Family-Friendly Things To Do In Nantucket
The island of Nantucket is only 30 miles south of Cape Cod and is among the top-desired vacation spots in the country.
It is a preferred spot for preppy vacationers, romantic couples, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and watersports buffs, as well as for upscale family vacationers.
Thanks to the regular ferry and plane lines, and the wide variety of short-term local residences available, you can choose the perfect way to get to and stay in Nantucket with your family.
Here are some of the things to do when vacationing in Nantucket with your family.
Have a bite at Millie’s
This restaurant was named after the local legend, the native islander “Madaket Millie” Jewett. She spent her life dedicated to caring for and preserving the beaches, the animals, the mariners, and the people of Nantucket. This family-friendly eatery is one of the best places to enjoy a casual meal with family and friends.
Millie’s is located at 326 Madaket Road, near one of the most stunning places to watch the sunset over the ocean – Madaket Beach.
It features some delicious and reasonably priced Mexican and other foods which both adults and kids alike enjoy.
Some of the best dishes to try include the 40th Pole Quesadilla, Cliff Road Salad, Tuckernuck Tacos, and all different types of queso, chips, guacamole, sandwiches, and more.
There is a breakfast and a kids menu, that attracts many families with younger children as well.
The restaurant has a wonderful patio surrounding it, where you can sit at the outdoor tables and enjoy the view along with the great food and drinks.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and the outdoor tables are open for people with dogs too.
Stroll along Main Street
Main Street is the cobblestone street passing through the historic Downtown, which defines Nantucket.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll on Main Street and enjoy the sites of the impeccably preserved and restored historic mansions and buildings on this iconic cobblestone paved street.
There are some remarkable buildings on and near this street. They include Greek revival or Federal-style and mid-Victorian mansions, church spires, and a stunning view of the island’s waterfront. Some of the most famous houses include the George Gardner House, the Thomas Macy House, the Henry Coffin House, and the Charles Robinson and Captain Edward Cary houses.
You can sit down and relax on one of the many sidewalk benches, most of which are “claimed” and named with name plates of locals.
Main Street is perfect for some high-end shopping or window shopping in some of the most exclusive boutiques, galleries, and shops on this New England island.
One of the most famous stores you should pop into is Murray’s Toggery Shop. You can buy some of the iconic Nantucket Reds pants or other apparel and accessories made of this recognizable faded red, almost pink hued cotton canvas, so typical for the New England coastal preppy style.
Main Street is the place to go to if there is going to be a festival or other events in Nantucket, such as the Daffodil Festival, the Christmas Stroll, and more.
Visit the Whaling Museum
If you have read Herman Melville’s classic Moby-Dick, you have an idea of what the whaling industry and the lives and adventures of the whaling captains and crews were like centuries ago when whaling was the leading business of Nantucket.
But even though it has long been abolished and abandoned, the whaling industry has left a very lasting imprint on the architecture, history, style, and community of the island.
It was once popular as “the whaling capital of the world.”
For everyone who wants to know more about this fascinating part of the history of Nantucket, visiting the Whaling Museum is a must.
This unique museum is no doubt the most top-rated site to see in Nantucket.
It is set up in a restored whale oil candle factory Downtown and is home to some exceptional exhibits, such as a real 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, an original Fresnel lens from one of the lighthouses, as well as artifacts and displays of the actual Essex whaling ship and its captain whose story inspired the writing of Moby-Dick.
The roof of the museum has a viewing deck where you can enjoy a birdseye view of the harbor and the island.
Hop on a boat
Even though there are so many beaches to go to, lighthouses to see, and other sites and natural wonders to visit on the small island of Nantucket, one of the best ways to explore and enjoy it is by sea.
You can go on one of the many available sailing cruises, excursions, and tours offered at the harbor.
Some of the most enjoyable cruises are the ice cream cruise, the sunset cruise, the oyster cruise, and the cocktail cruise.
There are longer excursions that you can sign up for if you want to sail into the open Atlantic, spot some whales, or enjoy some sports fishing of large fish.
Another way to explore the beautiful coasts of Nantucket from the water is by renting a boat or kayak.
Spend a day at ‘Sconset Beach
Sconset Beach is what the locals call Siasconset Beach on the east coast of Nantucket.
It is located at the end of the famous and postcard-like Sconset Bluff Walk. This is a walking path covered with white shells passing through the most charming and quaint village with weathered gray shingle style cottages covered with roses, and surrounded by colorful gardens – Siasconset.
The path passes through these Insta-worthy cottages and perfectly manicured gardens, the local market, and the bluffs. You can enjoy a stunning view of the coast and ocean.
It leads to Siasconset Beach, which is an excellent place to watch the sunrise, enjoy a picnic, or spend the day.
It is also the place to go to explore and take some fantastic vacation photos by the red and white striped Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
