The Top Must-See Views and Sites of Nantucket

Nantucket, or the “Gray Lady of the Sea,” is best known for its endless beaches, stunning views, historical settings, architecture, and vibe.

If you are planning a trip to Nantucket, and are wondering how to make the best of it, then read on for the 15 best things to enjoy while you are there.

Our recommendation is that you book one of the amazing residential rentals in Nantucket and then either use the shuttle buses, rent a bike, or walk around the island to enjoy the following places and attractions.

Explore the Whaling Museum

The small island of Nantucket used to be the whaling capital of the world. Its people were dedicated to the dangerous whaling business for centuries, and this part of the island’s history has left its mark on the architecture, lifestyle, and atmosphere of the island.

The Whaling Museum celebrates this heroic historical fact. It is located in a renovated oil and candle factory, and there you can see various artifacts and attractions, including a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton that hangs down from the tall ceiling.

The building has a rooftop deck where you can go to admire the amazing view of the entire Nantucket Harbor.

Visit the Brant Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse was first built in 1746 and was automated in 1965. In 1987, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

It is located by the Harbor and is the first and last thing which people who come to the island via the ferry see.

The lighthouse is still operational and is not open to the public. But like with most of the beaches and land on the island, its grounds are open for visitors. You can go take a walk, ride to it and enjoy the stunning view of the Harbor.

Get some tan, surf, or take photos on the Nantucket Beaches

The island is famous for its stunning beaches, considered amongst the most beautiful in the world. They span over 80 miles, each of them offering unique views of the ocean. The beaches on the north shore border with the Nantucket Sound. This makes the water calmer and warmer and the beaches more suitable for people with children.

The south beaches are on the open ocean shores, so they have colder waters, bigger waves, and stronger currents. These are perfect for advanced surfers.

If you are looking for photo ops to upload to your Instagram, then you should definitely visit the Madaket beach at sunset, or Sconset, Cisco, or Nobadeer beaches if you want to surf. 

Walk the Sconset Bluff Walk

This trail is among the prettiest footpaths in the country. It is only about a mile long and will allow you to walk and enjoy the beautiful views of the beaches, the ocean, and flora and fauna, as well as the charming architecture and gardens in the village of Siasconset.

The trail is along the island’s east shore and is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy a morning or an evening walk on Nantucket.

Watch the sunset by the Sankaty Headlight

Located at the easternmost point of the island, the Sankaty Lighthouse is the best place to go to watch the sunset on Nantucket.

You can admire the view from the grounds around it or through the Fresnel Lens of the lighthouse, which offers a birds-eye view of the entire island.

The lighthouse itself was built in 1850 and is still functioning. One fascinating fact is that in 2007, it was wholly moved 400 feet back into the shore to protect it from collapsing down into the ocean.

Visit the one-of-a-kind Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum

Due to the fogs that often cover the island shores and the heavy traffic of ships that used to sail to and from the island of Nantucket, there have been hundreds of shipwrecks in its waters. You will be flabbergasted when you see the detailed map with all known shipwrecks around Nantucket.

This gem of a museum exhibits some artifacts from these wrecks and models of the ships and boats lost. It also celebrates the local heroes who helped save hundreds of lives through the centuries.

Spend some reading time at the Atheneum Library

This library was named the Atheneum in 1834 when it was opened in place of the previous two libraries of the island.

In 1846, the library was burnt completely, and all books, with the exception of 150, were destroyed too.

It was rebuilt in the same spot, and today has an impressive book collection.

It often hosts different events for children, entertainment, culture, and academics, so you can check the schedule for the upcoming events when you are in Nantucket.

Learn more about the Traditional craft from the island at the Lightship Basket Museum

Nantucket is not only known as a famous whaling industry center but is also the place where the unique lightship baskets have been and still are handwoven.

The story is that this craft began on whaling ships during the long overseas cruises. Since the 1830s, it has been considered one of the most important crafts of Nantucket.

There is a special museum dedicated to the history of this local craft, where you can view a variety of different baskets made from the 1800s until today.

Explore the night sky at the Loines Observatory

You can take a tour or listen to an enthralling astronomical lecture at the Loines Observatory. There you will be able to view some stunning constellations and other astronomical objects in the clear night skies of this island in the Atlantic ocean. 

It is an excellent place to visit if you are on a family vacation with young children.

Explore the Coskata-Coatue wildlife reserve

If you want to get a glimpse of the wildlife of Nantucket, there is no better way to do it than visit the Coskata-Coatue wildlife refuge.

Comprising two peninsulas and including trails that span across 16 miles, this refuge will offer you the chance to see the rolling dunes, which are covered with beach plums, support bayberry, beach grass, and heather, as well as the red cedar savannah.

If you are lucky, you can see seals, deer, raptors, and various types of shorebirds.

You can get there with a special permit and a 4WD vehicle, or by walking.

You can enjoy the remote beach in the area, as well as one of the three lighthouses of the island – Great Point once you get there. It is located at the northernmost point of Nantucket island and was first built in 1784 and then rebuilt twice. The views from out there are more than spectacular!