I just came back from a relaxing, fun weekend in Nantucket. The island was livelier than my visit because August is the busiest month. Over the last few years, Nantucket has become a hotspot with visitors from all over the country. It has top-notch hotels, restaurants and shops and is also so charming and beautiful. The island is a magical place in the summertime, but it also would be a great place to visit in the fall.
On this trip, I got to explore more beaches and restaurants, so I am updating last year’s guide to include my current favorites. People say you can do Nantucket in a day. While you definitely can experience some of it in a day, I think it’s worth spending more time and exploring the islands beauty and less populated areas. You can rent bikes and trek along the islands bike paths through different towns and beaches, rent kayaks, go for a sail or even surf at one of the many beaches.
I would say 48 hours is perfect for exploring the island. I went with a friend whose parents have a charming historic home on the Bluff Walk in Sconset, which is such a special and beautiful part of the island. In the two days I was there, my friend and I carved out time to exercise, shop, eat and see some of the island’s most breathtaking spots.
If you only have a few hours or a weekend out on the island, here are some of my picks that can easily be done in 48 hours:
{Sconset home overlooking the beach}
SEE
Sconset was by far one of my favorite spots on the island. It sits out on the eastern tip and is absolutely gorgeous with beautiful shingled historic homes, lush gardens, a charming little center of town (very little center of town), lighthouse and pristine beaches. One of my favorite things to do was going for an early morning walk to the Sankaty Lighthouse and seeing all the beautiful homes and gorgeous views of the ocean from the cliffs above. Sconset Beach is a great spot to swim and have a beach day, but there is a drop and not the best spot for young kids. Sconset Market is the go-to for groceries, ice cream, coffee, muffins and takeaway foods such as prepared salads and sandwiches. Insiders told me that their freshly-made baguettes (available in the afternoon only) is the thing locals line up for starting at 3pm. Scones features a small wine shop/bookstore , which carries great gifts and beach items in addition to a variety of wines; Sconset cafe, which is a dinner spot that is always bustling; and a yummy sandwich shop, Claudettes. Jetties Beach, which is back near downtown, is a must if you have kids and want calmer waves and to sit and eat lunch or an early dinner on the beach (they do a great buck a shuck). Surfside Beach is beautiful, has some decent waves and a delicious food shack for lunch al fresco. Spending a few hours in downtown is fun as it has great boutiques, ice cream shops, coffee shops and pretty much everything you need. Plus, the homes are all so beautiful.
{One of the many Land Rover Defenders spotted in Sconset}
EAT
{Beautiful sunset views at Cru}
Nantucket restaurants are good and there is a lot of them. This time I started one of my nights with drinks at Greydon House, a newish boutique hotel that has a cool intimate dimly lit bar inside. The drinks are all homemade with delicious ingredients (the cucumber margaritas were perfection). Cru, right on the wharf, is great for drinks and oysters overlooking the docks. It’s also a great spot for lunch al fresco and pretty popular with both locals and visitors alike. The Nautilus was by far my favorite dining experience and reminded me of a spot in NY that I used to frequent. It was jammed pack and reservations are only taken starting at noon that same day in person. I recommend sitting at the bar and be prepared to be wowed with their small plates with an Asian flair. Word on the street is that Nautilus is moving to a larger space for next year, so there may finally be a shot of a reservation and eating at a normal hour. Head to Sconset for lunch or dinner at Chanticleer, an elegant Sconset institution that has been around forever and serves up burgers to steaks. Sandiwches at Provisions is a must and perfect before or right after the ferry or sitting on bench while in downtown. My friend swears by Something Natural, which is on the outskirts of downtown, but a popular spot for fresh sandwiches and baked goods. Galley Beach for sunset dinner and cocktails is a must on a beautiful night. Lunch or dinner at the tree bar at Town in is a good spot to unwind and take a break from the bustle of downtown. Lastly, if you have time grab a golden hour cocktail or have lunch at The Wauwinet, a gorgeous luxury property on the northeastern tip of the island.
{Golden hour at the Wauwinet}
SHOP
Nantucket has some great shops and I was pretty impressed with the variety of stores and inventory. Don’t miss Bodega for housewares and home inspiration; Erica Wilson for stylish, comfortable resort wear, cashmere sweaters and boho-printed dresses; The Lovely for summer dresses and cover ups; Milly & Grace for going-out summer tops, dresses and fun affordable jewelry; Perch for contemporary clothing and shoe finds; Gypsy for high-end stylish denim and that one-of-a-kind special item; and The Skinny Dip for men’s and women’s clothing from New England brands.
Do you have favorite spots on Nantucket? I’d love to hear as I’ll be back visiting on this charming island again.
Share this story
