Take me back to Nantucket! I can’t say enough just how much Nick and I enjoyed our time on this idyllic little island. After years of hearing about Nantucket’s unparalleled charm, I’m so glad I finally was able to cross a trip off my bucket list.
We packed in a lot during our 2 nights and 3 days there! It’s definitely do-able to accomplish many of Nantucket’s activities and see the top sites over a long weekend — especially if you are coming from New England or New York City. The flights are so quick!
For those of you planning a trip, I put together this Nantucket Guide of the top 5 things to do your first time visiting the island. Click through the jump to read what you can’t miss, where to eat, plus a TON of photos.
1. SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT THE CISCO BREWERY
We visited Cisco Brewery our first afternoon on the island and it didn’t disappoint. After picking up bikes from Nantucket Bike Shop, we pedaled 20 minutes down the Hummock Pond Road bike path (make sure you review Google maps – we almost got lost!) to the famed distillery. Funny enough, we ran into my girl Kendall and her husband when we arrived! The next few hours were spent indulging in lobster rolls, oysters, cocktails and of course: beer. My favorite one was the Grey Lady (perfect if you like lighter ales!) The open-air setup with picnic tables and food stalls is an amazing place to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
2. RENT A SCOOTER IN SCONSET
If you love looking at Pinterest-worthy estates and rose-covered cottages, then you need to take a drive out to the village of Sconset. I can honestly say it’s the most charming, magical little place I’ve ever been! I mean, where else in the world does a town like this exist? If the weather is nice, I highly recommend checking out Sconset by scooter. If not, a car will do! Check out my photo diary for more details!
3. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN NANTUCKET (SHOP & EAT!)
We had so much fun exploring the shops and eateries of downtown Nantucket. We ate a lot — I don’t think I’ve ever had so much great food on one trip! Here are my recommendations:
Dune for lobster rolls and soft shell crab tacos (amazing), Proprietors Bar & Table for craft cocktails and small plates, Galley Beach for dinner and drinks at sunset, Cru for the best seafood right on the waterfront, Black Eyed Susan’s for an inexpensive no-frills breakfast. You also can’t miss Juice Bar for ice cream!
It’s also worth checking out In The Pink (Lilly Pulitzer-lovers dream), The Black Dog and Town Pool. Make sure you take a stroll down Old North Wharf too — you’ll find the cutest cottages along the water all covered in roses and hydrangea bushes.
4. WATCH THE SUNSET AT GALLEY BEACH
Nick and I loved our date night at Galley Beach! I talk about it more in this post, but basically this is the spot to watch the sunset in Nantucket. Make sure you enjoy it with a cocktail!
5. VISIT A LIGHTHOUSE (OR TWO!)
Nantucket is home to three lighthouses: Brant Point, Great Point and Sankaty. Brant Point is the most popular because it is seen by everyone who arrives to Nantucket by ferry. We checked Sankaty of our list when we were in Sconset — it’s located on the prettiest cliff. Great Point is on the Northeast tip of the island and only accessible by 4-wheel drive, this is definitely one I’d love to see next time!
Have you ever been to Nantucket? What should I do on my next trip?
Have You Seen All My Nantucket Posts?
Full Review Of Our Downtown Nantucket Hotel
Photo Diary | Scootering In Sconset
Sunset Date Night at Galley Beach
Natali says
Everything sounds and looks absolutely amazing!! Thank you for sharing!
http://lartoffashion.com
Katie says
Of course! Thank you for commenting!
Erin Her Heartland Soul says
I want to do all these things! I’ve always wanted to visit Nantucket!
Katie says
You would love it!
Dana says
Loving all of these shots! I’d love to visit Nantucket!
Pink Champagne Problems
Katie says
You have to go!
Gloria says
What a beautiful, relaxing site. Nantucket is a place to go to relax, see beautiful sights and eat all
that delicious food. You look absolutely amazing in all of those pictures.
Katie says
Thanks so much!
Tess Felber says
I grew up summering in Nantucket and you made this list like a pro! Hope you enjoyed your time there, its a gorgeous island!!
xox Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Katie says
Omg best compliment ever! Glad to hear my recommendations are on point 🙂
Bree says
Love these shots and your picks! Nantucket is my favorite and I couldn’t agree more with your suggestions!
xo Bree
http://bree-west.com
Katie says
Aw yay so happy to hear your kind feedback, Bree!
emily | shell chic'd says
You captured it perfectly, and thanks so much for the in the pink shoutout! Be sure to let us know when you’re coming back and we’d love to have you into our Shift store as well 🙂 xx
Katie says
Of course! I would love to go back again! xo
Kari says
Nantucket is pretty high up on my US travel wishlist! Loving these photos and tips!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/coconut-shrimp/
Katie says
I hope you can make it there!
K. Elizabeth says
I’ve never been to Nantucket, but from your pictures it looks absolutely amazing. Will definitely have to put it on my travel list.
Katie says
Oh you need to go! You won’t be disappointed.
Kelli {A Deeper Joy} says
Ah! I love this! All of these Elin Hilderbrand novels I’ve been reading have me wanting to go there! 🙂
Katie says
I know seriously!! The summer beach reads always have me wishing I lived at the beach!
Mario Vasquez says
I leave in Nantucket for almost 2 years in the late 90’s and actually went to junior high school. I meet some great friends and remember a lot of the spots talk about in your comments. I’m hoping to make it back one of this days and relieve some of the great memory’s . Any suggestions in hotels ?
Melissa says
Your blog is beautiful! Where can I find the ‘Independence’ House?