Activities on Nantucket

Beaching
Nantucket has more than 80 miles of beaches to explore.  Beachcombers can find a variety of shells, stones, beach glass, seaweed, and "mermaid's purses" (skate egg cases).  Swimming and water sports vary at each beach.  See our beach listing for additional information.

Biking
Many shops downtown rent bicycles - by the 1/2 day, full day, and week.  We encourage this mode of transportation, as there are too many cars for our narrow streets during the summer (parking is a nightmare!).  

Nantucket has five bicycle paths that range in length from 2.5 miles to 8 miles.  These paved paths are quite scenic and run along Cliff Road, Milestone Road, Surfside Road, to Madaket and to the Polpis area.  Plan a day or two of exploration and exercise - pack a picnic and take a swim at one of the great beaches along the way.

Nature Hikes
The Maria Mitchell Association offers nature and wildflower walks, as well as bird watching trips throughout the summer. (This was one of our children's favorite summer activites.)

Fly a Kite
Bring one with you or get one here - what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.  There almost always a breeze here, so you've no excuses!

Reading
Most people relax with a good book while on vacation.  Visit one of the many island bookstores or vist one of the local libraries.

Nantucket's Antheneum (library) on India Street is a pleasure to explore.  There is a beautiful park here as well.

The Maria Mitchell Association operates a science library on Vestal Street as well.  They have a colorful children's room and an impressive collection of scientific volumes.

Tennis or Golf anyone?
Public tennis courts can be found at Jetties Beach (run by Nantucket Park and Rec. Dept. Tel: 508-325-5334).  

Miacomet Golf Club is open to the public year round.  Sankaty Head Golf Club is open to the public during the off season.  Reservations at both are required. 

There are also several private tennis and golf facilities.

Museum Tours
Be sure to visit any of the dozen museums on island.  You can learn about Nantucket history, architecture, the ocean, life on the island, native wildflowers, or birds.  See our sights page for more museum information.

Sightseeing
Tour the island by bus, van or on foot with one of the many tour companies on island.  The First Congregational Church on Center Street offers visitors a bird's eye view of the island from the church steeple (be sure to wear your sneakers for the climb up the stairs!).  The church is open for tours from June through September.

Camps for Kids
Children's camp programs include full-day camps and specialized camps for soccer, Little League baseball, field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse.  All accept visitors and some operate year-round.  

Actors Theatre of Nantucket offers a Children's Theater Program from mid-July through August.  Young actors perform in professionally produced versions of well-known plays and musicals.

The island also has a miniature golf course for adults and kids alike. 

Sailing, Windsurfing, and Kayaking
Several businesses offer lessons and rentals in sailing, windsurfing or kayaking (closest is at Jetties Beach). 

Harbor cruises are available from Straight Wharf.  Choices include: Lobstering Cruises, Ice Cream Cruises, Picnic Cruises, and Seal Watching Cruises (in the off season).  

The friendship sloop Endeavor offers a Pirate Adventure Sail, a Songs and Stories of the Sea Cruises, and a sail featuring fiddler Dave Polland.  Reservations are a must.

Ghosts and Astronomy
There's a wonderful walking tour on haunted houses that meets in front of the Atheneum early evenings during the summer.  Great for children and adults.  Bring your sneakers for a splendid guided walk around town.

Or, visit the Maria Mitchell Observatory for a celestial view of the stars above.

Fishing and
Island fishing is great - whether you fly-fish or surf-cast.  Visit a local tackle shop for the latest hot spots and hit the sand.  Or, hire a guide or charter a boat (reservations recommended).

Whale watches leave from Straight Wharf several days a week July-September (call for reservations).

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