For a family looking for an enchanting vacation, there are plenty of options available, but the best is Nantucket. From pristine beaches to world-class dining, Nantucket has plenty to keep you busy. However, having a place to stay is something that you have to consider when planning your vacation. Renting a house is an excellent way to enjoy your time while visiting Nantucket.
Not only you and your family will enjoy the freedom and privacy, but you’ll have more space. Finding the perfect house in Nantucket can help you to dive into the atmosphere and enjoy an authentic experience.
Meanwhile, here are five more reasons to choose Nantucket for your next family vacation besides great accommodation.
Tour the Museums
Nantucket is rich in history. The island is famous for being the whaling capital of the world. Whaling was the key business of Nantucket between the mid-1700s and the late 1830s. Today, several museums in Nantucket preserve this history for all generations to learn and wander back in time.
At the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum, you can discover the island’s maritime heritage from daring stories about dramatic shipwrecks and heroic lifesavers. The museum is usually open all during the high season – from June to mid-October.
Next, we have the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum. Founded in 1997, the museum preserves the rich history of lightship baskets. On display are lightship baskets and basket-related artifacts. You’ll also find biographies of individuals who raised this art form on the island.
Other museums to visit include:
- Whaling Museum – 13 Broad St, Nantucket
- Maria Mitchell Association – 4 Vestal St, Nantucket
Remember to check the working hours before visiting, since they might be changed due to the season, special events, or maintenance.
Visit Nantucket Beaches
Nantucket is popular for its beautiful and pristine beaches. The small island has 82 miles of gorgeous beaches where you and your family can spend the day swimming and surfing. The shimmering beaches in Nantucket are usually divided into North, South, East, and West.
On the North shore, you’ll find Jetties Beach, a family-friendly spot that’s within walking distance of the main town. Named after the jetty located at its point, you can reach the beach on foot from downtown or take the beach shuttle that runs every half hour. At the beach, you’ll find calm shallow waters and tan sands perfect for your little ones.
On the Southern shore is Surfside beach, and you can guess what’s the popular activity here. You guessed it right – surfing. Body surfing is the most popular activity, followed by boogie boarding. This is because the ocean waves get rough, making it the best spot to catch a wave.
Some of the famous Nantucket beaches are:
- Children’s Beach – North Shore
- Siasconset Beach – East Shore
- Madaket Beach – West Shore
- Cisco Beach – South Shore
Visit the Lighthouses
As aforementioned, Nantucket has a rich whaling and shipping history. To warn mariners of the shallow and rocky coast, they built lighthouses around the island. Today, these lighthouses are beautiful landmarks worth a visit.
The Brant Point Lighthouse was first established in 1746 and then automated in 1965. Constructed with lumber, it’s a brick structure with a height of 26 feet. The range of this lighthouse is 12 miles.
Another lighthouse that’s worth a visit is the Sankaty Lighthouse. Built and lit in 1850, the lighthouse is still in operation, just like the Brant Point Lighthouse. It’s made of bricks, and the tower stands 70 feet tall.
Lastly, we have the Great Point Lighthouse located at Great Point. Built in 1784, the tower is 70 feet tall with a white painted finish. The lighthouse is still operating, and its light is visible from 16 miles.
Visit Loines Observatory and The Old Mill
If your kids are curious about the stars and planets beyond our world, visiting Loines Observatory is a must. Located along 59 Milk St, it features two domes that serve as an active observatory for public astronomical programs. The observatory is home to a modern 24-inch research telescope and an antique 8-inch Alvan Clark telescope.
At the observatory, you can join professional astronomers for Open Nights, where you and your family will enjoy a tour of Nantucket’s night sky. You’ll also have a chance to observe the nebulae, stars, planets, and galaxies. You can also discuss the latest discoveries in the universe or chat with a visiting speaker about the search for life beyond our world.
Next is the Old Mill. Built in 1746, it’s full of exhibits and artifacts that tell the island’s history and culture. Located at 50 Prospect Street, it’s one of the oldest functioning mills in the US. In fact, it’s one of the only surviving four windmills once located in Nantucket.
The Old Mill stands 50 m high and has four vanes, and each one of them is 30 feet in length. Inside, it has a fixed body with a cap and machinery that turns the four vanes. It also has intersecting wooden cogs that turn the grindstones. Today, it’s owned and run as a museum by the Nantucket Historic District.
Tour the Island
Always a great idea to enjoy your time on Nantucket is to take a tour of the island. There are many tours offered – from architecture to history walking tours to sailing excursions and whale watching.
The most convenient way to explore the island is by cycling. There are more than 50 miles of bike trails that you can explore at your own pace. Not only that. The island has several bike rental companies. If you haven’t arrived with your own bike, you can rent one for the day.
Among the best bike rental shops in Nantucket is the Nantucket Bike Shop. Open from 9 AM to 6 PM, they offer a wide range of services, including scooter rentals, repairs, and sales. They also have a wide selection of bikes, including cruisers, mountain bikes, and road bikes, plus accessories such as helmets and locks.
Besides cycling, you can explore the island on a US Coast Guard-certified vessel with Captain James Genthner. James, who has over 35 years of experience sailing the waters of Nantucket, offers private charters and sailing trips.
During the tour, the captain will acquaint you with the sights and maritime history of Nantucket. To make the trip even more fun, the captain allows guests of all ages to help the crew set sail. You can bring aboard refreshments and simply relax and enjoy the ride as the good captain shares his knowledge of boat building.
Final Thoughts
Nantucket’s rich history is well exhibited and preserved all around the island in museums, lighthouses and much more. A visit to this enchanted island will not only introduce you to true peace and maritime history. But after your visit, you can cherish your travel memories with photos and souvenirs.
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