Nantucket is a charming island off the coast of Massachusetts that’s known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and quaint shops. May is a great time to visit Nantucket, as the weather is mild and the island is less crowded than during the summer months. Here are nine of the best things to do in Nantucket in May 2024:
Explore the Beaches
Nantucket has some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. In May, the water is still a bit chilly for swimming, but it’s perfect for walking, running, or just relaxing in the sun. Some of the most popular beaches on Nantucket include:
- Nantucket Harbor Beach: This beach is located right in the heart of Nantucket town and offers stunning views of the harbor. It’s a great place to go for a swim, sunbathe, or take a stroll along the boardwalk.
- Cisco Beach: This beach is located on the south shore of Nantucket and is known for its soft sand and gentle waves. It’s a great place to go for a swim, surf, or just relax in the sun.
- Madaket Beach: This beach is located on the west end of Nantucket and is known for its beautiful sunsets. It’s a great place to go for a walk, watch the sunset, or just relax in the sand.
Visit the Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Nantucket. The museum tells the story of Nantucket’s whaling industry, which was once one of the most important industries in the United States. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including whaling ships, scrimshaw, and paintings. It’s a great place to learn about Nantucket’s history and culture.
Take a Bike Ride
Nantucket is a great place to go for a bike ride. The island has a network of bike paths that wind through the beaches, forests, and towns. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike shops on the island and explore Nantucket at your own pace. Some of the most popular bike paths on Nantucket include:
- The Madaket Trail: This trail runs along the west end of Nantucket and offers stunning views of the ocean.
- The Sankaty Head Trail: This trail runs along the north shore of Nantucket and offers beautiful views of the Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
- The Miacomet Trail: This trail runs through the Miacomet Golf Course and offers a peaceful and scenic ride.
Go Shopping
Nantucket is a great place to go shopping. The island has a variety of shops that sell everything from clothing to home goods to souvenirs. Some of the most popular shopping areas on Nantucket include:
- Main Street: This street is located in the heart of Nantucket town and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Centre Street: This street is located just off of Main Street and is home to a variety of unique shops and boutiques.
- Straight Wharf: This wharf is located on the waterfront and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Visit the Brant Point Lighthouse
The Brant Point Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on Nantucket. The lighthouse was built in 1746 and is the oldest lighthouse in the United States. It’s a great place to go for a walk, take some photos, or just enjoy the views of the harbor.
Dine Out
Nantucket has a variety of restaurants that serve everything from seafood to Italian to American cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants on Nantucket include:
- The Pearl: This restaurant is located in the heart of Nantucket town and offers a variety of seafood dishes.
- Cru: This restaurant is located on the waterfront and offers a variety of seafood and steak dishes.
- The Galley: This restaurant is located in the Whaling Museum and offers a variety of American dishes.
- Topper’s: This restaurant is located on the waterfront and offers a variety of seafood and pizza dishes.
Attend a Festival
Nantucket hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. In May, some of the most popular festivals include:
- The Nantucket Daffodil Festival: This festival celebrates the arrival of spring on Nantucket. The festival features a variety of events, including a daffodil show, a parade, and a concert.
- The Nantucket Wine Festival: This festival showcases a variety of wines from around the world. The festival features wine tastings, seminars, and dinners.
- The Nantucket Book Festival: This festival celebrates the love of reading and writing. The festival features a variety of events, including author readings, workshops, and panel discussions.
Visit the Maria Mitchell Association
The Maria Mitchell Association is a non-profit organization that promotes science and astronomy education. The association offers a variety of programs, including stargazing programs, lectures, and workshops. The association is located on the grounds of the Nantucket Atheneum and is a great place to learn about astronomy and science.
Other Things to Do
In addition to these 9 activities, here are a few other things you can do in Nantucket in May:
- Visit the Nantucket Aquarium
- Take a whale watching tour
- Go fishing
- Play golf
- Visit the Oldest House Museum
- Take a cooking class
- Go kayaking
- Visit the Nantucket Historical Association
- Take a sunset cruise
Nearby Transportation
The closest airport to Nantucket is Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK). The airport is served by a variety of airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines. You can also take a ferry from Hyannis, Massachusetts to Nantucket. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours.
Local Food
Nantucket is known for its seafood, especially its oysters. Some of the most popular local dishes include:
- Oysters on the half shell
- Clam chowder
- Lobster rolls
- Scallops
- Swordfish
Best Months to Visit
The best months to visit Nantucket are May, June, September, and October. These months offer the best weather and the island is less crowded than during the summer months.
Culture
Nantucket has a rich culture that is influenced by its whaling history. The island is home to a variety of museums, historical sites, and art galleries. Nantucket is also home to a thriving arts community and there are a variety of festivals and events held throughout the year.
Best Hotels
There are a variety of hotels to choose from on Nantucket. Some of the most popular hotels include:
- The White Elephant Hotel
- The Nantucket Hotel & Resort
- The Wauwinet Hotel
- The Jared Coffin House
- The Greydon House
Conclusion
Nantucket is a charming island that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural getaway, or an active adventure, you’re sure to find it on Nantucket. With its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and quaint shops, Nantucket is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Nantucket today!
