
Nantucket
Nantucket is a place that steals your heart from the minute you walk off the ferry or off an airplane! There’s a magic to Nantucket that’s impossible to put into words but impossible to miss if you step foot on the heavenly little island. I’ve made a visit or two or three to Nantucket every summer an annual tradition! I love exploring the little slice of heaven while window shopping through downtown, wandering through the dreamy neighborhood of Sconset, and eating my way through all the restaurants (with oysters and lobster rolls, of course!). The beaches on Nantucket are absolutely to die for too as they are marked by sea swept seagrass, soft white sand, and turquoise blue water. If I had to pick one beach destination to visit for the rest of my life, it would be Nantucket!
-
A Travel Guide to Sconset on Nantucket -
A Picture Perfect Nantucket Day -
Beach Day at Surfside Beach -
A Day in Sconset -
A Sconset Stroll -
Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About my Friendship with Allison -
East Coast Summer Weekend Getaways -
All American at Sankaty Head Lighthouse




- Browse guide by:
- Shop
- Eat
- Drink
- Stay
- Do
- Show All
Shop
-
Shop
CJ Laing
CJ Laing is one of my most favorite boutiques around! There are two locations on Nantucket – a bigger location in downtown and a smaller location in Sconset. Both are adorable! CJ Laing has an amazing selection of summer dresses, Oaxaca tops, and yummy year-round sweaters. The boutique also has a fantastic selection of jewelry and accessories. It’s a must-visit for a mix of classic meets bohemian styles! -
Shop
The Skinny Dip
Skinny Dip is a designer collective that has something for everyone, women, men, children, and the home. It carries a mix of brands that I really love but don’t always get to shop in person (as opposed to online) like Beau & Ro, Buru, Candy Shop Vintage, Ellsworth & Ivey, Hart Hagerty, Lem Lem, Lisi Lerch, Persifor, and Sail to Sable. -
Shop
The Lion's Paw
A nautical inspired home decor and interior design store. You'll find pretty furniture, yummy throw blankets, accent picture frames, and Nantucket art prints. It’s a super cute store but I’ve heard they are absolutely terrible at shipping out orders so I don’t recommend it... instead ship anything you buy yourself. -
Shop
Jewelers' Gallery of Nantucket
My mom and grandmas started a charm bracelet for me when I was born that is so special to me! Since I've been to Nantucket so many times and love it so much, I bought a Nantucket charm for my bracelet in this jewelry store. I love the charm every time I look at it! -
Shop
Nantucket Estate Jewelry and Fine Arts
This store is primarily a jewelry store that specializes in fine estate jewelry; however, I really love it for all the other special things it carries. The shop always has an amazing selection of vintage Nantucket baskets as well as antique paintings, nautical items, maps, and more Nantucket related pieces.
Eat
-
Eat
Galley Beach
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that this is one of my most favorite restaurants ever! If you're the type of person who likes to sip cocktails and nibble on lobster while wiggling your toes in the sand, then make a reservation (ahead) here. Request to sit outside and you will actually be sitting at a table on the beach. The sunsets here are some of the best in town! I suggest getting to Galley early before your reservation to enjoy cocktails in the plush lounges on the beach before dinner. -
Eat
Millie's
Millie’s is so darn good! The restaurant serves up Baja-style fare like fish tacos, poke, shrimp Caesar salads, and lobster quesadillas with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. Dine inside, on the patio, or hit the takeout window. Whatever you do, don’t forget to sip on an infamous Madaket Mystery! P.S. expect a wait but walk down to the beach to catch the sunset while you wait. -
Eat
The Nautilus
The food at The Nautilus is so amazing! I know it might not seem possible but if you ever need a break from oysters and lobster rolls, then beeline to The Nautilus. The Asian fusion inspired menu is meant for sharing and delicious + creative (as are the cocktails!). I love the buzzy atmosphere for a girls night out or date night. -
Eat
Greydon House
Mark my words, you will be obsessed with the restaurant at Greydon House from the moment you step foot inside. The cozy, intimate, and charming atmosphere is very inviting… it’s a nod to Nantucket’s maritime past. The menu is a locally sourced and seafood focused take on American classics with an upscale twist. P.S. they are also have a great outdoor terrace. -
Eat
Ventuno
If you’re in the mood for Italian food, then Ventuno is the spot for you as it has the best Italian food on the island. They are known for their handful of delicious pastas so I highly recommend trying any of them! If your thirsty before or after dinner, then head to the back patio for drinks at the outdoor bar… I love a nightcap here. -
Eat
The Summer House
For a beachside meal or beverage, head to Summer House Beach Bistro. You can’t beat eating their lobster Caesar salad while sipping a glass of ice cold rosé with your toes in the sand and a sea breeze in your air! You can also have dinner in the main restaurant (not on the beach) and enjoy cocktails in the piano bar. -
Eat
Topper's
Topper’s is the restaurant at the hotel The Wauwinet. This place is an old-school Nantucket spot with so much character and charm. Arrive at the restaurant early so you can take wine out onto the sprawling lawn and enjoy it while watching the sunset on the adirondack chairs. The restaurant itself offers a la carte and prix fixe menus featuring seasonally inspired New England cuisine (the Topper’s clam Chowder is perhaps my favorite on island!). -
Eat
American Seasons
American Seasons is a bit of a Nantucket institution as it has been beloved for years. American Seasons does everything just right. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is completely charming without being pretentious, and the vibe is warm and welcoming. It’s a great spot to go to mark a romantic occasion like an anniversary. -
Eat
Club Car
When I step into Club Car, I immediately smile because the bright and airy atmosphere is so alluring. I absolutely love the cocktail menu here and really enjoy the California-inspired food too! One of the best parts of Club Car is the front bar (a retrofitted railway car) that turns into a piano bar late at night. -
Eat
Nantucket Culinary
Nantucket Culinary is one of my favorite spots for grab and go food on island. They have a wonderful selection of yummy premade food options as well as baked goods and a coffee bar. Inside, you’ll find locals working away on their computers and outside you’ll find diners enjoying the lovely patio on a beautiful day. The café is part of a larger culinary center that offers cooking classes, culinary-themed events, and more.
Drink
-
Drink
The Gaslight
The Chicken Box is the longstanding spot on island for live music but The Gaslight is a newer addition to the live music scene (it opened in 2019). It sets itself apart because it is located right in the heart of downtown (The Chicken Box is not). The Gaslight is also a restaurant with an Asian inspired menu. Head here for live music every night of summer (p.s. it’s open year round)! -
Drink
Cisco Brewery
One of the best ways to pass a day on Nantucket is by visiting Cisco Brewers. It’s an outdoor brewery, distillery, and winery all in one. Each has its own bar + there is a full liquor bar too. Cisco has food trucks from some of my favorite spots on the island including Millie’s and 167 Raw! There is live music too! It might not sound like it but it’s very family-friendly (and dog-friendly too!).
Stay
-
Stay
Harborview
This hotel is a dream! It’s located right on the edge of town and definitely one of my favorite places to stay on the island. It is a collection of eleven glorious 1-4 bedroom cottages. Each cottage is super spacious with bright, clean, airy blue and white style. The cottages have everything including full kitchens, laundry machines, outdoor showers (a Nantucket must!), and balconies/decks. The hotel also has a gorgeous lawn dotted with adirondack chairs for guests as well as a private beach area! -
Stay
Greydon House
Greydon House is the essence of New England chic. It’s no wonder as the boutique hotel was designed by Roman and Williams. Yes, the hotel has a coastal vibe; however, it isn’t kitschy at all. Instead, it is a smart mix of masculine and feminine touches with über cool accent tiling, John Robshaw + Les Indieness bedding, and more. The hotel restaurant is excellent too (see under “Eats”) + the hotel is situated right in the heart of town. -
Stay
76 Main
I highly recommend staying at this nautical and welcoming boutique hotel. I love staying here! The hotel is located right at the top of town on Main Street and has the best New England nautical feel. Everyone who works at the hotel is wonderful too and the afternoon cookies are perfection. -
Stay
The Roberts Collection
I love the concept behind The Roberts Collection. It consists of a lovely central courtyard with four houses encircling it. It is wonderful for everything as you can stay in a gorgeous one room space perfect for a romantic getaway or in a large house perfect for a family trip. The Roberts Collection is tucked right in the middle of town so you can walk everywhere in a jiff! -
Stay
White Elephant
A classic Nantucket hotel located right on the harbor at the edge of town. The White Elephant is a great option for those looking for a family-friendly hotel. It has lots of little amenities and perks like free shuttles around the island to guests. You can stay in standard hotel rooms, suites, lofts, and residences so the hotel provides a range of great options! -
Stay
The Wauwinet
If you are escaping to Nantucket for peace & quiet + rest & relaxation, then definitely consider a stay at The Wauwinet. I say this because the hotel is located 10 miles outside of town so it is a bit secluded but still incredibly special. The Wauwinet is a Relais & Châteaux property so the food is exceptional. It also has not one, but two private beaches and a sprawling lawn that boasts quiet possibly the best sunset views on the island. -
Stay
Rental House
There are a lot of little, cozy cottages as well as grand, spacious houses to rent on Nantucket! I’ve rented homes on Nantucket a few times now and had great success. I highly recommend using Great Point Properties to discover the best rentals available on the island. They are so incredibly friendly and helpful + they have the best listings!
Do
-
Do
Sconset Bluff Walk
If you’re looking for an activity to do in Sconset, then I highly suggest doing the Sconset Bluff Walk, which is a must in my opinion. The Sconset bluff walk starts in town at Front Street and takes you almost all the way up to Sankaty Head Lighthouse. You quite literally walk through people’s lawns! It’s the best way to see the gorgeous shingled homes, the stunning pink climbing roses, the spectacular blue hydrangeas, and sweeping ocean views. -
Do
Visit the Lighthouses
Nantucket has three historic lighthouses that have all been lighting the way for sailors for centuries. Each has its own distinct story, history, and look. Brant Point Light is the most photographed and the one that welcomes every visitor that travels to Nantucket by ferry. It’s the oldest lighthouse on Nantucket and the second oldest in the colonies. Sankaty Head Light sits at the end of beautiful Baxter Road in Siasconset (i.e. Sconset) and has actually been moved from its original location due to cliff erosion. Finally, Nantucket has Great Point Lighthouse. Great Point is special because it’s the hardest to get to as you can only access it with a 4-wheel drive vehicle and required permit. -
Do
Sail the Endeavor
One of my favorite things to do while on Nantucket is to go sailing! The ship to sail is the Endeavor! If you have a big enough group you can get the sailboat all to yourselves but, if not, it’s still wonderful to do with whoever else books the boat (p.s. you can also pay to rent it out at any time). The Endeavor heads out multiple times a day but I love going in the afternoon or evening for cocktail hour – it’s BYOB! -
Do
Cisco Brewery
One of the best ways to pass a day on Nantucket is by visiting at Cisco Brewers. It’s an outdoor brewery, distillery, and winery all in one. Each has its own bar + there is a full liquor bar too. Cisco has food trucks from some of my favorite spots on the island including Millie’s and 167 Raw! There is live music too! It might not sound like it but it’s very family-friendly (and dog-friendly too!). -
Do
Rent Bikes or Vespas
A great way to see Nantucket is by bike or Vespa! Either Young’s Bicycle Shop or Nantucket Bike Shop will get you all set up with either bikes or vespas and will point you in the direct of some great bike trails out to different beaches. We love to ride all the way from town to Sconset! -
Do
Bartlett's Farm
Yum! If you rent a house for your visit to Nantucket, then a visit to Bartlett’s Farm is a must! You’ll find everything you need to cook and entertain while on Nantucket. The local produce is exceptional, the fish selection can’t be beat, and the daily freshly made sweet + savory baked goods are to die for.