I’ve now been to Nantucket nearly ten times and every time I leave I truly cannot wait to go back. I feel similarly about Nantucket to Paris…it has a little magic that charms you every time; leaving you wanting more. I’ve just returned from my most recent trip to this island off the coast of Massachusetts so I’m updating my guide with all my tried and true favorites and the ways I like to best enjoy all ACK has to offer. 

Nantucket Guide

The spots included in today’s post are the ones I always look forward to going back to.

Nantucket isn’t accessible by car so you’ll need to fly onto it or ferry onto it. It makes for a bit of difficulty getting to/from at times but trust me when I say it is worth it!

Where to Eat on Nantucket

Juice Bar

My #1 destination always and forever. If you’re downtown you won’t miss this place because of the line snaking down the block. Their creamy ice cream and freshly baked (and insanely delicious) waffle cones are addictive. I highly recommend the cookies & cream, chocolate chip cookie dough or peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough. And the best rainbow sprinkles ever!

Lemon Press

This is a newer spot on the island right on the main street and it offers up lots of healthier fare like avocado toast and smoothie bowls. They also have a great takeaway for coffee and juices.

The Proprietors Bar & Table

I absolutely wouldn’t recommend this place for a party of more than two unless you’d like to go into a small debt because the prices are so high and the portions are so small. That being said, for a party of two – the dishes are perfect for sharing and everything is delicious. Don’t miss the half chicken.

The bar downstairs is also a great spot for a drink. 

45 Surfside

This is a coffee shop that has great coffee and a beautiful, airy space with an outdoor patio spot, too. If you need to do a bit of work while on island it’s a great spot for that, too.

Something Natural

There’s nothing special about this casual joint when it comes to the bones of the place but man, are their sandwiches delicious. Don’t miss the Portuguese bread. The herbed bread is a close second runner up for me. Enjoy your order outside on one of many picnic tables or take it to go and eat it on the beach.

Bar Yoshi

Everything I’ve eaten at Bar Yoshi has been delicious. They serve Japanese-Asian inspired seafood including ceviche and sushi but don’t miss out on their dumplings and even the sweet potato fries, too. But the real star? The crab rangoons.

Cru

This place has grown on me since I first went in 2016. I love the waterfront setting and their lobster roll is so good. Bonus? The fries are delicious!

Downyflake

This diner is famous for their doughnuts and for good reason. So inexpensive, so fresh and so delicious. The chocolate is my favorite but the coconut is a close second!

Editor’s Note: Temporarily closed. 

Millie’s

This is one of my favorite dining spots on the island. The tacos, salads and lobster rolls are all so good. It’s expensive for what it is but delicious none the less. They also have a small outpost at Cisco Brewers.

Born & Bread

Divine breakfast pastries and breakfast sandwiches have a line out the door at this spot but fear not – it is worth the wait! I highly recommend their scones, their Cruffins in a variety of flavors and the sausage, egg and cheese sandwich on fresh sourdough bread.

Galley Beach

This upscale place is right on the beach and boasts beautiful views of the sunset. A more upscale menu where I think the drinks are superior to the food but the views make it worthwhile. Definitely order the tuna crudo and crab cake. 

Be sure to get a great group shot on the beach with your party before or after dinner. 

Club Car

This Nantucket institution is great for a drink and my next time to Nantucket I want to check out their food, too!

Gaslight

If you want to listen to some live music and do some dancing at a divey spot – this is a great option right in town. And for more of a scene – take a quick cab over to The Chicken Box – an island destination for dancing and late night antics.

Provisions

This is another stellar sandwich shop on island and right in the heart of town. The breads here are amazing and I highly recommend the Sicilian Tuna and the Italian sandwiches at this delightful spot.

Wicked Island Bakery

The morning buns here are, in fact, worth the hype. I think they are one of the best things I’ve ever eaten? Go early as they do sell out and lines tend to be long. If you score a bun warm be prepared for buttery, flaky goodness you won’t soon forget. 

What To Do on Nantucket

Rent a bike

Biking almost seems like the main mode of transportation on Nantucket and I can understand why. It’s a beautiful way to see the island and there are plenty of spots to rent from in town. I recommend Cooks Cycles (the day’s rental will set you back $29).

House Hunt

If you’re in the market – good for you! But if you’re like me, you’re just dreaming. But it sure is fun to wander the various neighborhoods and see people’s front yards and beautiful landscaping and driveways!

If you go in early July you may be lucky enough to hit peak hydrangea season which I think is the most magical time on island. 

Go Sailing

There’s loads of boat companies that offer a variety of sailing options to get you out on the water and get the ocean breeze in your hair.

Spend the afternoon at Cisco

This brewery serving up cocktails and locally made beers offers has a variety of food trucks for you to feast at. It is such a fun and happening scene and perfect for all ages to enjoy. I’m particularly a fan of

Looking for something great to do with kids on Nantucket? Every Tuesday morning there’s a puppet show for little ones to enjoy at the brewery. 

Explore ‘Sconset at Golden Hour

This seaside neighborhood on the island just oozes charm. It’s definitely a must-see and I would argue that early morning or golden hour is best. The bluff walk is truly so beautiful. 

Hit the Beach

My favorite beaches include Surfside: Pristine sand, not that crowded and readily accessible bathrooms and the cutest Surf Shack serving up lunch, deliciously tart lemonade and ice cream.

As well as Steps Beach (seen above). Descend from a hilltop down the steps onto a beautiful and lively beach. The homes surrounding this beach are some of my favorite to wander by and dream about. 

Wander Town

There’s a lot to see and do in town, particularly loads of shops to explore. Be sure to wander the town and explore all of its nooks and crannies and the waterfront areas. There’s so much to see with the Wharf being my favorite little spot.

Throw a Gathering

The best nights on Nantucket are with those you’re visiting with. Nantucket Magic is an amazing small business operating on the island doing all sorts of fun activities. You can hire them for an amazing lobster boil or clam bake or have them set up a magical backyard movie at your home rental.

Where to Shop on Nantucket

A few favorite stores in town? Milly & Grace, Erica Wilson, Nomad, Hill House, Nantucket Looms, SkinnyDip, J.McLaughlin, Erica Wilson, Veronica Beard, Parchment, Peter Beaton and Mitchell’s Book Corner are all worth wandering into. Birdie is a newer store this season with some fun home and fashion finds. 

I think For Now is the best shop on the island where you can browse a bit of everything. They also often do fun pop ups like on-site embroidery or this summer we did custom hat making with Sal Amore! They also have a cute little coffee window for takeaway.

Lastly, don’t miss swinging by the Hospital Thrift Shop for several floors of gently used and pre-loved gems.

What to Wear on Nantucket

Getting ready to pack up for a trip to Nantucket? If going in peak season (aka: summer) you’ll want necessities like a sun hat and SPF but you’ll also want breezy linen dresses, evening attire for dining out, swimsuits and plenty of good button downs and shirts and knit tanks.

Don’t miss my What to Wear in Nantucket guide.

You can shop everything I packed for my most recent trip to the island in my Nantucket Summer Packing List.

Have you been to Nantucket? Do you have any favorites I didn’t mention? 

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[Carter Fish Photography, Allie Provost Photography & iPhone Photos by Meghan Donovan]

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