You can see the sights on Nantucket on a day-trip from Cape Cod, or you can stay overnight in one of the island's fine hotels or inns.

In good weather everyone takes off to Nantucket's beaches, by taxi, bus, tour or bike, but there are lots of other things to see and do on the island as well.

Beaches

Nantucket's 10 public beaches offer something for every sun-sand-and-sea preference. Several are only steps from the town center, others reachable by a pleasant bike ride or by shuttle bus. More...

Bicycling

Several island shops rent bicycles, and a ride to 'Sconset, Sankaty Light, or to one of the beaches is a favorite day's activity. More...

Tours

The Nantucket Historical Association sponsors a 1.5-hour historical-architectural walking tour through the best of Nantucket's art and architecture. Call 508-228-1894 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm for a reservation, as the tour is limited to 15 people. They also organize family tours of special interest to young children. More...

Various guided tour companies have vans waiting at the ferryboat docks to welcome visitors who want a driving tour of the island. More...

Vineyards & Breweries

Nantucket has its own winery, brewery and distillery under the aegis of Cisco Brewers, 5 Bartlett Farm Road, 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of the town center (map). Come to see, sample and buy their wines, spirits and beers. Travel there by the brewery's free shuttle, an NRTA shuttle bus on the Miacomet Loop, or along the Hummock Pond bike path. More...

Sankaty Light

This historic 450-ton lighthouse was moved back from eroding cliffs, rescuing a Nantucket landmark. Here's how to visit it. More...

Cruises, Sailing & Fishing

Several companies operate all sorts of cruises on motor craft and sailing yachts. More...

Museums

The Nantucket Whaling Museum details the island's important 19th-century history or whaling. More...

The Nantucket Life Saving Museum, 158 Polpis Road (map; Tel 508-228-1885), about three miles (5 km) from the center of town, has exhibits explaining the role of the island's life-saving service. More than 750 ships foundered off Nantucket, with great loss of life, which would have been much greater but for the brave men who risked their lives to save others'.

Atheneum & Science Center

Nantucket's free public library is among the oldest in the USA. Thoroughly updated, its 42,000 volumes are available for reading, its Great Hall for lectures, its Weezie Wing for children. Look for it on India Street in the center of town. More...

The Maria Mitchell Science Center, 2 Vestal Street, is organized and maintained in honor of Nantucket's foremost astronomer, Maria Mitchell (1818-89). More...

Concerts

Nantucket has supported chamber music concerts at various times, particularly in the weeks of high summer. Ask at the Information Bureau, or look for notices of upcoming events.

Also, visiting and local bands often give free concerts in the bandstand near Straight Wharf (at the foot of Main Street). The Weekly Vacation Guides, available at the Information Bureau, will have listings of times and programs.

—by Tom Brosnahan

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