Skip to main content
Lark Hotel's Guide to Nantucket
Lark Hotel's Guide to

Nantucket

View Guide for Nantucket

Take a Look

Includes

Things to do • Eat + Drink • Adventure • Sights + Sounds

Fresh oysters on ice with garnish, a delicacy in Nantucket, MA
Grey shingled house overlooking the sea on a grassy hill in Nantucket, MA
Vintage orange Jeep in front of a shingled house in Nantucket, MA
Hand holding a double-scoop ice cream cone against a white brick wall at Nantucket, MA

Break out the Breton stripes and break in your topsiders. It doesn’t get more nautical than spending a few days in Nantucket.

Close-up of vibrant blue and purple hydrangeas, common in Nantucket, MA
Iced coffee on a wooden counter with a plant in the background at Nantucket, MA
Smoky cocktail with large ice cubes, a sophisticated drink in Nantucket, MA

What to Do

pin color
The Nautilus

The Nautilus

This stellar Nantucket restaurant premiered in 2014 and steadily made its way to the top of the list for locals and visitors alike. Not only is the food, atmosphere, and cocktail offerings amazing, but the staff are phenomenal. Inspired small plates culled from various culinary traditions and countries translate into mouth-watering dishes to share. Pro tip: if reservations are full, bar seating is usually an option. Be sure to try the Blue Crab Fried Rice.

Insider Tips

It's right in the heart of town and always has a party vibe going.

Bar Yoshi

Bar Yoshi

This hidden gem is known for having some of the best sushi on the island. Not a fan of sushi? They have a fabulous selection of fresh fish ceviche, soup, and noodles while offering chill and casual vibes.

Glidden's Island Seafood

Glidden's Island Seafood

Shucking your own is an affordable way to enjoy oysters on Nantucket, but of course requires a little skill. Pick up a shucking knife at the market and ask the staff there for some tips if you're a newbie. Grab a lemon, some ice, and a bottle of your favorite wine or beer and you've got yourself one the makings of a fantastic sunset picnic.

Lemon Press

Lemon Press

This vibrant cafe on Main Street is known for its fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine, and an upstairs with a cozy atmosphere perfect for people watching. Offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and a robust lunch and breakfast menu, Lemon Press has a focus on wellness and health-conscious visitors.

Lola 41

Lola 41 0.0 miles

Upscale finger food sets the tone in a dark moody NYC- bar scene – think exquisite sushi rolls, spicy pork bahn mi, and mouth-watering burgers in foie gras dipping sauce. Bubbling with local gossip and music, eating at this Nantucket restaurant makes you want to bob your head while licking your fingers clean of hoisin and ginger-laced BBQ sauce.

SisterShip

SisterShip

This cafe/cocktail club offers a lovely yet elegant outdoor patio with well-crafted cocktails.

Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers

Comprised of the Triple Eight Distillery, Cisco Brewers and the Nantucket Vineyard, all are open year round and offer tours, tastings and a little shopping.

Insider Tips

Tastings galore and music on the patio make Cisco a must-visit spot.

Handlebar Cafe

Handlebar Cafe

One of Nantucket coffee shops, the Handlebar Cafe offers up not only great coffee, but a great patio for relaxing. Enjoy a triple espresso or a coconut water and stay for a while – the staff is friendly, the wifi is strong, and they don’t mind if you hang out for a bit.

Insider Tips

Great place to grab an afternoon latte and check in on your email.

-Adam

The Juice Bar

The Juice Bar

While yes, the Juice Bar does offer freshly squeezed juices, it's known for its list of homemade ice cream. Try their cake batter ice cream or a milkshake made with fresh orange juice, squeezed to order, and vanilla ice cream.

Insider Tips

If you like coffee ice cream, make sure you try a scoop or shake of the flavor here. Priceless.

-Dawn

Great Point Beach + Lighthouse

Great Point Beach + Lighthouse

Rent a jeep and drive to Great Point. The rental car company may tell you not to take the car out to the beach...so you may want to keep that information to yourself. The sunrise is especially glorious if you're able to get out early enough.

Address

Wauwinet Road Nantucket for Great Point Beach + Lighthouse

Insider Tips

We love getting away from the buzz of downtown area to the more peaceful scene at Great Point.

-Tavis & Ryan

Whaling Museum

Whaling Museum

A must-see for history lovers, this history museum appeals to all ages and tops the list of things to do on a rainy day. Kids will love the giant sperm whale skeleton and the displays of the boats and tools of the whaling trade. Visit the museum's discovery center where kids can explore interactive exhibits and make their own scrimshaw at the craft table.

Insider Tips

I just love the seafaring lore -- but the true and the crafted. The museum covers it all.

-Dan

Bartlett's Farm

Bartlett's Farm

Nantucket's oldest farm has a Garden Center, Market, fields of vegetables and flowers, and hosts a variety of events throughout the season. Stop in to grab some beautiful florals and fresh spring vegetables or choose something from their various wine and cheese offerings. 

Cisco Beach

Cisco Beach

Our preferred method of transportation around the island will always be via bike.  On your way to the beach, stop by Bartlett's Farm for sandwiches and sweets to enjoy a lovely beach picnic. Then, head to local fave, Cisco Brewery after for a cold brew beer.

Dionis Beach

Dionis Beach

Just a short drive or bike ride out of town, Dionis Beach is quieter than Jetties Beach and Children's Beach. Located on Nantucket Sound, this beach has beautiful, clean sand; calmer waves for the younger set; and a lifeguard on duty. Make a day out of it by packing a lunch and biking on the Madaket bike path three miles from the center of town to the beach.

Nantucket Bike Shop

Nantucket Bike Shop

This bike shop offers a full range of racing and mountain bikes, or for the more leisurely rider, you can choose from either a tandem or three-seat bike. We recommend heading east, taking the 7-miles of trail towards Siasconset Beach, where you'll ride past one of the islands more peculiar and beautiful landmarks – The Serengeti.

Nantucket Community Sailing

Nantucket Community Sailing

Offering a variety of sailing clinics and programs, you'll be able to test your endurance and rhythm with this experienced group of paddlers. If you're already an experienced sailor, rent a sailboat and take it out for an sunset sail.

Located in Nantucket

From the Guide

Our Favorites

  • 1
    CISCO BREWERS

    Known as a legendary destination on the island, Cisco Brewers is are open year-round to offer tours of craft beer, wine, and spirits.

  • 2
    NANTUCKET BIKE SHOP

    Ride around Nantucket in style! Take the trail towards Siasconset Beach, where you'll ride past one of the island's more peculiar and beautiful landmarks – The Serengeti.

  • 3
    THE JUICE BAR

    Known for offering the best of both worlds, ice cream and freshly squeezed juices, this is a must-visit. Their cake batter ice cream or fresh orange juice is squeezed to order, and a perfect cherry on top of the end of the day. 

  • 4
    LOLA 41

     In the mood for sushi? This local gem offers exquisite sushi rolls, spicy pork bahn mi, and mouth-watering burgers in foie gras dipping sauce. Think dark and moody, like an NYC bar.

Elegant dark cocktail with white foam and a small flower garnish in Nantucket, MA
Pasta with clams and fresh herbs, a delicious meal in Nantucket, MA