edge of downtown, American seasons is a wonderful farm to table experience. Everything here was so fresh and out of this world!

American Seasons

The Brotherhood is one of Nantucket’s long standing icons. They now have an amazing back patio and bar! Get the cheesesteak egg rolls 😋

Brotherhood of Thieves

Shopping

The Hill House Nap Dress has been one of the dresses of the season on Nantucket, and for good reason. Flattering on everyone (and it has pockets!). The shop is on Main Street and one of my favorites to frequent.

Hill House Home

This is the home of the iconic Nantucket Reds. Murray’s has something for the whole family. Worth entering this iconic buisness and checking out what it has to offer you!

Murray's Toggery Shop

I love shopping at Erin’s store. She curates the most beautiful collection and truly puts effort into building a high end boutique. If you’re lucky, she will have her two wiener dogs with her in store :)

Erin Hielle Nantucket

For Now has curated an incredible collection! So fun and island-y. Always worth visiting on a trip.

For Now

Cocktails by the Sea

Cru is one of Nantucket’s key spots to grab a drink. With some upscale food options available, Cru is known to be one of the places the savvy islanders go to enjoy a cocktail. Located right on the docks, you’ll get incredible views of the harbor. It’...

Cru

Put on your favorite dress and head out to Galley beach for one of the most beautiful beach side dining and drinks. Upscale, but deservedly so!

Galley Beach

Straight Wharf opened a sister restaurant dubbed Straight Wharf Fish Market. It’s one of the hottest new spots and my husband is OBSESSED with their swordfish sandwich. A fun spot to eat on the harbor!

Straight Wharf Fish

Slip is so great to have drinks at near the waterfront! Fantastic cocktails and an outdoor bar 🍻

Slip 14

One of Nantucket’s finest! Out in Wauiwinet, Toppers has an incredible ocean view and allegedly has a brunch that is to die for!

TOPPER'S

Fun Activities

For the Tennis and Pickleball fans - Nantucket just re-did the courts near jetties beach. You can reserve a court online! A quintessential but iconic summer activity

Nantucket Tennis

The legendary Cisco Brewery is not to be missed. Home of the legendary shark tracker, triple 8, and more - Cisco is always a good time. Bring the kids and the puppies (it’s pet friendly!) and enjoy food trucks and live music throughout the summer. As...

Cisco Brewers

Need a facial? IV therapy? Glistn is my recommendation for self care! The team there will have you feeling your best, no matter what you need. Vacation is for treating yourself. 💅

Glistn Nantucket

Haha - hear me out. If you are California sober, 18+ years old, and want to legally indulge in some local cannabis, this is my recommendation. Enjoy responsibly! 🍃

The Green Lady Dispensary

For the golfers! Siasconset Golf Course, known as “Skinners” is a 9-hole course on the east side of the island. Great if you can’t fit 18 in!

Siasconset Golf Course

A wonderful family activity! If it’s a gray day, explore the Whaling museum to learn about the history of what made Nantucket the island it is today.

Nantucket Whaling Museum

Looking to get in a solid workout while Visiting? Check out Nantucket Cycling and Fitness! Stacey Morans classes are my favorite - if you can get in! 💪

Nantucket Cycling & Fitness

Nantucket is one of the most bike-able communities ever, with bike paths abundant across the island. You’ll rarely find a business without bike parking! Rent all your bike options (including e-bikes) here 🩷

Nantucket Bike Shop: Nantucket Bike Rentals