Perched off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is brimming with New England charm, from its historic town centre and cobblestone streets to pint-sized museums and breezy seafood restaurants. Over the decades Nantucket has emerged as a summer playground, with holidaymakers flocking to its beaches.

Things to do

Most visitors make a beeline for the Town of Nantucket, a charming district filled with high-end boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants and gabled churches. Stroll down to the waterfront and you'll find a handful of seafood restaurants serving up freshly shucked Nantucket oysters.

For a glimpse at Nantucket's seafaring past, head to the Whaling Museum. It's housed in an old candle factory and recounts the island's role as a 19th-century whaling post. The highlight is an enormous 14-metre-long sperm whale skeleton that dominates the main hall.

Built in 1746, the Brant Point Light offers sweeping views over Nantucket Harbor. Today the postcard-perfect lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From the Town of Nantucket, it's an easy 20-minute stroll.

Sun-drenched beaches are one of Nantucket's biggest drawcards, from the family-friendly Children's Beach to the picturesque Jetties Beach, which are both within walking distance of the town centre. Surfers flock to Cisco Beach, a stretch of sand that boasts Nantucket's best waves.

Getting around

Nantucket is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, while buses run during the summer. You can arrive on the island via car ferry from the Cape Cod mainland or Martha's Vineyard.