Nantucket, Massachusetts

An intimate fine-dining jewel celebrated for its inventive Asian-influenced seafood menu and stunning candlelit ambiance. The signature lobster spring rolls and wok-seared scallops are consistently praised as among the best dishes on the island. Reserve well in advance — a table here on a warm Nantucket evening is nothing short of magical.

Sitting at the water's edge of Swain's Wharf, Cru delivers pristine oysters, lobster rolls, and creative cocktails with unbeatable harbor views. The raw bar selection is exceptional, sourcing local bivalves that taste unmistakably of the cold Atlantic waters just yards away. Sunset happy hour here is a beloved Nantucket ritual that visitors return for year after year.

Tucked into a charming space on Old North Wharf, Ventuno brings rustic Italian soul to the heart of Nantucket with house-made pastas and wood-fired dishes. The warm, lively atmosphere feels like a neighborhood trattoria transplanted to one of America's most beloved island towns. Don't miss the burrata or the perfectly charred Neapolitan-style pizzas emerging from the open kitchen.

A cherished Nantucket institution since 1974, this beloved sandwich shop crafts enormous, generously stuffed sandwiches on legendary homemade bread baked fresh daily. Grab a turkey avocado or roast beef on oatmeal bread, then picnic on the sun-dappled lawn under the shade of tall trees. It's the kind of effortlessly perfect lunch that defines a great summer island day.

A grand island retreat blending classic New England charm with modern luxury, just steps from the heart of town. Spacious suites feature nautical décor, fireplaces, and plush linens that make every night feel special. The heated pools, spa, and attentive concierge ensure a seamlessly indulgent Nantucket experience.

This beautifully restored 1770s Federal-style home offers twelve intimate rooms brimming with antique furnishings and genuine warmth. Each morning begins with a gourmet breakfast served in a sun-drenched dining room that feels like a cherished friend's home. Its quiet cobblestone street location puts guests within easy walking distance of shops, galleries, and the harbor.

Perched directly on Nantucket Harbor, this iconic waterfront property offers breathtaking views from every cottage and suite. Mornings here mean watching sailboats glide past your private patio with a cup of fresh coffee in hand. The elegant on-site restaurant and impeccable service make it a timeless choice for discerning travelers.

Perched on a gentle hill above town, Veranda House rewards guests with sweeping harbor views from its signature wraparound porch. The boutique rooms are thoughtfully designed with crisp whites, natural textures, and just the right amount of coastal personality. It strikes a perfect balance between relaxed island living and polished, attentive hospitality.

Housed in a grand 19th-century candle factory, this world-class museum brings the thrilling and haunting era of Nantucket's whaling dominance vividly to life. A fully articulated 46-foot sperm whale skeleton hangs overhead as visitors explore remarkable artifacts, scrimshaw, and immersive exhibits. It is an essential cultural anchor that helps every visitor understand the deep, complex soul of this extraordinary island.

A rugged over-sand vehicle journey through the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge leads to this iconic 1818 lighthouse standing guard at Nantucket's northern tip. The surrounding landscape of sweeping dunes, migrating shorebirds, and crashing surf feels beautifully untouched and wild. Watching the sun drop toward the water from this remote, windswept point is an experience that stays with you long after leaving the island.

One of Nantucket's most beloved south shore beaches, Cisco draws both surfers chasing reliable Atlantic swells and families seeking wide, golden stretches of sand. The nearby Cisco Brewers complex makes for a perfect afternoon pairing — cold craft beer after a long, sun-soaked swim. On clear days the horizon seems to stretch endlessly, reminding you just how beautifully far from the mainland you really are.

Tucked away on Nantucket's eastern shore, Sconset — as locals lovingly call it — is a storybook cluster of tiny rose-covered cottages that feels frozen in the most idyllic possible past. A leisurely bike ride along the Milestone Bike Path from town makes the arrival feel wonderfully earned and adventure-worthy. Stroll the bluff walk, peek at the charming post office, and soak in a quieter, deeply romantic side of Nantucket that few destinations can match.