Nantucket: Historic Architecture, Coastal Landscape and Trails
Accommodation in Nantucket
Nantucket combines an exceptional island history with a distinctive coastal landscape and a wide range of discoveries. Those planning a trip with culture, nature and special excursions will find a variety of options for organizing each day. The Nantucket Historic District encompasses Nantucket Island, Tuckernuck and Muskeget and is designated as a National Historic Landmark as well as being listed in national and state historic registers.
Historic Architecture and Vibrant Island History
In the Historic District, buildings and structures preserve architecture from the Colonial period, the Federal period, the Greek Revival and the Victorian era. The district includes more than 5,000 buildings and structures classified as contributing structures. This makes it possible to explore Nantucket’s architectural development in many different forms without limiting a visit to a single museum.
The Whaling Museum complements this historical impression with permanent and changing exhibitions in nine galleries. The African Meeting House is the only public building still standing on Nantucket that was built and used by African Americans in the 19th century. The Black Heritage Trail® leads to ten stops and is divided into the Downtown and New Guinea sections. This gives you a clear choice between a museum visit, a historical exploration and a themed walking tour when planning your trip.
Museums, Science and Personal Stories
The Historic Mitchell House preserves personal belongings of Maria Mitchell, including a Dolland telescope. The house also hosts programs about the daily life of the Mitchell family and their contributions to Nantucket’s history. The original dome of the Vestal Street Observatory housed a 7.5-inch telescope. These places give the island’s history a personal and scientific perspective.
Coast, Heathland and Trails
Nantucket also offers distinctive landscapes beyond its historical themes. The Nantucket Barrier Beach and Wildlife Refuge features a rhythmic series of cuspate spits as well as a large, well-developed and symmetrical cuspate foreland. Around Altar Rock, coastal heathland, blueberries, lowbush blueberries, Pennsylvania sedge, bearberry, reindeer lichen and false heather shape the landscape.
Many miles of interconnected roads and trails run through the Middle Moors. The southern section covers more than 400 acres and is known locally as Nantucket’s “Serengeti.” Those who enjoy walking can plan this expansive landscape as a focus of their trip. The “Where the Land Meets the Sea” tour in the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge takes approximately two hours and adds another emphasis on the connection between land and sea.
Beach, Aquarium and Local Products
Jetties Beach has shallow water and extensive sandbars at low tide. The beach is accessible by bicycle; a bus also runs to the beach seasonally. The MMA Aquarium features live exhibits about the Nantucket Sound ecosystem. For a quieter or more weather-flexible daily plan, you can alternate nature observation, the aquarium and historical attractions without limiting your trip to just one type of experience.
The Sustainable Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market offers products grown or made on the island by local growers, artisans and food producers. This makes the market a fitting addition if you would like to get to know local products and crafts.
Ferry and Choice of Accommodation
The seasonal high-speed passenger ferry M/V Iyanough operates from Hyannis to Nantucket and takes approximately one hour. This connection is an important consideration when planning your journey. When choosing your vacation rental, you can therefore first consider which combination of history, beaches, trails, nature and local products should shape your stay.
For an additional local overview, you can visit Nantucket.
For the broader travel overview: Massachusetts.
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