The island of Nantucket is a dream destination for people interested in the history of the USA. Still, it is also a well-known summer vacation spot preferred by thousands of tourists and owners of vacation and summer homes on the island. Thanks to the continuous efforts of the tight-knit local community with the authorities and the conservation organizations in Nantucket, the wildlife flora and the fauna there are largely untouched, and the endless beaches on all of its coasts are clean and free to access by all. 

The summer is the peak season in Nantucket, so make sure that you buy your ferry or airplane tickets early, and more importantly, you book the private house or accommodation you have chosen for your stay early. The population of the island increases up to five times in the high season, so it can be harder to find more attractive bookings if you don’t plan early ahead.

If you have already mapped out your summer vacation on Nantucket, here are some of the things to do to get the most of the sun, the stunning beaches and the turquoise waters, and also the local events, venues, and sites that should be on your itinerary.

Visit Madaket Beach 

Located on the westernmost coast and point of the island, Madaket is one of the top-rated destinations for all who want to experience the most spectacular sunsets ever. It is the place to take the best and most romantic photos and to make some of the best memories with your loved ones.

Madaket Beach has soft white sand, but the water can be quite rough.

It is an excellent location for a romantic picnic or date, and if you prefer, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at Millie’s restaurant located next to this gorgeous beach.

Enrol in some SUP Yoga Classes

Imagine combining stand-up paddling and yoga? Yes, this is possible in Nantucket. The feeling of keeping a balance on the board floating in the ocean is incredibly relaxing and energizing at the same time.

Even if you have no experience in either SUP or yoga, you can sign up for one of the available Hatha and Vinyasa SUP yoga classes offered in Nantucket. There are classes for advanced students too.

The friendly and experienced trainers will teach you how to breathe properly, balance on the board, and perform the exercises correctly.

While you are exercising, you can enjoy the fantastic landscapes and the ocean views from your SUP board.

Get on a sailboat for a trip around the island

If you feel that you have seen all of the incredible sights and views from the different coasts of the island, you can hop on one of the cruises offered at the harbour. This will allow you to enjoy some sailing and the view of the beautiful island from the ocean.

One of the best tours to take is from Straight Wharf with the Friendship Sloop built by captain Jim Genthner. This 31-foot sailboat will take you on an unforgettable tour around the Nantucket Sound, and the captain will tell you some mind-blowing stories about the history of the island as a whaling capital and one with a long maritime history.

The boat can even be booked for a private event, party, or special occasion.

Take the Nantucket walkabout tour to Smith Point

It may take more of a hike than a stroll to get to the westernmost Smith Point, but once you get there, you will appreciate the effort! The view of the endless Atlantic Ocean is mesmerizing, and if you are lucky enough to make it in time for the sunset, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in your life from there.

Enjoy the wildlife on the island

As mentioned earlier, thanks to the never-ending conservation efforts of the people on the island, the wildlife is virtually untouched. You can spend a day at the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge or at the Lost Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Nantucket.

The Coskata-Coatue refuge is spread on two long peninsulas on the northern coast of the island. There are more than 16 miles of walking trails, but you can also visit the refuge with a 4WD vehicle and a beach permit from the local authorities.

One of the best paths to take is the one that will lead you to one of the three lighthouses on the island – the Great Point Lighthouse, which is perched on the northernmost point of Nantucket.

The Lost Farm Sanctuary is a place to go to enjoy a wide variety of wild birds living in the pitch pine forest and the Hummock Pond.

Go fishing with a local expert

Book a fishing trip with the local expert angler Steve Tuna. He will take you to the most suitable beaches, and coasts for fishing for different types of fish and will provide you with all of the fishing gear you will need.

Of course, you can go fishing by yourself, but with the help of the local guide, you will find the best spot to catch the fish of your dreams.  The various coasts and beaches offer different conditions for fishing due to the tides, currents, and conditions.

Great Point is among the best fishing destinations in Nantucket. It is a 7-mile long beach on a peninsula on the east coast of the island. The beach offers a superb combination of wildlife spotting, beautiful flora, and the best opportunities for adventure and fishing.

The local fishing guide will help beginners or advanced anglers make the most of their fishing tours on Nantucket.

Tour the island with a bike

Since the island of Nantucket is not that big and is only 14 miles long and 3 to 5 miles wide, it is pretty easy to get from one point to another via bike. Plus, there is a network of bike paths covering all sights, beaches, and areas of the island.

You can take your own bike with you on the traditional Steamship Authority ferry or rent one on the island.

This is the most affordable, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to explore this picturesque island!