Top Things to Do on Nantucket

Enjoy Your Nantucket Vacation in All Seasons

There is plenty to do during your stay at the Brass Lantern Inn. Nantucket is home to a wide variety of cultural, educational, environmental and preservation organizations that offer a multitude of activities & attractions for adults, children, and families to enhance your Nantucket getaway. Learn about the Nantucket Cultural District in downtown Nantucket and stay up-to-date on key Nantucket arts events and activities happening all year.

Attractions Restaurants

Exterior view of red brick building with white doors and sign stating Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum

The main attraction of the Nantucket Historical Association, the Nantucket Whaling Museum, is housed in the 1846 candle factory building, which has been extensively and recently renovated.

At the Museum, you will see a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, memorabilia of Nantucket’s seafaring residents, and a myriad of other historical Nantucket artifacts – a wide collection of scrimshaw, photos, diaries and log books.

Several times daily, the Whaling Museum presents, Nantucket, the original short film showcasing Nantucket’s natural beauty and its significant role in history. Ric Burns, Emmy award-winning filmmaker, wrote and produced Nantucket; seeing the film will provide you with a comprehensive and beautiful introduction to Nantucket. The Museum also offers various presentations each day by Island ‘interpreters’ about Nantucket’s history, whaling journeys and life.

The Whaling Museum is a ‘must-see’ for Nantucket visitors, and, as an added treat, the roof walk offers magnificent views of Nantucket Island and Nantucket Harbor.

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View of a small coastal town on the water

Nantucket Cultural District

Brass Lantern Inn is located right in the heart of the Historic and Cultural District. Take a break from the beach – or on a non-beach day – and add some culture to your Nantucket holiday!

From the Dreamland, on South Water Street, to White Heron Theatre, you are within just a short stroll to the Island’s greatest attractions. The Nantucket Cultural Guide is the perfect resource for a day of exploration.

Don’t Miss Cultural Attractions

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White owl flying very close to the ground covered in brown grass and green evergreen bushes

More to Do & See

With multiple beaches to charming scenic trails, there’s plenty to do and explore for all our guests.

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Small white lighthouse next to small harbor with boats in the water

Helpful Resources

Whether you are a first timer or you’re a return guest, our island resource guides are perfect for planning your ideal itinerary.

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The Brass Lantern Inn is within walking distance to the top Nantucket restaurants. Whether you stay for two days, a week – or just a single day – you will find a wide range of restaurants to meet your gustatory needs! You can ‘take-away’ your lunch to enjoy on our patio or at the beach.

To view what’s open during your visit, CLICK HERE.

Close up view of a scallops dish with pink and yellow cauliflower on white plate

Fine Dining

Feeling Fancy? Here are some of our favorite fine dining experiences.

Via Mare at Greydon House
17 Broad Street
Located on the corner of Broad and North Water, within sight of the Brass Lantern Inn, the Greydon House is a wonderful addition to Nantucket’s fine dining restaurants. Open year round, the restaurant serves brunch on weekends and lunch and dinner daily.
Company of the Cauldron
5 India Street
Small, romantic restaurant, outstanding food and service, single menu each night (menus posted in the Office), prix fixe. From the website – and all true…If you want to feel as if you have your own private chef, make reservations to dine at The Company of the Cauldron. Located in the heart of Nantucket’s Historic District, the abundant charm of this small red building with ivy-covered windows invites you to enter. Inside the doorway massed flowers greet you on the antique baker’s rack. Just beyond, tables glow softly, lit only by candles. The kitchen is open and can be seen from the dining room. Classical harp music wafts in the background three evenings of the week. The epitome of romantic ambiance.
Oran Mor
2 South Beach Street
Elegant, intimate setting, excellent food and service. From the website: “The cooking style is one of inspired simplicity; each ingredient complements one another to create a unique, savory dish. The evolving and innovative menu is derived from the changing seasons and their bountiful offerings. Showcasing native seafood, fresh local produce and naturally raised meats from select farms.”
Straight Wharf Restaurant
6 Harbor Square
Great setting, great fish – try to eat out on the porch overlooking the Harbor. Quintessential Nantucket experience!
Ventuno
21 Federal Street
Located just a few minutes from the Brass Lantern Inn, Ventuno is located in the old ’21 Federal Street’ restaurant building. One of the few restaurants on Nantucket offering Italian fare. From the website…”Ventuno is romantic & relaxed, affordable & lively, Nantucket’s larder in Italian hands. We look forward to welcoming you to our home. Benvenuto”
Galley Beach Restaurant
54 Jefferson Ave
Elegant beachside dining – also where you can catch the most spectacular sunsets – Galley Beach Restaurant offers a premier beachfront, fine dining experience on Nantucket. The Galley offers coastal cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Ship’s Inn Restaurant
13 Fair Street
You will feel welcome at the Ship’s Inn, a venerable Nantucket dining tradition. Enjoy excellent food, superb service, good cheer and a true Nantucket ambiance in this unique setting. From the website – “Tall windows along two walls let in the summer breezes and let escape the sounds of happy conversation. This restaurant is a very good choice for an evening out with friends, and there are cozy, intimate alcoves for more romantic encounters.” The Ship’s Inn, on Fair Street just across from St. Paul’s Church, is about a ten minute walk from the Brass Lantern.

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Close up view of a cheeseburger and french fries

A Little More Casual

Island casual and delicious fare.

Dune
20 Broad Street
Just a three-minute walk from the Brass Lantern Inn, Dune offers a sophisticated, soothing decor, great food and wonderful, welcoming service. The lovely outside patio is open during the late spring, summer and early fall. From the website… The ever changing menu showcases an innovative selection of the finest in seasonal local produce, fish and meats from regional farms and select purveyors.”
Le Languedoc Bistro
24 Broad Street
Le Languedoc is a fine restaurant, just a few minutes’ walk from the Brass Lantern Inn. The downstairs Bistro is our favorite for a wonderful meal in an intimate setting. Outside patio, dinner and brunch. From the website… Le Languedoc’s cuisine is based on classic French techniques, yet influence and elegance is drawn from the freshest, most exquisite ingredients from Nantucket, New England, and around the world.
Queequeg’s
6 Oak Street
Queequeg’s is one of our most recommended restaurants! Small, friendly, excellent food, outdoor patio and pet friendly. From the website…Nestled on Oak Street in the heart of historic Nantucket behind the Nantucket Atheneum, Queequeg’s offers an Eclectic American Cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients. Join us for a romantic dinner in a fun Bistro setting with an intimate bar scene.
Town
4 East Chestnut Street
Town is ‘back to back’ with Queequeg’s, its sister restaurant, just minutes from the Brass Lantern Inn. The sophisticated dining room and Asian-influenced menu is tempting and well-prepared. From the website…A global cuisine wonderland, offering uplifting versions of flavorful international dishes from around the globe… cool, casual, and Seductive Eastern-style lounge with Asian accent brings you to paradise…
Slip 14
14 Old South Wharf
Down beyond the Boat Basin, in a row of galleries and boutiques, Slip 14 awaits. A casual, fun, lively patio, Slip 14 serves lunch and dinner. Check out their website for menus.
Black Eyed Susan’s – Family Friendly
10 India Street
Black-Eyed Susan’s is a Brass Lantern Inn favorite for breakfast or dinner! A small, bustling restaurant with a cozy outdoor patio, Black-Eyed Susan’s is also pet friendly. BYOB Lots of photos and menus on their website.
The Breeze – Family Friendly
77 Easton Street
Located at the newly renovated Nantucket Hotel, just down North Water Street. Expansive outside deck – great for lunch or dinner and children’s menus! From the website…Breeze features New England Coastal Cuisine and family favorites in either an air-conditioned indoor setting or outdoors on our deck.
B-ACK Yard BBQ
20 Straight Wharf
A relaxed sports bar offering housemade BBQ plates & sides, plus Tennessee whiskeys & ample craft beers.
or, The whale
38 Main Street
Located on Main Street, or The Whale offers global fare in a chic atmosphere with a great outdoor patio space. Enjoy shared plates, salads & brunch, and tasty cocktails.
Lemon Press
41 Main Street
A bright, brick-lined cafe with outdoor tables offering eclectic eats, smoothies & creative cocktails.
The Proprietors
9 India Street
A relaxed restaurant & bar serving locally sourced, globally influenced fare in a contemporary space.

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Close up view of a fancy seafood dish in white bowl

On (or near) the Water

Where the view complements the food…

Galley Beach Restaurant
54 Jefferson Avenue
Galley Beach has one of the most gorgeous locations on Nantucket with great sunsets! About a mile from the Brass Lantern Inn, this restaurant is worth the walk or taxi ride! Open June – September.
Millie’s – Family Friendly
326 Madaket Road
If you love Madaket Beach and casual, beachy fare, it is definitely worth the trek out to Millie’s! It is open during the summer season and offers Millie’s jitney service from the Visitor Services Center at 25 Federal Street to shuttle you out and back. From the website…The casual beachy Millie’s serves Californian fare like sandwiches, salads and tacos, plus a selection of po’ boys, all a short walk from Madaket Beach; there’s a takeout window perfect for a meal at one of the picnic tables outside overlooking the ocean, as well…
Cru
One Straight Wharf
At the end of Straight Wharf, overlooking the myriad of boats, yachts and superyachts, Cru’s location is quintessential Nantucket! Billing itself as “Nantucket’s Premiere Waterfront Oyster Bar,” Cru has received excellent reviews from our guests for this, its first year.
Brant Point Grill
50 Easton Street
The Brant Point Grill, reputed to have the best ‘on the water view in New England’ is located at the White Elephant Hotel. From the website…The Brant Point Grill, affectionately nicknamed BPG, is considered the premier steak and seafood restaurant in Nantucket. The BPG is just a short walk from the Brass Lantern Inn.
Sandbar at Jetties – Family Friendly
4 Bathing Beach Road
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, The Jetties, at Jetties Beach, is the perfect casual restaurant for lunch, while you are at the beach, or for a simple dinner. From the website…For the ultimate Nantucket Beach experience come to The Jetties at 4 Bathing Beach Road. A favorite destination for Locals, Summer Residents and Visitors!

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Close up view of a bacon, lettuce, tomato, and sprouts sandwich and strawberry lemonade on a blue tray on a wooden picnic table

Take Away

Enjoy your take away lunch or dinner on the patio at the Brass Lantern Inn!

Walter’s Deli
10 Broad Street
Even our guests from New York City think that Walter’s is a great deli!
Steamboat Wharf Pizza
10 Broad Street
A short walk from the Brass Lantern Inn for terrific pizza by the piece or by the pie.
Provisions
3 Harbor Square
Down on Straight Wharf, behind the Gazebo, Provisions offers a wide variety of creative sandwiches and salads on your choice of their delicious breads. The Innkeeper’s favorite is Turkey Terrific!
FRESH
5 Salem Street
FRESH – not just a sandwich shop! From the website…FRESH with Harpoon Liquors is a one-stop-shop located on Nantucket offering sandwiches, salads, artisan cheeses and meats, specialty groceries, prepared foods, and a full selection of non-alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, and liquor.
Something Natural – Pet Friendly and Family Friendly
50 Cliff Road
Just up Cliff Road, Something Natural is a 15-minute walk (or five-minute bike ride) from the Brass Lantern Inn. Great, fresh sandwiches on their terrific bread and a lovely garden with picnic tables. From the website…Something Natural is a popular sandwich shop and bakery located on Nantucket Island off the coast of Cape Cod, MA. We make good things to eat! Come try our piled-high sandwiches on our fresh-baked bread and award-winning cookies!
Stubby’s – Family Friendly
8 Broad Street
With its large patio, traditional menu and moderate prices, Stubby’s on Steamboat Wharf is a good choice for families or for a quick bite when arriving or prior to departing on the Steamship Authority Ferry.

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