Top 5 Nantucket Outdoor Activities: Your Island Adventure
Nantucket, that lovely little island just south of Cape Cod, is so much more than fancy houses and hydrangea bushes, I think. Sure, it has those, but it also has miles and miles of sandy coastline, awesome bike paths, and a vibe that’s really laid-back, actually. If you’re wondering just how to make the most of a trip here, I suggest putting down the guidebooks for a minute. Consider these five super fun outdoor adventures. I’m telling you, this will transform your island escape from just “nice” to truly something special. And by the way, I have made this list of the top 5 activities that people seem to love doing here!
1. Beach Bliss: Sun, Sand, and Surf
Of course, you probably can’t visit Nantucket without hitting the beach, can you? Very few places in the world are like it. The island seriously has beaches for absolutely every taste, actually! For families, Children’s Beach, that is located right by the harbor, is usually super calm and equipped with a playground, in a way. It’s really convenient, too. If you like bigger waves, try Cisco Beach, just off the southern coast. It is usually really popular with surfers, very similar to Nobadeer, more or less. And that’s easily reached by bike, too it’s almost like paradise!
Siasconset Beach, usually referred to as ‘Sconset, at the eastern end of the island, is totally amazing for long walks, maybe even just sitting and zoning out, so it’s super restorative. Just a heads up, though: getting there involves driving a bit. For those looking for solitude, I propose checking out some spots along the island’s southeastern side, maybe like Great Point or Coatue Point. These are often less crowded. You do need a permit and, in some areas, a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access those, arguably. But let me tell you, they’re totally worth the small amount of bother, I think. Plus, nothing is better than having a picnic at sunset and watching the stars come out!
2. Biking Around: Pedal Power on the Island
Want to skip the car and see Nantucket at your speed? If yes, that can be done! The island has something like thirty miles of super well-maintained bike paths that take you absolutely all over, right. You can rent a bike practically as soon as you get off the ferry. Plus, that’s an amazing way to discover things that tourists often don’t see. The most famous path is probably the one that goes to ‘Sconset. You see the charming rose-covered cottages and the iconic Sankaty Head Light. In that case, make it the bike route for you!
However, I really recommend trying the path that leads to Surfside Beach. It’s super easy, flat, and you get this lovely sea breeze most of the time, too it’s almost magical! On the north side of the island, there’s a great, albeit a bit bumpier, trail that goes to the peaceful village of Madaket. It’s famous for its sunsets. Stop by for some lobster rolls on the way back, anyway. And one of the benefits is that biking is seriously cheaper than renting a car, and I mean way cheaper. Most bike rentals are just around $25-$35 a day, you know. So you get some exercise, reduce emissions, and still have lots of money left for things, right. All the cool people know to rent bikes.
3. Sailing Away: Catching the Nantucket Breeze
Being surrounded by water, one thing you must do in Nantucket is obviously sailing, right. Charter a sailboat for the day, even! Explore Nantucket Harbor. You should visit the nearby Elizabeth Islands. Plenty of companies on the island provide various choices, starting from simple sailboat rentals all the way up to fully crewed yachts for big parties. For instance, you can take a sunset sail to watch the sun sink right into the ocean, as I was saying.
Or go for a half-day excursion. They go past the lighthouses and secluded beaches, in some respects. If you have some sailing experience, I propose renting a smaller boat and having a bit of a solo adventure, arguably. Now, a thing to be aware of is that the winds around Nantucket might be pretty strong. Keep that in mind, just a little. For those new to sailing, there are many seasoned instructors who would usually teach you the ropes in a really relaxed manner, typically. And the feeling when that breeze catches your sails and you are just skimming across the waves is actually a feeling I don’t think you will forget quickly!
4. Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Exploring Calm Waters
If sailing seems a bit much, try kayaking or paddleboarding, arguably! The coastline and the island’s calm harbors and ponds are perfect for paddling, alright. For the truly brave, try to visit the famous Polpis Harbor! Here, you can watch herons and egrets fish in the shallows, clearly. Nantucket Community Sailing and Sea Dog Rentals will give you every equipment item that is needed, and a quick rundown about the greatest routes. Want some truly different vibes?
Glide through the creeks that border the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, instead. You can reach areas where even sailboats usually don’t go. It’s only possible via those little channels! I highly recommend bringing binoculars and a camera because these marshy parts seriously have great views of wildlife, usually. However, the very best bit? Both paddleboarding and kayaking are typically pretty inexpensive, and that will leave you more room for money to use for ice cream, as I was saying. And it really is an activity people of almost every ability level can partake in, in other words!
5. Hiking and Nature Walks: Discovering the Island’s Interior
Did you know that it’s also possible to do awesome hikes and nature walks on Nantucket, in some respects? Check out the Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture. It’s nearly breathtaking, that open grassland runs right to the ocean! If that doesn’t persuade you, then just visit the Maria Mitchell Association. They frequently do tour-led walks that touch on anything from birds of the island to plants. In that case, just go!
Walk around the Hidden Forest Preserve, too. I mean, I’d advise it. Its name suits the preserve. It is just hidden right in the center of the island. It will offer an awesome look at a really shady maritime forest, almost! One extra tip: Don’t go there wearing sandals, even if it sounds like a hike with barely any problems! Make sure that there are some hiking boots in your suitcase, and that can come in handy if you ever decide that you would like to discover even more Nantucket, like you would your Nantucket Home!