This Former Whaling Town Has Cobblestone Streets and Buildings from the 1700s, And Inspired the Novel “Moby-Dick”

A little island with big history, endless views, and a whole lot of heart.

The beautiful island of Nantucket sits near the Gulf Stream, which keeps summer warmth lasting into fall, while its old buildings tell stories from America’s whaling days. Here’s why Nantucket is one of the best towns you can visit in Massachusetts this year.

Former whaling capital of the world

From 1750 to 1850, Nantucket grew from a small island community into America’s richest whaling center and the world’s whaling capital. The island had more than 70 whaling ships that sailed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Nantucket’s sailors became experts at hunting sperm whales, and the island had 35 factories that turned whale oil into candles. You can now visit the Whaling Museum, which used to be one of those candle factories.

Inside, you’ll see an impressive 18-foot whale jawbone and one of the world’s best collections of whaling items. This rich sailing history even inspired Herman Melville to write “Moby-Dick,” making Nantucket famous in both history and literature.

Authentic cobblestone streets from the 1800s

The famous cobblestone roads in Nantucket’s historic downtown were first laid down in 1836, some of which used stones that ships once used for balance.

Two skilled workers, Antone Sylvia and Thomas McGrath, carefully placed each stone using traditional methods with sand. In 1919, people living on the island fought hard to keep these historic streets from being modernized, and lucky for us, they won.

Today, these cobblestones are a key part of Nantucket’s National Historic Landmark district. They match perfectly with the gray-shingled buildings and show visitors what the island looked like in its seafaring days.

National Historic Landmark status

Nantucket keeps its old colonial buildings in amazing condition. The island’s dedication to saving these buildings earned it National Historic Landmark status in 1966, with over half its land protected.

Strict rules maintain 257 First Period houses, including nine rare buildings from before 1725. You can visit famous spots like the Old Mill, America’s oldest working windmill, and the 17th-century Jethro Coffin House.

When whaling declined in the mid-1800s, it helped save these buildings from being modernized. The weathered shingle exteriors, special saltbox Georgian homes, and Greek Revival buildings create a living museum of American building styles.

82 miles of beautiful coastline, marshes, and more

Nantucket’s coastline stretches for 82 miles, allowing you to explore beaches along both the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound. You’ll find barrier beaches, rolling dunes, peaceful salt marshes, and hidden ponds.

Half of the island is protected land, which means these natural treasures will stay beautiful for future generations. The beaches provide homes for rare shorebirds, including least terns, American oystercatchers, and piping plovers.

Vibrant art scene with local artists

Beyond all the festivals, Nantucket’s creative spirit shines brightest in its art galleries. You can see everything from modern glass art at the Four India Gallery to traditional carved signs at Petty Folk Art and Carving.

You’ll find over 20 galleries in historic downtown buildings, showing art from local, national, and international artists. This love of art started in the 1920s when Florence Lang turned old wharf buildings into artist studios, creating the famous Nantucket Art Colony.

Today, you can find limited edition prints at Samuel Owen Gallery along with modern art shows. The Artists Association of Nantucket now supports almost 300 artists who show their work year-round at places like the Big Gallery.

Iconic lighthouses guiding ships safely ashore

Along Nantucket’s rugged coast, three historic lighthouses have helped countless ships find their way safely to shore for hundreds of years. Brant Point Light, built in 1746, welcomes you near downtown.

Many people throw a lucky penny into the water as they pass by boat, keeping an old tradition alive. Sankaty Head Light stands 70 feet tall on the eastern cliffs, while Great Point Light runs on solar power at the island’s northern tip.

Plenty of recreational options

Nantucket offers plenty of outdoor activities no matter what time of year you visit.

With 80 miles of public beaches, you can surf, swim, and collect shells at popular spots like Steps Beach. In summer, you can take boat tours to see humpback whales, dolphins, and basking sharks swimming in their natural home.

You’ll find thousands of acres of trails winding through different landscapes, including hardwood forests and cranberry bogs. If you love water sports, you can try kiteboarding in shallow water or test out eFoiling in quiet bays.

For bike riders, over 30 miles of paved paths offer scenic routes. Even in cooler months, you’ll find things to do, from collecting scallops in the fall to watching winter birds.

The freshest scallops this side of the US

After exploring the trails, you can taste one of Nantucket’s best offerings, its famous bay scallops, served fresh from the sea. Local restaurants whip up their own style, so make sure to try them during your visit.

From November through March, local fishermen carefully collect these scallops using traditional hand tools, keeping an old island tradition alive. You can try these delicious scallops raw, quickly cooked in a pan, or wrapped in bacon.