Originally posted in 2017. Updated in 2021.
Ok, I’ll admit that I might have a small obsession with Nantucket. She’s a lovely little island off the coast of Massachusetts that has a big presence. (Or maybe The Grey Lady is just larger than life to me.)
True to her seasonal nature, the summer months are packed with locals, summer families, and visitors strolling, shopping, and dining downtown. From creative Asian-inspired dishes at Nautilus to resting your head at Life House, Nantucket is a place for simple pleasures.
I go to Nantucket every summer and fall, and here are my favorite spots. If you visit, I hope you love the island as much as I do.
eat & drink
The Nantucket food scene is great. And it’s more than seafood.
Born & Bread
35 N Centre St
Nantucket, MA 02554
bornandbreadnantucket.com
Born & Bread is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. I absolutely love their breakfast sammies and if you’re going to cook at home or visiting a friend’s place on island, definitely go early to snag some of their sourdough.
Club Car
1 Main St
Nantucket, MA 02554
theclubcar.com
Club Car is awesome. Located in an old train car, this spot is great for lunch, drinks, and/or dinner. I’ve done all three of those things, I can honestly report that I don’t have a bad thing to say about it.
If you’re up for a sing-a-long, I recommend stopping by later in the evening. *wink*
Nautilus
12 Cambridge St
Nantucket, MA 02554
thenautilus.com
Nautilus is a must-try when you’re on the island. It reminds me of Long Grain in Camden, ME with a twist. I love this restaurant so much. So much so that I wrote an entire post about it. And now that they have a Boston outpost, I can indulge my obsession any time that I want.
I highly recommend snagging a resie because this is a tiny restaurant and it is V good.
The Digest
BPG Prime Burger at The Brant Point Grill in the White Elephant
The whole black bass at Or, The Whale
Sushi at Bar Yoshi
Halibut at Cru
stay
The hotels and b&bs on the Grey Lady are just as charming as the island.
Life House
10 Cliff Rd
Nantucket, MA 02554
lifehousehotels.com
Life House is a new property on Nantucket. It’s tucked away on Cliff Road and offers a coastal escape to a tropical locale. Housed in a 190-year old home, and offering daily breakfast and happy hour for guests, Life House is perfect for families (with older kids), girls’ getaways, and romantic retreats.
76 Main
76 Main St
Nantucket, MA 02554
76main.com
76 Main offers 20 charming rooms and suites, all-day coffee, and an incredible location. Right off on Main Street, the traditional New England Colonial-style house with black shutters is a quick walk to downtown. Though, once you check in, you may not want to leave.
The Nantucket Hotel + Resort
77 Easton St
Nantucket, MA 02554
thenantuckethotel.com
Only a 10-minute walk into town, the Nantucket Hotel is a perfect example of a hotel on Nantucket. With their iconic school bus out front to their delicious menu at their restaurant, Breeze, you’ll feel right at home at the Nantucket.
The Digest
Life House
White Elephant
Greydon House
Faraway
shop
If you love to shop, Nantucket won’t disappoint you. From small trinkets to luxe sprees, there are plenty of ways to spend your money.
Bodega
2 Candle St
Nantucket, MA 02554
bodeganantucket.com
Bodega is one of my favorite home shops. Their vibe epitomizes relaxed coastal cool. I use them for constant inspo for my own home updates. If you’re looking to pick up a few cool knick-knacks or buy a larger piece – Bodega is your spot.
Skinny Dip
23 Old South Wharf
Nantucket, MA 02554
shopthedip.com
Skinny Dip is a seasonal shop on Nantucket, but when they’re open, they carry lots of bright preppy wears. Stop by to peruse their latest brands and snag a few pieces for your collection.
Nantucket Whaler
7 Old South Wharf
Nantucket, MA 02554
wearingwhales.com
Nantucket Whaler has a small clothing shop on Old South Wharf. They make quality cotton items that are great for a chilly night or while you’re out sailing. I have their white cotton button-down and a grey cowlneck sweater.
The Digest
Space
Murray's Toggery
For Now
Olivela
do
In addition to eating, drinking and, shopping, the island offers some fun outdoor activities.
Capture Nantucket
Capture Nantucket offers a lot of photo tour options – from camera phoners to experts looking to dabble in night photography, there’s something for everyone. It’s also a great way to get to know the island. I recommend this for anyone visiting the island.
Drive onto the beach
40th Beach
40th Pole
I love a good beach day, and if you have access to a car while you’re on the island, I recommend driving onto a beach for the day. Pack up a cooler with snacks and drinks, grab a speaker and your beach chairs, and have the best day. (Just make sure you have the appropriate permits!)
The Digest
Some of these experiences were complimentary over the years, but all opinions and images are my own. And if you’re interested in reading more about my Nantucket adventures, head over to the Nantucket section.
