Nantucket vacation rentals

Culture and history near Nantucket vacation home rentals

Popularized in Herman Melville's Moby Dick, the former "whaling capital of the world" is now a posh summer playground where CEOs, celebrities, and affluent visitors tuck into the finest seafood meals and tee off at exclusive golf clubs. Nantucket vacation rentals give you a chance to experience this charming New England town, with its maritime heritage and stunning beaches. Must-dos include a trip to the fascinating Nantucket Whaling Museum, housed in a 19th-century whale oil candle factory, and pictorials against the backdrop of Brant Point Light, a picturesque 1746 lighthouse.

Tourist attractions near Nantucket vacation rentals

Nantucket native Maria Mitchell was the first female astronomer in the US, and you can visit her Quaker-style childhood home, Mitchell House, for a peek at early 19th-century life before going starwatching at Loines Observatory and Vestal Street Observatory. The locally-caught marine life showcased at the seaside Maria Mitchell Aquarium aren't going to be anyone's lunch—they're released back into the wild at the end of each season. You can also pop into the Nantucket Atheneum, a library built in the Greek Revival architectural style, for a lecture by the country's most distinguished speakers.

Activities near Nantucket vacation homes

Water the chances of getting bored on this small island? Zilch, because there's plenty to do in and out of the water. The beaches, of course, are Nantucket's main draw, and those on the north side are calmer and shallower—Children's Beach and Jetties Beach are particularly great for families with kids. For surfing and boogie boarding, head to the beaches on the south side, such as Surfside, Madaket, and ‘Sconset. You can also go sailing, kayaking, or fishing, and if you want to take it easy, there's bird-, seal-, and whale-watching.

Local weather for your stay in Nantucket vacation rentals

The weather in Nantucket is always influenced by the Atlantic ocean, and it's one of the few areas on the East Coast with an oceanic climate. Temperatures fall anywhere between 62 and 76 degrees in July and August. Winters are mild and wet, with the most rainy days from November to February. January and February are the coldest months, when temps range from 25 to 39 degrees. If you're ready to contend with the cold, you might score the best deals on Nantucket vacation rentals in the winter, and attractions typically remain open through Christmas and New Year.

Muskeget Island has our (gray) seal of approval

Booking a Nantucket vacation rental means you'll be treated to beautiful coastal scenery and occasional sightings of local sea life, but you can also go further afield for even more nature trips. From Nantucket Harbor, you can take a cruise to nearby Muskeget Island. Its shores largely consist of sand dunes and marshes, and it's a breeding spot for gray seals. And if you thought Nantucket couldn't get any more photogenic, you should see it during daffodil season in late April, when the island is covered in millions of the bright yellow blooms.

Transportation to and around Nantucket

The nearest airport is in Nantucket, MA (ACK-Nantucket Memorial), located 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard), which is 27.6 mi (44.5 km) away.

Family fun near Nantucket vacation rentals

Nantucket is filled with unique historic sites to delight history buffs. Vacation homes are available near places like Sankaty Head Light, a historic lighthouse with a dramatic bluff that offers stunning scenic views, and the Jethro Coffin House, an old saltbox home with guided tours of the interior. You'll also like Egan Maritime’s Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, a museum with local shipwreck relics and historic documents.

Couple's retreat near Nantucket vacation homes

Couples will love the abundance of romantic locations in Nantucket. Intimate vacation homes can be found near places like Sconset Bluff Walk, a footpath with scenic sea and heathland views, and the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, a museum dedicated to handcrafted baskets made by men stationed in lightships. Another great spot for couples is Tuckernuck Island, a tranquil, compact island with unique vegetation and wildlife.