What's to do in the Nantucket of today? The choices are endless. Below is a brief list of the many area attractions to choose from.




Nantucket Visitors Services and Information Bureau
508 228 0925
Most Island visitors who pass the doors of the Nantucket Visitor Services office seem to come seeking one thing—a place to stay for the night. Indeed, the staff members, who work in conjunction with the staffers at the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and the Nantucket Lodging Association, can help locate accommodations, but they can also provide a wealth of information on upcoming events, dining, transportation, tours, and much more.

Nantucket Island Tours
508 228 0334
The small-town feel of Nantucket can seem to get much bigger if you are trying to explore the island on foot. Nantucket Island Tours show you the best of Nantucket's rich history, while you rest your feet and enjoy the tour from the comfort of a bus. Tour guides tell stories of Nantucket's past as you take in the Nantucket lighthouses, historical sites and the Siasconset fishing village. Tickets are $13 for adults; $6 for children.

Island Bike Rental
508 228 4070
It is fairly well recognized that the best way to tour the island of Nantucket is by bicycle. Those who have not brought a bike with them can rent a variety of styles of bikes from Island Bike Company. Rates range from $20 a day to $75 a week for an adult bike. Roller blades, beach chairs, kid trailers that attach to adult bikes, baby joggers and baby seats are all also available for rent.

Nantucket Boat Rental
508 325 1001
Nantucket Boat Rental has a range of center console powerboats available for rent by the day, week or month. Your choices include 13' Blueskin skiffs, 17' Dusky and 20' Maritime skiff. Rates vary depending on size of boat and amount of time but basically range from $115 for a half day in a small boat to $450 for a full day on a larger boat. It is best to call ahead for reservations.

Whaling Museum
508 228 1894
Spermaceti is a substance derived from whales that was once used to make candles. This converted 1846 candle factory is now home to Nantucket's whaling history - and excursion not to be missed. It features a tremendous collection of artifacts including the skeleton of a 43-foot finback whale, the 16-foot glass prism from Sankaty Head Lighthouse, portraits of sea captains, and a large scrimshaw collection. Call for tour times and off-season hours. Admission: $10 Adults; $5 Children.

Nantucket Aquarium
508 288 5387
Keeping with true Nantucket charm, the Aquarium is housed in a quaint, small cottage complete with inviting windowboxes and wainscoted walls. Don't let the casual appearance fool you; inside you'll find serious information about the aquatic life found in Nantucket's saltwater marshes. Interns are on-hand to answer questions on the many varieties of crustaceans and fish found on (and around) the island. Children's activities include hands-on workshops and outdoor excursions. Tickets are $3 for adults; $1 for children.

First Congregational Church and Old North Vestry
508 228 0950
There are 92 steps to the top of the tower of the First Congregational Church and though not air conditioned, visitors always seem to find the climb worth the effort. The windowed tower offers views in all directions—from the red and white stripes of Sankaty Lighthouse to the brick and cobblestone quaintness of Nantucket Town directly below. A collection of historic photographs and artifacts are on display on a mezzanine level, providing a nice, informative, resting stop on the climb up. A $2.50 donation is requested.

Brant Point Light
508 228 2500
There is probably no more frequently photographed lighthouse in America than this one, the second oldest in the country (the original was built in 1746). The lighthouse sits at Brant Point and all ferries, yachts and ships from the mainland pass its picturesque side on their way into the harbor. To visit the lighthouse up close, walk along Easton Street and continue over the wooden footbridge. The Nantucket lighthouses are not open to the public, but being right in town many visitors enjoy a stroll around the grounds of Brant Point.

Madaket Beach
At some point during the course of your time on the Island, plan to be at Madaket Beach at sunset. The spectacle will not disappoint. Of course, plenty of visitors and residents alike head to Madaket during regular beach hours for sunbathing and swimming. Please note, surf can be heavy at times. Lifeguards on duty in season. Restrooms and food available. NRTA (Nantucket Regional Transit Authority) shuttle service from Town. Also accessible via the Madaket Bike Path, which runs six miles from Town.

Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is considered a great family destination with all the fixings for a great beach day, including some decent surf. Lifeguards, restrooms, public phone, parking and a food stand are amongst the amenities found at Surfside. If you don't have your own car on the Island, you can take the NRTA shuttle bus from town or bike along the 3 mile Surfside Bike Path directly to the beach.

Jetties Beach
508 228 5358
This is a beach with a bit of everything within walking distance from Town. There are lifeguards, restrooms, and a concession stand with food and drinks and public phones. Being on the Nantucket Sound, the surf is mild and many families come to enjoy the beauty and safety of this beach. There is also a playground and volleyball net. The NRTA shuttle runs a beach loop to Surfside and Jetties Beach from June 15 until Labor Day.

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