When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay on Nantucket, prepare to be spoiled for choice. From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts, there are accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. For charm and a more intimate experience, consider staying at one of the island's many stunning historic inns like the widely beloved Union Street Inn, an elegant, upscale bed and breakfast occupying an 18th-century whaling captain's house, or the cozy chic Brass Lantern Inn, which was built in 1847 and has been a revered guest house since the early 20th century. These beautifully restored and maintained buildings offer a unique glimpse into Nantucket's past, whilst simultaneously providing premium modern amenities and comforts.

On the other end of the spectrum, Nantucket also offers a variety of charming cottages and vacation rentals for those in search of a more private and secluded retreat. Tucked away in quiet neighborhoods or overlooking the island's white sand beaches, these accommodations provide a home away from home for travelers seeking tranquility and solitude. Many of these cottages feature fully equipped kitchens, cozy living areas, and outdoor spaces perfect for taking full advantage of all the organic perks the island has to offer.

In addition to traditional lodging options, Nantucket boasts unique accommodation experiences such as glamping sites and historic lighthouses available for overnight stays. These one-of-a-kind accommodations provide a memorable way to embrace Nantucket's natural charms.

Once settled on the island, exploration is the next order of relaxation and in Nantucket that necessarily means heading to the beach. Nantucket's shores are a siren song to beach lovers, with over 80 miles of pristine sand stretching towards the horizon. Surfside Beach, a playground for wave riders and sunbathers, is noted for its rolling dunes and wild, untamed spirit, while Jetties Beach, a stone's throw from Town (as downtown is referred to by locals), invites leisurely swims and sun-drenched afternoons with its calm waters and captivating harbor views. Meanwhile, for those seeking solitude, Madaket Beach, a canvas of golden sand and dramatic dunes, offers a front-row seat to some of Nantucket’s most breathtaking sunsets.

All of that said, one of the island's most iconic landmarks is Siasconset Beach, known locally as "Sconset." This picturesque stretch of coastline is dotted with historic, rose-covered cottages and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Though located on the east end of the island, approximately seven miles from Town, the trip is well worth it, not only for the beach, but also to experience the postcard-perfect former fishing village of Siasconset that borders it along with notable landmarks like the Sankaty Lighthouse, the Sconset Pump and the bluff side Cliff Walk.

Best of all, it’s not a difficult trip to make the trip to Siasconset with or without a car. There are buses that make the 30-minute trip to Sconset from Town every hour, as well as, 10 – 12 mile bike paths – Milestone Rotary or Polpis Road –  that serve up an ideal opportunity to experience both the pictorial landscape of Nantucket and the remarkable ecology and wildlife that inhabits it. 

On the subject of nature and wildlife, the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, a scenic double-fingered peninsula jutting northward between the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sounds, is comprised of hundreds of acres of rolling maritime dunes, miles of unspoiled beachfront, a mature maritime oak forest (Coskata Woods), the famed Great Point Lighthouse, walking trails, and 16 miles of over sand vehicle routes, making it is one of the best places to experience the ecological splendor of Nantucket up close and in person. Likewise, the 5.7-mile Madaket Road Path, which stretches from the sandy dunes of Madaket Beach to the lush forests of Sanford Farm is considered to be among the longest and most scenic side paths on Nantucket.

The island's historic district, a cornucopia of 18th and early 19th century architectural treasures, showcases beautifully preserved captain's homes, quaint shops, and cobblestone lanes, all begging to be explored. Of particular note is Main Street, which is spectacularly framed by glimpses of the waterfront, church spires and columned, tree-shaded Greek Revival mansions, like Hadwen House, now a museum, showcasing period furnishings and decorative arts.

The marvels of the historic district are a testament to how deeply intertwined Nantucket’s history is with the whaling industry, which propelled the island to prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries. This fact, along with the fascinating past of the town, is celebrated and explored at the Nantucket Whaling Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the island’s whaling heritage and its impact on the global economy. 

Interwoven with all the aforementioned history is a shopper's paradise. Charming streets are lined with a veritable bonanza of boutiques and specialty shops hawking everything from handmade jewelry and home decor to locally crafted textiles and more. Against a centuries old backdrop, high-end designer brands mingle with local artisans, whose work showcases the island's unique spirit. 

Speaking of local artisans, the island also boasts a vibrant art scene, with several galleries showcasing the works of talented local artists whose vibrant canvases and sculptures capture the essence of Nantucket's landscape and culture.
 

Lastly, no visit to Nantucket would be complete without a word about the exciting local culinary scene, which encompasses an eclectic collection of restaurants, cozy cafes, and inviting seafood shacks. For a sample of local flavors, Cru is a popular eatery offering fresh seafood, including the island's famous clam chowder and lobster rolls, as well as mouthwatering new favorites like duck fat potatoes with Petrossian caviar (optional). Nearby, Straight Wharf Restaurant, is a waterside, fine-dining affair showcasing an innovative menu designed to elevate and redefine New England favorites, while celebrating local ingredients.

Other local favorites include The Proprietors Bar & Table, renowned for its global fusion cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, The Nantucket Bake Shop, known for its craveable pastries, cakes, and cookies, and the award-winning Aunt Leah’s Fudge, which in addition being a local favorite is also a local staple. Suffice it to say, from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors, Nantucket's foodie scene, like the island itself, is a nirvana of sorts.