Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
Step off the boat and you're in the only place in the USA where the entire town is a Na-
tional Historic Landmark. It's a bit like stepping into a museum - wander around, soak
up the atmosphere. Start your explorations by strolling up Main St, where you'll find the
grandest whaling-era mansions lined up in a row.
Nantucket Whaling Museum
MUSEUM
(13 Broad St; adult/child $20/5; 10am-5pm mid-May-Oct, 11am-4pm Nov-mid-May)
A top
sight is this evocative museum in a former spermaceti (whale-oil) candle factory.
Nantucket Beaches
BEACHES
If you have young 'uns head to
Children's Beach
, right in Nantucket town, where the
water's calm and there's a playground.
Surfside Beach
, 2 miles to the south, is where
the college crowd heads for an active scene and bodysurfing waves. The best place to
catch the sunset is
Madaket Beach
, 5.5 miles west of town.
Cycling
CYCLING
No destination on the island is more than 8 miles from town and thanks to Nantucket's
relatively flat terrain and dedicated bike trails, cycling is an easy way to explore. For a
fun outing, cycle to the picturesque village of
Siasconset
('Sconset), known for its rose-
covered cottages. A couple of companies rent bikes ($30 a day) right at the ferry docks.
Sleeping
HI Nantucket
HOSTEL$
( 508-228-0433;
http://capecod.hiusa.org
; 31 Western Ave; dm incl breakfast $35; mid-
May-mid-Sep; )
Known locally as Star of the Sea, this atmospheric hostel in an 1873
lifesaving station has a million-dollar setting near Surfside Beach. As Nantucket's sole
nod to the budget traveler, it's booked well in advance.
Centerboard Inn
B&B$$$
$$$
(
508-228-2811;
www.centerboardinn.com
;
8 Chestnut St; r incl breakfast $249-419;
)
A
welcoming innkeeper who pampers guests with extras, and loans iPads, gives this chic
B&B a leg up on the competition. Rooms sport an upscale island decor, breakfast in-
cludes savory treats and the location is perfect for sightseeing. After a day on the town
slip back to relax over cheese and wine at afternoon tea.
