Nantucket
Understand
While most popular in the summer, the island can be visited at any time of the year. The summer population of 55,000 residents dwindles to 12,000 during the off-season, making for a quieter visit. Be aware that smaller crowds also mean fewer services available, including more limited ferry schedules and fewer open restaurants and stores.
The local government and people of Nantucket are environmentally friendly and green conscious. There is a wonderful recycling system intact that must be followed by all visitors and residents of the island. About 36% of the island is protected and maintained by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. Protected lands include beaches, hardwood forests, dunes, shrublands, bogs, heathlands, marshes, grasslands, meadows, and ponds. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation also works to preserve the local wildlife of the island. To see the local sea life of the Island there is an aquarium, which is open to the public for a small admission fee. Whale, seal and bird watching are three very popular past times that many locals, vacationers and their families enjoy taking part in. In the olden days, Nantucket was central to the whaling industry. You will find many old whaling bars on the island as well as The Whaling Museum located in town. There is the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, many Banks, a Library, Town Hall, and Police Station if needed.
One factor that attracts many families to Nantucket is that it is a safe place for children to wander around on their own. Kids can ride their bikes into town with friends and grab ice cream at the juice bar or a bite to eat at the local pharmacy. A lot of the restaurants on Island accommodate small children, infants and large parties, so the whole family can sit down together and enjoy a nice meal as well as a night out on the town. There is also a local strip with food vendors and gift shops, which is also a local hang out stop for all ages. A few of the popular tourist recreational activities and services include: biking, boating, fishing, water sports, boat charters, boat rentals, boating services and supplies, fishing charters, fishing supplies, mooring rentals, regattas, surfing, festivals, museums and sites, spas and clubs, beauty, fitness, massage, tours, eco-tours, kayaking tours, van tours, walking tours, and site tours.
Since Nantucket is a huge tourist destination during the summer season an influx of workers come to the island from all over the world to seek employment for the summer with intentions of returning home at the end of the season. Business is at its all time high and workers are needed to facilitate and administer stores, restaurants, clubs, and all other amenities on the Island that attract tourists. These workers are also tourist because while working they too are experiencing Nantucket for the first time and join in on many tourist activities. Many summer workers are internationals.
Nantucket is commonly abbreviated by its islanders as ACK, also used as Nantucket’s airport code.
Get in
Part of the island's appeal is its isolation; "Nantucket" is a Native American word that translates into "faraway island" or "land far out to sea." You can reach the island either by boat or plane. Nantucket's location near Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard lets visitors take the ferry over and spend either the day or a few nights on the island to enjoy the sights, food and shops. Numerous local and national airlines provide regular service to and from the mainland, primarily to Boston and New York area airports.
Ferries
- Steamship Authority Ferries, 141 School St., Hyannis, Massachusetts, +1 508-477-8600. Offers a high-speed or traditional service, is the only ferry to carry automobiles, and also allows bikes and surfboards. During summer months, vehicle reservations are especially important as the wait lines fill up quickly.
- Hy-Line Cruises, 220 Ocean Street, Hyannis,, +1 508-778-2600. High-speed or traditional service with slightly higher rates; also offers a first class seating area.
- Freedom Cruise Line, Inc., 702 Main St., Harwich Port, +1 508-432-8999. Beat the busy weekend traffic of Hyannis by going to this port.
By plane
For those who may get seasick or prefer to travel by small airplane.- Nantucket Air (also known as ACK air), +1-800-635-8787 or +1 508-228-6234. Flies to Barnstable Municipal Airport, Hyannis.
- Cape Air, +1-800-635-8787 or +1 508-228-6234,. A sister airline of Nantucket Airlines; flies from New Bedford to Nantucket.
- Jetblue provides twice-daily summer seasonal round trip flights from JFK on its 100 seat Embraer E190 aircraft
- Many regional affiliates of major national airlines (American Eagle, United Express, Delta Connection) provide flights from Boston and New York area airports, although most of these services are summer-only.
Get around
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Nantucket Regional Transit Authority
phone: +1 508-228-7025 (Shuttle Info), +1 508-325-7516 (Your Island Ride: elderly & disabled van service)address: 3 East Chestnut StreetNRTA operates shuttle service known as "The Wave". The shuttle stops all along the many routes, including the Mid Island Loop, Miacomet Loop, Madaket Route, Airport Route, Surfside Beach Route, Jetties Beach Route, Sconset via Milestone Road Route, Sconset via Polpis Road Route, and Sconset via Old South Road Route. The shuttle fares for routes and beaches are about $2 each way. If you just want to go for a loop around the island or close by to Jetties Beach, the cost is about $1 each way. The shuttles run from about 10AM-6PM for the beaches and about 7AM-11:30PM for other areas. There is a bike rack located on the exterior of the shuttles for bicycles.
A popular way to see the island is by bicycling on the two-way paved bike paths, which are located alongside every major road on the island. There are several bike shops located in or around town that either sell or rent out bikes to visitors and locals. All bike paths lead into town and out to Madaket, Surfside, Cliff road, and Sconset.
Most bike rentals are available at the Steamship Authority ferry dock at Broad St. It is important to note that most main streets around town are cobblestone and bikes are difficult to ride until you reach paved roads.
- Young's Bicycle Shop, 6 Broad Street, +1 508-228-1151.
- Nantucket Bike Shop, three locations: two on Broad Street near the Steamship Authority, one on Straight Wharf near the Hy-Line Ferry dock, +1 508-228-1999.
- Cook's Cycle Shop, 6 South Beach Street (next to the Harbor House Village), +1 508-228-0800
- Madaket Bike Path. 6 mi (9.65 km), 45 minutes one way to top of Madaket. Rest areas and water fountains.
- Siaconset (or Milestone) Bike Path. 7 mi (11.25 km), one-way. Approximately 1 hour to Siasconset. Water available at the rotary.
- Surfside Bike Path. 3.5 mi (5.6 km), one way. Flat paths, 20 minutes to the beach.
- Polpis Road Bike Path. 16.5 mi (26.5 km). Loops from the Siasconset Bike Path to Polpis Rd. and back to town.
- Cliff Road Bike Path. 2.5 mi (4 km). Goes past beautiful cliff-side homes.
- Dionis Bike Path. Continue on Cliff Road and explore the new Dionis Bike Path.
If you're thinking about visiting Nantucket and you do not enjoy biking, you may take the shuttle bus service which serves all areas. Or you could rent a moped and drive around town. For the most part everything you may need during your stay on Nantucket can be found in town so walking is probably your best bet. There are also taxi cabs available.
A car isn’t really needed to get around the island. The difficulty of having a car is that parking is limited, lots are time checked, and driving in town is full of traffic and people crossing the road.
Boating around Nantucket is very popular. The harbor is full of personal sailboats, racing sailboats, motorboats, fishing boats, and private or company yachts in the marina. The town pier’s Harbormaster can be contacted for mooring or slip rentals. They provide many services to boats in the harbor including delivery of newspaper, donuts, and ice. They also provide a pump-out boat and a dinghy dock. Next door is Brant Point Marine, which sells boat gear, equipment, water sport tubes, and offers boat rentals. There is also a launch that can be accessed near the dock by The Tavern in town that runs all day and will bring people to and from their boats.
See
The island's long and rich history led the National Park Service to declare the entire island a National Historic District. Notable historical sites include the African Meeting House, Brant Point Light, the First Congregational Church, the Hadwen House, Main Street, the Maria Mitchell Association, the Nantucket Atheneum (local library), the Oldest House, the Pacific National Bank, the "Three Bricks" (which has a very interesting construction history), and the Whaling Museum. The majority of sites are within walking distance of each other.
Nantucket was once the whaling capital of the world. A number of the homes on the island are from the 1800s, including many of the red brick houses which were once the homes of wealthy whalers. The first settlers of Nantucket were the Quakers. The Island has a heavy Quaker history. It is believed that values of the Quakers allowed African Americans and women to flourish just as white men did in the olden days. The Island was one of the first places to abolish slavery in the United States. During the late 1800s and early 1900s women were given certain liberties they may have not experienced on the mainland. The first female astronomer, Maria Mitchell is a native of Nantucket. There are many beautiful sights to see in Nantucket. Whether it is the historical houses, colorful gardens, or pristine beaches, sightseeing is always a pleasurable activity.
Brant Point LightA short walk from the town center. The original structure was built in 1746. The second lighthouse built in America. Boats and ferries can be seen coming into the harbor from this site.
Great Point LightA lighthouse at the northern tip of the island, high above the beaches.
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phone: +1 508 228-5387address: 28 Washington StNear the Town Pier.
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Museum of African American History
address: 29 York StThe Museum of African American History on Nantucket features two historic sites, the African Meeting House and the Seneca Boston-Florence Higginbotham House. These buildings were at the center of a thriving nineteenth-century African American community on the island. -
phone: +1 508 228-1894address: 15 Broad StreetAdmission prices run about $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $8 for youth.
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Oldest House
phone: +1 508-228-1885address: Sunset Hill Rd.Can be purchased as a package if touring the Whaling Museum as well. -
Old Windmill
phone: +1 508-228-1885address: South Mill and Prospect Sts.Made of salvaged wood in 1746 and set in its original location. Sankaty Head Light
Do
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The Theatre Workshop of Nantucket
address: 2 Centre StMethodist Church, +1 508-228-4305 (General Info), +1 508-228-4305 (Box Office). -
address: 12 West Miacomet Rd18 holes, 6831 yds, Par 72, Rating 73, Slope 123.
- Sea Nantucket Kayak Rentals, Washington St. Ext., +1 508-228-7499.
Nantucket Community SailingJetties Beach. Seasonal. Sunfish, kayak and sailboard rentals.
Nantucket Ice Cream CruiseEnjoy a cruise around Nantucket Harbor with Nantucket Adventures while enjoying the famous Nantucket Ice Cream/Juice Guys treats.
Fishing
Nantucket Fishing BoatsOnline guide of the top fishing boats on Nantucket Island
Monomoy ChartersSlip 1018, Straight Wharf.
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address: 22 Sesapana Rd
Sankaty Head ChartersF St., Walter Barret Pier.
Beaches
One of the most favorite past times of travelers to Nantucket is going to the Island's many beaches. The crisp fresh air and cool water is quite lovely and the oceanic scene is an image that will leave you breathless. At every corner and end of the island you will find yourself a white-sanded beach. Sit back and enjoy the New England weather or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. There are many water activities available, including everything from kayaking to surfing. Each beach on the island attracts a different crowd of visitors. You can definitely find a beach on Nantucket that suits and accommodates your personal preference! The beaches are the primary reason people come to Nantucket. Yes, the island has lots to offer, but the miles and miles of shorelines are what continues to attract visitors again and again.
As a general rule, beaches located on the south side of the island (Cisco, Surfside, Madaket, Siasconset) have heavier surf and slightly cooler water than those on the north side (Children's, Jetties, Dionis, Coatue/Great Point).
Children’s Beach has a playground and faces the harbor. There aren’t large waves, so the beach is suitable for children, hence the name.
Jetties Beach easily accessed from town by bike, car, or shuttle. There is a building at the entrance for snacks and restrooms.
Surfside Beach highly populated with both locals and visitors in the summer. There are large waves for boogie boarding and swimming. There is a hill to get up and down to the beach, but there is a snack bar at the top with food, drinks, and beach supplies rentals.
Festivals
- Daffodil Festival In late April over 3 million daffodils bloom across the island.
- Nantucket Wine Festival in May
- Harborfest Celebration and Nantucket Film Festival in June
- Independence Day in July
- Sandcastle and Sculpture Day in August. Contestants enter to build the best sand sculpture along Jetties Beach.
- Boston Pops on Jetties Beach in August
- Demolition Derby (near Tom Nevers Field and the Airport) in August
- Antiques Show in August
- Nantucket Harvest Festival and Nantucket Arts Festival in October
- Festival of Wreaths in November
- Festival of Trees in December and January
- Christmas Stroll in December
- Nantucket Restaurant Week in June and September
Tours
- Cruises to see the gray seals and birds on Muskeget Island are offered by specialized boats designed to navigate the difficult waters around the island. These boats can be found departing from Nantucket Harbor.
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Nantucket Adventures. Seal Encounter Cruises to Muskeget Island - 3 Trips Daily, +1 508-228-6365
- Gail's Tours, +1 508-257-6557.
- Robert Pitman Grimes Tour, +1 508-228-9382.
- Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge National History Tour, +1 508-228-6799.
Buy
Main Street is the center of shopping. Located right in town are several very expensive boutiques filled with glamorous summer dresses, custom made jewelry, exclusive handbags, and shoes designed to match every outfit. There are shops for everything from books to antiques to gift shops. Many tourists flocks to the stores on Main Street for souvenirs, party dresses, bathing suits, beach towels (things they may have forgotten at home), or just to shop for the fun of it.
A few of the accessories and clothing shops located on Main Street are Judy Nantucket, Nautical Neckties, Vis a Vis, Float, Kiwi Johns, L’lle de France, Ladybird Lingerie, Murray’s Toggery Shop, Nantucket Looms, Nantucket Reds, NantucKID, Ralph Lauren, Seth, Sunken Ship, and The Black Tick, Nantucket. Great stores to shop for gifts include Art Print of Olde Nantucket, Benji’s Boutique, Blue Beetle, Camera Shop, Flowers on Chestnut, Hill’s of Nantucket, L’lle de France, Majolica, Nantucket Baggs, Nantucket Knotworks, Nantucket Life Candle and Soap Shop, Nantucket Looms, Nobby Clothes Shop, and Olde Nantucket Candle Shop.
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The Golden Basket
phone: +1 508 228-4344address: 18 Federal StShop for the gold miniature Nantucket Lightship Basket. One of the most popular and well known Nantucket purchases. -
address: NantucketArtist specializing in custom paintings of Nantucket. Home and cottage portraits, custom views, boat and yacht portraits. Have a custom painting done of your favorite view of Nantucket by artist Christopher Wheat.
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address: Main StreetAmerica's oldest jeweler, carrying diamonds, colored gem stones, estate and designer jewelry from around the world, as well as a wide selection of timepieces and a distinctive collection of giftware.
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address: 33 Main StreetGreat Nantucket-style clothing for men and women. Very bright store with 2 floors. Lots of seersucker and madras.
There are also many less expensive stores around town. The Sunken Ship has not only clothing but also great souvenirs and beach items. The Pharmacy (which has a pharmacy located in back), sells toiletries, toys, and small gifts, but most popularly sells ice cream and milkshakes at the front counter. Breezin’ Up has a lot of Nantucket labeled clothing. There is Island Breeze located on Main Street. Four Winds, is a great souvenir shop with clothing, jewelry, gifts, toys, and has an upstairs shop as well. Force Five Water Sports offers many surf clothing and gear. There is a great book store called Mitchell’s Book Corner.
Food and drink
- Nantucket Bake Shop on Orange Street – If you don’t wake up early enough and get to the bakery, you may miss out on some great donuts and other sweet treats. The small shop usually has a line going out the door, which tells you enough about how good the food is!
- Aunt Leah’s Fudge, across from the grocery store in town. Has amazing fudge for you to sample, as well as a wall of candy where children can fill up a basket with goodies.
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Fresh
address: 5 Salem St -
Gu Family Markets
address: 9 Salem StGrocery store across from The Tavern - Murray’s Liquor Store, Main Street.
- The Pharmacy, Main Street.
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Stop & Shop
address: 31 Sparks AveShuttle service is available to this store. -
The Juice Bar
address: 12 Broad StreetThe best ice cream shop in the world!
Eat
Budget
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The Downyflake (Breakfast/Lunch)
address: 18 Sparks AveDelicious doughnuts. -
Easy Street Cantina
address: 2 Broad StreetA great Mexican restaurant, indoor/outdoor seating, no waiters (order at the counter). -
The Juice Bar
address: 12 Broad StreetSome of the best ice cream on the island. -
Nantucket Ice Cream and The Juice Guys
address: 44 Straight WharfServing delicious ice cream and Nantucket Nectars. - Provisions (Sandwich shop and cafe), Still Dock Street at Harbor Square, +1 508-228-3258.
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Something Natural (Sandwich shop)
address: 50 Cliff Road - Steamboat Wharf Pizza, Broad Street. Grab a slice or a whole pizza to go.
Mid-range
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address: 16 Macy Lane
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address: 41 Main Street
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address: 15 South Water StA reasonably priced restaurant.
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address: 10 India Street
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address: 23 Broad Street
- Captain Tobey’s Chowder House, 20 Straight Wharf, +1 508-228-0836.
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address: 29 Centre St
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address: 40 Main StGreat breakfast, dine-in or take-out with a patio in the back. Also serve dinner.
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address: 27 Fairgrounds RoadYou can hop on a bus in town and go out for lunch or dinner at this restaurant with a large outside deck.
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address: 7 South Water St
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address: 15 South Beach StreetOpen year round. Nantucket sushi restaurant and global bistro. Great place for lunch (Fall - Spring), dinner or a night out with friends.
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address: 10 Broad StreetOpen seasonally beginning in June and closing in mid-Fall. Nantucket Burgers, fries, tuna burgers and home of the legendary $5 Milkshake.
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address: 23 Washington StIndoor/outdoor seating and bar.
- Millie’s, previously called The Westender, 326 Madaket Road, Madaket, +1 508-228-8435. Bar on first floor, restaurant on second floor for sunset viewing; take-out also.
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address: 130 Pleasant StreetMid-Island Mediterranean and Italian cuisine from the group who brought you LoLa 41 and LoLaburger.
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address: 1 Straight WharfOpen May-Oct. Sometimes referred to as the "PlankWalk" as it is considered by many to be the most egregious tourist rip-off on the island.
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address: 23 South Water StA pub with very reasonable prices.
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address: 99 Washington StreetA very popular take-out place offering great lobsters and other seafood. Located near the Town Pier. Call ahead to reserve your dinner!
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address: 45 Sparks Ave
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phone: +1 508-228-4479, +1 508-228-4435 (movies)address: 1 N. Union StYear round. Lunch daily 11:30AM-5PM, dinner Su-Th 5PM-9PM, F Sa 5PM-8PM. Year-round movie theatre with a full-service bar and cafe. Also live entertainment.
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address: 2 E. Chestnut StAuthentic Japanese restaurant. No liquor license, bring your own.
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address: 1 Harbor SqMid May-Mid Oct. Lunch 11:30AM-5PM, dinner 5:30PM-9:30PM. Indoor and outdoor seating, on the corner right near the dock with harbor views. Offers seafood and other great dishes.
Splurge
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address: 50 Easton StRight on the Harbor. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Wine Spectator award.
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address: 21 Federal St
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address: 80 Centre St
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address: 12 Federal St“Farm to table cuisine and neighborhood bar”. In conjunction with The Pearl and Corazón del Mar.
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Club Car
address: 1 Main StAttracts a crowd with its music and bar. -
address: 5 India StSmall and romantic.
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Corazón del Mar
address: 21 South Water Street“Latin kitchen ceviche & raw bar tacos and tequileria” In conjunction with The Pearl and The Boarding House. -
DeMarco Restaurant
address: 9 India St -
address: 24 Broad St
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address: 2 South Beach St
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address: 12 Federal St“Coastal Cuisine and Cocktail Bar”. In conjunction with The Boarding House and Corazón del Mar.
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address: 130 Pleasant St
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address: 13 Fair St
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address: 6 Harbor Square
Topper's RestaurantAt the Wauwinet. Lunch: noon-2PM, Dinner 6PM-?, Sunday brunch 10AM-2PM. Take the Wauwinet Lady, their 26 passenger launch to get there. World class. Wine Spectator award.
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phone: +1 508 228-7080address: 21 S. Water St
Drink
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Galley Beach
address: 54 Jefferson AveThe one place not to miss on Nantucket, directly on the beach over looking Nantucket sound, voted in 2008 as best fine dining, most romantic, best water front dining, and over all best restaurant. -
address: 14 Dave StLive music, pool, foosball, darts.
- The Gazebo at the Tavern. Bar with music.
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Kitty Murtaugh's
address: 4 West Creek RdPool tables. -
Lo La 41
address: 15 S. Beach St -
address: 23 Broad StFolk Musicians. Highly popular.
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Pudley's Pub
address: 27 Faregrounds Rd - Rose & Crown Pub. DJ with dance floor attracts a crowd at night.
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address: 21 S. Water St
Sleep
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address: 30 North Beach St90 air-conditioned rooms and suites. Wireless Internet. Continental breakfast included. Outdoor heated pool. Short walk to town, harbor and beaches.
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address: 11 North Water St17 air conditioned guestroom suites. Amenities include canopy beds, pet friendly rooms, convenient walking distance to local attractions, harbor views, robes, and private baths.
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address: 10 Cliff RoadLuxury inn bed and breakfast. Breezy wrap-around veranda; cliff top, historic location on Nantucket Island. Homemade daily fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Discover the Freedoms of Nantucket.
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address: 46 Jefferson AvTop notch and expensive. On private Beach, about 1 mi (1.6 km)from town.
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address: 29 Broad StreetThis historic inn offers a variety of accommodations, in room spa treatments, dining discounts, a high quality restaurant and wedding and conference facilities.
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address: 24 Broad StYear-round. In the historic district. Fine dining.
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phone: +1 508-228-6900address: 1 Miller's Lane100 rooms. Indoor/outdoor pool & lighted tennis. Full breakfast included.
Nantucket Boat BasinSwain's Wharf, Minutes from historic Nantucket Town, the Boat Basin is a 240 slip, full service marina.
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phone: +1 508 310-1734address: 77 Easton StBuilt in 1891 and completely renovated in 2012. Amenities include a fitness and spa facility that offers yoga and fitness classes, two seasonal heated swimming pools, an outdoor hot tub, saunas, a children’s day program and kiddie pool, and pre-reserved shuttle transportation to/from the high-speed ferries.
Roberts House11 India & Centre Sts.
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Seven Sea Street B&B
address: 7 Sea St9 rooms. Well liked. -
address: 13 Fair StreetMay-Oct. 12 rooms.
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The Cottages at the Boat Basin
address: One Old South WharfOffers studio, one, two, and three bedroom waterfront cottages with harbor views, modern kitchens, private balconies and in-room spa treatments. Pet friendly cottages available. -
phone: +1 508 257-4577address: Ocean Av, SiasconsetLate Apr-Oct. On the bluff overlooking the Atlantic. A special hideaway. Oceanfront beach.
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phone: +1 508 257-4577address: 27 Fair StLate Apr. - Dec. Unique rooms and suites.
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The Summer House- India Street
phone: +1 508 257-4577address: 31 India StLate Apr. - Dec. In a restored whaling captain's mansion. Short walk to shops and restaurants. -
address: 5 Chestnut StYear round. No smoking. In the heart of Nantucket's historic district, eight luxurious rooms include marble baths. Trendy.
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Vanessa Noel Hotel Green
address: 33 Center StYear round. No smoking. sits adjacent to Vanessa Noel Hotel, the islands first and only eco-friendly organic luxury hotel, ten uniquely appointed rooms with the most luxurious sustainable accoutrements. Healthy and Organic. -
address: 8 Chester StHistoric 7 Room Bed and Breakfast. Open Year Round. Steps to Downtown.
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phone: +1 508-228-9222address: 7 Union Street12 room boutique inn located steps to downtown, featuring a full service concierge, a full made to order breakfast served on a garden patio, complimentary Wi-Fi and afternoon sweets.
Budget
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address: 31 Western AveOpen Memorial Day through Mid September. Full Kitchen, free breakfast, right on Surfside Beach in the original Life Saving Station built in the 1880s
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phone: +1 508-228-0433address: 31 Western AveLimit 7 nights, on the beach, price includes Breakfast
Mid-range
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address: 29 Fair St9 rooms. June-Dec. Nantucket's oldest inn, built in 1850. Two blocks from town.
Splurge
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address: 10 Cliff RoadLuxury inn bed and breakfast located at the top of a cliff on Nantucket Island with a wrap-around veranda and homemade chocolate chip cookies.
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address: 120 Wauwinet RoadThis Nantucket Island luxury resort offers private beaches, town shuttles, comfortable rooms, and beach activities.
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address: 50 Easton StreetThis premier waterfront Nantucket hotel consists of chic rooms and cottages. Business lounge, fitness center, shuttle service and spa offered.
Go next
- Boston - Birthplace of the American Revolution, located a short drive from the base of the Cape.
- Cape Cod - Popular vacation spot in MA.
- Martha's Vineyard - An island between Massachusetts state and Nantucket.