There's not a lot to see at Nantucket's western outpost, but this beach, at the end of its namesake bike path, is the island's ace place to watch sunsets. The strong currents and heavy surf make it less than ideal for swimming, but there's some attractive beach walking to be done.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.6 MILES
Oak Bluffs started out in the mid-19th century as a summer retreat by a revivalist church, whose members enjoyed a day at the beach as much as a gospel…
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5.46 MILES
One of the island's highlights, this evocative museum occupies an 1847 spermaceti (whale oil) candle factory and the excellent exhibits relive Nantucket's…
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29.99 MILES
Virtually unchanged since it appeared in the movie Jaws 40 years ago, Menemsha is a relaxing outpost to explore. Basin Rd borders a harbor of fishing…
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29.99 MILES
Nearly 50 historic sea captains' homes are lined up along MA 6A (the Old King's Hwy) in Yarmouth Port, on a 1.5-mile stretch known as the Captains' Mile…
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26.71 MILES
Hyannis has been the summer home of the Kennedy clan for generations. Back in the day, JFK spent the warmer months here – times that are beautifully…
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5.44 MILES
More than just the public library, this stately Greek Revival edifice is a sight in itself. The 2nd-floor Great Hall has hosted such notables as Ralph…
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5.94 MILES
Welcoming ferries into Nantucket Harbor, this lighthouse was established in 1746 and is still in operation. It's quite tiny (only 26ft), but impossibly…
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5.33 MILES
Everyone comes to this church, which traces its roots to the early 1700s, for the eagle-eye view from the top of the steeple. It's well worth the 94-step…
Nearby Nantucket attractions
2.85 MILES
You'll find some of the most consistently surfable waves at Cisco Beach, at the end of Hummock Pond Rd. The on-site Nantucket Island Surf School can…
5.01 MILES
To see where drunken sailors used to spend the night, visit the Old Gaol, the c 1806 jail that served Nantucket for 125 years. It was constructed using…
5.1 MILES
Built in 1686, the Jethro Coffin House is the town’s oldest building still on its original foundation. It’s in a traditional ‘salt box’ style, with south…
5.23 MILES
The Old Mill is America’s oldest working windmill (c 1746), as game young docents will demonstrate by grinding corn (weather conditions permitting). It's…
5.24 MILES
A walk through the Nantucket Historical Association’s Hadwen House, a Greek Revival home built in 1845 by a whaling merchant, provides testimony to just…
5.31 MILES
Jetties Beach, 1 mile northwest of town via N Beach St, is the best all-round beach close to town. It's well equipped with changing rooms, a skateboard…
7. First Congregational Church
5.33 MILES
Everyone comes to this church, which traces its roots to the early 1700s, for the eagle-eye view from the top of the steeple. It's well worth the 94-step…
8. Museum of African American History
5.39 MILES
The Nantucket campus of this museum stands as testimony to the influential African American community that thrived on the island in the 19th century. It…