Just walk the streets of present day Nantucket and you will feel the history that suffuses this charming and picturesque island. Antique shops, historic sites, quaint inns and fascinating museums are sure to keep you busy, while the dramatic scenery and unspoiled beaches provide a wonderful excuse to slow down and unwind. The Historic District is the hub of Nantucket. Wander along Main, Federal and Center Streets and you will find a plethora of beautiful bed and breakfast inns, museums, delightful galleries, and historic homes where the captains of whaling ships once lived. The Nantucket Historical Association operates 14 of these historic properties as museums, and you can purchase an NHA Visitors Pass at any of the museums or from the association's gift shop. The pass gives you access to all the sites, or you can pay single admission at each.
The best way to explore Nantucket Island is by foot, bicycle, moped or jeep. Cars are not appreciated, since the entire island is just 14.5 miles by three miles. If you must have a car on the island, you can rent one upon arrival-especially since you must reserve space for your car on a ferry months in advance.
There are bike routes for cyclists of all levels, ranging from the three-mile flat-terrain Surfside bike path to the eight-mile-long Polpis bike trail with winding terrain and hills of various sizes. You can pick up a map of the trails from one of the many bike rental shops on Main Street. There are also plenty of undeveloped back trails to get lost in, making mountain biking a favorite activity. |
