There are plenty of beautiful vacation destinations along the New England coast, whether you’re looking for delicious seafood and drinks or just relaxing on the beach, but there’s one spot you just can’t miss: Nantucket, a quaint island located near Cape Cod and at the southernmost tip of Massachusetts.
Once a whaling town, Nantucket is a major summer tourist destination thanks to its abundance of shopping, restaurants and waterfront activities. The National Park Service designated the area a historic landmark in 1966. History shines through the streets, from the wooden adobe settlements to the three lighthouses that dot the shore.
I recently had the opportunity to experience the wealth of fun that is this island, just a short flight from New York City. Here is my complete guide to this charming New England resort destination: Nantucket.
Accommodation Jennifer Algoo
Faraway Hotel
Nantucket’s streets are dotted with Quaker-gray Shingle Style homes and Nantucket-blue hydrangeas, and the Faraway Hotel is no exception. This stunning hotel, with six buildings and a restaurant courtyard, is located in the heart of the downtown district, not to mention within walking distance of the beach and convenient to great restaurants and shopping.
Jennifer Algoo
Jennifer Algoo
Where to Eat Jennifer Algoort
Lemon Press
For the freshest and possibly the best avocado toast ever, start your day at Lemon Press on Main Street, where their breakfast menu and coffee are island staples, or if you prefer breakfast classics like eggs and pancakes, try Black Eyed Susan’s.
Courtesy of Cru
Cru Oyster Bar
View of the harbor.
Cru makes arguably the best lobster rolls on the island. Stop in for lunch and enjoy harbour views from your dining table. In the evening it becomes a lively bar, perfect for a nightcap.
If you want to enjoy fine dining with breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound, Toppers in Wauwinet is one of my favorites, and The Chanticleer also tops the list, with lush gardens that grow organic and seasonal vegetables for the restaurant.
Jennifer Algoo
Toppers Sunset
Jennifer Algoo
Chanticleer
Looking for something sweet? Enjoy creamy ice cream in a variety of flavors at our juice bar.
Jennifer Algoo
Juice Bar
Where to drink
Getty Images
If you’re looking for a laid back afternoon with music and drinks, try Cisco Brewers, or Nautilus, which boasts an extensive menu of cocktails, wines and food, or if you’re looking for live music, Club Car has performers every night.
Places to shop by Jennifer Algoo
Malay’s Toggery Shop
The most iconic store on the island is Murray’s Toggery Shop. As the birthplace of the Nantucket Reds, it’s definitely the perfect place to buy something to remember your visit to the island by.
If you’re looking for pieces to pack in your suitcase ahead of time that fit in with the New England aesthetic, check out Tuckernuck. You’ll find a wide variety of styles, with new items added to the site daily.
For cool staples, head to Veronica Beard. For casual clothing inspired by Martha’s Vineyard, head to Vineyard Vines. For Nantucket memorabilia, Four Winds is Nantucket’s oldest gift shop. I bought the cutest basket earrings that I’ll be wearing all summer.
Jennifer Algoo
Tuckernuck Outfits and Accessories
Jennifer Algoo
what will you do
Jennifer Algoo
You can explore the historic downtown area on foot, or hop on a bike to visit the island’s beaches and famous lighthouse. Ride to the eastern end and stop in Siasconset Village, where you can hike the Bluff Walk and visit the Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
If you fancy a dip in the ocean, there are plenty of beautiful white sand beaches to choose from, including Surfside Beach, Jetties Beach, Ladies Beach and Children’s Beach. Afterwards, explore the Tupantsie Links Nature Reserve or go off-road driving at Great Point.
Of course, no trip to Nantucket is complete without a boat ride, and the island offers a variety of cruises, excursions, and fishing trips. We highly recommend the sunset cruise from the White Elephant Hotel to Toppers.
Jennifer Algoo
Children’s Beach
Jennifer Algoo is the Visual Director of Harper’s BAZAAR. She’s a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and previously worked at Patrick McMullan and completed internships at Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue and Cosmogirl magazines. Jennifer covers royal, celebrity and art content and oversees all visual assets for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not obsessing about royalty, you can find her working as an armchair detective solving cold cases, traveling, or trying new recipes.
