Photo by Jack Cohen on Unsplash
The enchanting cobblestone streets and New England shingle-style cottages built centuries ago, plus more than 80 miles of beaches. What is not to love about the island of Nantucket?
Read on to find out the top reasons for going to Nantucket and what makes it one of the top preferred destinations for summer holidays and day trips in Massachusetts and in the entire USA.
The one-of-a-kind Sconset Bluff Walk
This walking trail will allow you to stroll through the whole picturesque east shore fishing village of Siasconset. Then after walking on a narrow wild long road, you will reach a winding forest path. Once you get through the forest, you will be able to pass by some of the most beautiful seaside estates and gardens on the island. At the end of this walking trail, you will reach the beach and the Sankaty Head Light.
Along the entire way, you will witness some of the most spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The public footpath is free to access and use and is one of Nantucket's most enjoyable walking trails.
The most beautiful beaches
The endless beaches which encompass the island of Nantucket are one of the main reasons why tens of thousands of people come or return there every summer.
Due to the conservation policies and regulations on the island, the majority of the beaches are free to access by anybody. They have fine sands, offer Instagram-worthy photo ops and views and offer something for every beachgoer – young or old.
There are more than 25 beaches that reach a total of 81 miles on the shores of the island.
Thanks to the location of Nantucket, you can pick beaches offering different conditions.
The northern beaches are on the shores of the warmer and calmer Nantucket Sound. They are perfect for people with small children and those who prefer a leisurely and lazy swim.
The southern and eastern ones border with the open ocean and, as such, may have stronger currents, bigger waves, and are usually colder. This makes them suitable for adventurers, surfers, and youngsters.
Most beaches are easy to access by foot, bike, and car or via the regular bus shuttle service on the island.
It is a sailing paradise
If you like sailing, you will love the views of the harbor and ocean and all sailboats and yachts passing through the waters of Nantucket.
There is a functioning replica of a topsail schooner – the Lynx tall ship, which will sail majestically around the island’s harbor in the peak of the summer season.
There is also an annual Rainbow Parade held in late August and includes a fleet of hundreds of catboats with colorful sails from New England passing through the island's Brant Point.
You can also visit the unique Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum, where you can see models, maps, and artifacts from the hundreds of shipwrecks that happened in the waters surrounding Nantucket. The island is also known as the Gray Lady of the Sea due to the heavy fogs which suddenly fall. You can also learn more about the local people who, through the centuries, risked their own well-being to help the shipwrecked crews.
The influence of the whaling industry on the island
Not too long ago, Nantucket was referred to as "the whaling capital of the world." During those glorious years, nearly all men were engaged in the whaling industry, which was dangerous and involved overseas adventures which took years and many lives.
When the crews were successful, they returned home with loads of oil, which was crucial for lighting and fuel. As a result, the wealthy captains started building impressive mansions, which are still standing today.
Also, as a result, the ladies took over the management of stores and other businesses while the men were at sea, which is why there is a Petticoat Lane today.
The Whaling Museum is ranked the top attraction in Nantucket. It is located in an old candle-making factory and tells the story of the whaling years on the island. There is a real 46-foot whale skeleton, many artifacts, as well as exhibits depicting the true tragic story of the Essex whaleship, which was the inspiration behind Moby Dick by Herman Melville and In The Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick.
Even if you have already been there, it is recommended that you revisit the museum time and time, as there are some ever-changing exhibits and events which take place every season.
Plus, there are multiple restaurants, bars, and other eateries inspired by the whaling years and carry that atmosphere still a hundred and more years later.
It is the only place in the world where you can buy Nantucket Reds
These traditional Nantucket sailcloth pants were introduced by Philip C. Murray, who inherited the Toggery Shop from his father. The pants have a very specific faded brick to salmon pink coloring. It is the color that mimics the sails, which could be seen along the coasts of Brittany in France.
Since they were first made available in the Murray’s Toggery Shop on Main Street in the 1960s, these pants have become one of the most recognizable symbols of the island of Nantucket.
The fact is, the Nantucket Reds are trademarked, and this very store is the only place in the world where you can buy them.