Nantucket is one of the famous islands lying off of Cape Cod. A historic whaling port renowned as a tourist destination, people from across the world travel here to immerse themselves in cultural history and natural beauty. If you are staying at Handkerchief Shoals Inn, Nantucket can make the perfect daytime excursion. Check out the Freedom Cruise Line just one mile down the road from us at Saquatucket Harbor to reserve your spot on the ferry.
But what are the best things to do on Nantucket? What do you have to look forward to after you make the journey across Nantucket Sound? Here are some suggestions to get you started!
As a once famous center of maritime industry, the town of Nantucket preserves many features of its heyday as the center of the whaling trade. Its cobblestone streets are still lined with the stately houses of its famous whaling ships' captains. There is hardly a better place to start your journey back through time than the spectacular Nantucket Whaling Museum just steps from the dock.
Whaling Museum
Address: 13 Broad St. Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10AM - 4PM Closed on Sundays Explore Nantucket's fascinating history at the Whaling Museum! Examine artifacts that span the past 400 years. You'll learn about Nantucket's famous families, as well as the lives of the common whaleman, while you examine ship's logs, scrimshaw, sailors' valentines and drawings, not to mention the myriad of whaling implements and tools that remain from the dangerous business of whale hunting.
A favorite attraction to this museum is the complete whale skeleton that is on permanent display. Be sure to take in a lecture from the highly knowledgeable docents about the history of whale hunting around the globe.
The Best Nantucket Historical Association Sites
Many of the historical buildings on the island are associated with the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA). Each one of them offers its own charm and story to the Nantucket community.
Hadwen House Address: 96 Main St, Nantucket This gorgeous 19th-century Greek-revival mansion, recalling the height of prosperity of the whaling era, is open to the public as a museum.
Quaker Meeting House Address: 7 Fair St, Nantucket A smaller museum house where the Quakers used to meet for religious celebrations. Learn about the pervasive influence of the Quakers on early Nantucket society.
Jethro Coffin House Address: 16 Sunset Hill, Nantucket Known as the oldest house on Nantucket still on its original site, the Jethro Coffin House is a traditional saltbox home. Constructed in 1686, it offers a view of 17th-century colonial life.
Bike Paths around Nantucket
In this section, we will review the best trails and most reliable bike rental locations on Nantucket.
Biking around the island is a great way to see the island. Since Nantucket is very flat, most of the biking trails around here are fairly simple.
Miacomet Pond Trail Length: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy
Gardner Forest Meadows Length: 1.4 miles Difficulty: Easy
Sconset Bike Path Length: 7 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Sconset Bluff Walk Length: 2 miles Difficulty: Easy
Altar Rock Length: 1.1 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Whether you prefer touring cultural sites, or exploring the charming boutiques in town, or visiting the beaches and lighthouses across the island, Nantucket Island is certain to make the perfect day trip from Handkerchief Shoals Inn!
