Brant Point is one of the most sought-after areas on Nantucket to spend a summer vacation. Much of this gorgeous corner of Town is on the water or a very short walk to it. Brant Point is situated on Nantucket Harbor, an ideal location to watch the ferry boats and sailing yachts pass by. The quiet and flat streets of Brant Point are perfect for leisurely bike rides or a walk with the kids, before or after a day at the beach. White picket fences, lush green hedges, and vibrant flower gardens provide the backdrop where you will experience soft ocean breezes and unparalleled harbor views.

Attractions 

Brant Point Lighthouse, the second lighthouse established in all of colonial America, sits at the entrance to the harbor and provides a lovely spot for picnicking, fishing, or lounging in the sun. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets can also be viewed from the lighthouse. The center of Town is a short walk, home to world class shopping, museums, entertainment, nightlife, and many fabulous restaurants. On a rainy day, stop by the Whaling Museum to catch a glimpse of the island&#39;s rich maritime history, or pop into the Dreamland for a movie or concert.

Beaches

Children&#39;s Beach is a small beach behind the White Elephant Hotel. A perfect spot for small children as it has a park, playground and a snack bar. Just to the west are the calm waters of Jetties Beach. This family beach has changing rooms, bathrooms, beach chair rentals and their Sandbar restaurant that offers a beachfront casual dining experience.

Restaurants 

In addition to the Sandbar, other restaurants within the neighborhood are the upscale Galley Beach (known for watching the sunset at their beach lounge), Brant Point Grill (located in the White Elephant Hotel), Breeze (located in the Nantucket Hotel) and the uber swanky and chic Lola 41, known for their creative sushi menu and truffle fries.

Brant Point

Brant Point | Nantucket Rentals

Cisco is a favorite area of the island due to its relaxed pace and proximity to great beaches. Located on the southwest part of the island, Cisco has it all &ndash; rolling hills and pastures, ponds, farmland, and the beach. If you&#39;re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Town and Mid-Island, Cisco is the place for you. And did we mention the breathtaking sunsets?

&nbsp;

Beaches, Ponds &amp; Walking Trails

Cisco Beach, the Bluff, and Ladies Beach are all popular spots for surfers and sun-worshippers. Nantucket Island Surf School teaches surfing at Cisco Beach during the busy summer months. Right near the beach, you will find Hummock Pond and Clark&#39;s Cove &ndash; two great ponds for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or strolling the shores. Adjacent to the ponds is Ram&#39;s Pasture, a huge swath of land, once used for grazing sheep and cows, farming, and harvesting wood. Originally set aside as &quot;common land&quot; by Nantucket&#39;s original shareholders in the 1600s, it is now owned by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and offers views of the ocean and hiking trails, especially fun to walk with a dog.

Golf

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the newly renovated Miacomet Golf Club is the Island&#39;s only public 18 hole course. The link style course is owned by the Nantucket Land Bank and is expertly maintained. Their casual indoor/outdoor restaurant is always a popular hangout spot, whether or not you actually play golf.

Attractions

It&#39;s no secret that one of the funnest ways to spend a summer afternoon on Nantucket is a visit to the world-famous Cisco Brewers &ndash; Triple Eight Distillery &ndash; Nantucket Vineyard. Getting there and back from Town, just hop on the free shuttle bus (every half hour) from the Visitor&#39;s Center on Federal Street. While you&#39;re there, enjoy a pint of their craft beer, a creative signature cocktail garnished with herbs from their garden, or a glass of wine, all the while enjoying live music in a sunshine-filled courtyard. This is a great place for the whole family, both kid and dog friendly. They offer tours and tastings, and there are food trucks and a raw bar in the summer. Better yet, bring your own food from their next door neighbor, Bartlett&#39;s Ocean View Farm, the largest and oldest farm on the island where you can find a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, grocery items, and sundries. The farm also has a full kitchen where they make prepared foods to go. Aside from their delicious food, Dharma Yoga has its yoga studio in the loft above the market.&nbsp;

Cisco

The area north of downtown and west of Brant Point is known as the Cliff. Like its neighboring areas, the Cliff is highly sought-after for both home buyers and vacation renters. Beautiful white sandy beaches and views of Nantucket Sound and Nantucket Harbor really make this a stand out location. Primarily residential with a peaceful vibe, the set back roads give way to stately homes, many with excellent water views. The Westmoor Club is also in this area, a full-service private country club with activities for the whole family.

Beaches

Here you will find the beloved Steps Beach. Aptly named for the steep steps, you will be treated to a beautiful ocean vista high above which then leads down to soft white sand dunes below. Perfect for children and beachcombers, the water is warm and shallow and often the ebbing tide gives way to a sandbar. Steps Beach is flanked by Jetties Beach and Cliffside Beach to the east and Capaum Beach and Washing Pond Beach to the west.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Walking &amp; Biking

For a picturesque hike for you and your dog, Tupancy Links is located about a mile up the Cliff Road from Town. Walk on wide open trails that lead to a spectacular view of the north shore. There is no beach access here. There is also a bike path that runs along the Cliff Road and connects at the top with the Madaket Road bike path leading to the western part of the island.

Restaurants

There are a couple great choices for food in the area, if a break from dining in Town is desired. Nestled on the sand, the Galley Beach is regarded as one of the best dining experiences not only on the island, but on the East Coast. Their menu stuns with the freshest seafood, produce from local farms, and a sumptuous cocktail and wine list. Take in the sunset outside in their beach lounge as you listen to songs of shore birds and the gentle lap of waves on the sand. For something a bit more casual, Something Natural is an island favorite for a casual lunch. Grab sandwiches and delicious cookies to bring to the beach or sit and enjoy them at a picnic table in their huge hydrangea-lined yard. It&#39;s a perfect spot for the kids to run around, climb trees, or captain their yard boat! And make sure to save room in your bag for a few loaves of their famous bread varieties.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Cliff

Dionis is situated on the north shore of the island, to the west of town and is a great option for those looking to get away from the busier areas such as Town and Mid-Island. If relaxing all day at the beach is your thing, Dionis would be the ideal location. Many of the rental homes in this area are large with expansive yards great for family fun, cookouts, and stargazing. Renting or owning a home in Dionis means peace, quiet, and beautiful sunsets. On a clear day, you can even see Cape Cod and Martha&#39;s Vineyard.

Beaches

Along Eel Point Road, as you head west through Dionis, there are a few beach access roads that give way to beautiful white sand beaches. Dionis Beach has a small parking lot with restroom facilities and vending machines. A short, shell-lined path, leads to a lifeguarded area which makes this a more safe beach for swimming. The water here is warm and shallow and like other north shore beaches, often sees a sandbar with the ebbing tide. For a special day at the beach, head over to the beach called 40th Pole. With an Over Sand Permit, four-wheel drive vehicles can drive up a soft, sandy road through a break in the dunes and emerge onto a wide beach. The best way to enjoy this beach is to arrive mid-morning and set up camp with chairs, umbrellas, blankets, and beach games. Break out the cooler and grill and cook up lunch while enjoying an ice cold beverage. Also, it&#39;s a nice spot to take a few early evening casts for bluefish or bass.

Attractions

Along Eel Point Road is the Linda Loring Nature Foundation, which owns over 80 acres of land adjacent to the head of Long Pond. Walking the mile-long hiking trail, you can observe numerous plant and animal species, some of which are endangered. Family and children&#39;s workshops are offered in the summertime.

&nbsp;

Dionis

Dionis | Nantucket Rentals

The edge of Town draws an arc that starts from Prospect Street by the Old Mill and sweeps west and north, ending right behind Cliff Road. The area has quickly built up since 2010, and is defined by accessible luxury. Sitting just outside the Old Historic District, the Edge of Town offers some of the closest homes to Town with pools, as well as many newly constructed residences with modern amenities.

Edge of Town

Surrounded by nature-rich conservation land, Fisher&#39;s Landing is a tranquil and peaceful area of Nantucket. Located off Madaket Road, but about three miles from Madaket, you&#39;ll find less people and less traffic than many other parts of the island, making it a great place for a private vacation rental. Find yourself walking on beaches where you might be completely along with your relaxation.

Fishers Landing

This up and coming area of the island is a short distance from Town and also the gateway to Cisco. Interest in the area is evident by new houses springing up along the beginning of Hummock Pond Road. The bike path makes it easy for residents of the area to have convenient access to both Town and the Cisco beaches.&nbsp;

Beaches, Ponds &amp; Hiking Trails

This area is close proximity to Cisco Beach, a popular spot for surfers and sun-worshippers. In the summer, Nantucket Island Surf School teaches surfing at Cisco. Right near the beach, you will find Hummock Pond and Clark&#39;s Cove &ndash; two great ponds for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or strolling the shores. Adjacent to the ponds is Ram&#39;s Pasture, a huge swath of land, once used for grazing sheep and cows, farming, and harvesting wood. Originally set aside as &quot;common land&quot; by Nantucket&#39;s original shareholders in the 1600s, it is now owned by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and offers views of the ocean and hiking trails, especially fun to walk with a dog.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Golf

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the newly renovated Miacomet Golf Club is the Island&#39;s only public 18 hole course. The link style course is owned by the Nantucket Land Bank and is expertly maintained. Their casual indoor/outdoor restaurant is always a popular hangout spot, whether or not you actually play golf.

Attractions &amp; Food

It&#39;s no secret that one of the funnest ways to spend a summer afternoon on Nantucket is a visit to the world-famous Cisco Brewers &ndash; Triple Eight Distillery &ndash; Nantucket Vineyard. Getting there and back from Town, just hop on the free shuttle bus (every half hour) from the Visitor&#39;s Center on Federal Street. While you&#39;re there, enjoy a pint of their craft beer, a creative signature cocktail garnished with herbs from their garden, or a glass of wine, all the while enjoying live music in a sunshine-filled courtyard. This is a great place for the whole family, both kid and dog friendly. They offer tours and tastings, and there are food trucks and a raw bar in the summer. Better yet, bring your own food from their next door neighbor, Bartlett&#39;s Ocean View Farm, the largest and oldest farm on the island where you can find a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, grocery items, and sundries. The farm also has a full kitchen where they make prepared foods to go. Aside from their delicious food, Dharma Yoga has its yoga studio in the loft above the market.

 
 
&nbsp;

Hummock Pond

Located at the westernmost part of Nantucket, Madaket is a quiet village with a laid-back vibe. The area is almost all residential, with only one restaurant, a small general store, and a marina. This area of the island evokes thoughts of how Nantucket was decades ago. One of the most famous islanders, Mildred Jewett, took residence in Madaket, hence the moniker Madaket Millie. Millie was a colorful character and volunteer Coast Guardsman for over 75 years. For more than a few of these decades, Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers&#39; Neighborhood was her neighbor.

Beaches

Madaket Beach is well known as the best place on the island to see the sunset. About 6 miles from Town, getting there is easy by bike, the Wave (our local shuttle bus) or bring your car and park in the small beach lot. Get there early since it&#39;s a super popular beach all day long. Nearby Smith Point allows driving on the beach with an Over Sand Permit and a four-wheel drive vehicle.&nbsp;

Restaurant and Market

Another great spot to catch the sunset is from the deck of Madaket&#39;s only restaurant, Millie&#39;s. Enjoy delicious Baja-style tacos, quesadillas, salads, and po&#39; boys. Take in the fresh ocean air as you sit, sip, and enjoy their signature Madaket Mystery and Madaket Mule cocktails. Next to the restaurant is Millie&#39;s Market where you can find all the necessities for a day at the beach. Especially enjoyable for the kids is to grab an ice cream from the market, while the adults can enjoy some beer and wine.

&nbsp;

Activities

A few other favorite activities in the Madaket area are fishing, crabbing, boating, and navigating the curvy bike path that leads to and from Town. Exploring the sandy mores and walking trails are great ways to get some exercise and make sure to keep a lookout for large turtles by the bridge on S. Cambridge Road, heading over Long Pond.

&nbsp;

Madaket

Madequecham is one of the more remote areas of Nantucket, and consists of just a few roads surrounded by conservation land and the ocean. The airport lies to the west and Tom Nevers to the east. Look no further for an unspoiled and remote beach off the beaten path. As is common on the south shore, the waves can be great for surfing and at low tide, waist-high waters can be the perfect place for passing a football with friends and family. Homes in Madequecham are spacious both inside and out, many with views of both the sunrise and sunset. Enjoy summer cookouts and time spent with large families, wedding parties, or weekend getaways with a group.

Madequecham

Madequecham | Nantucket Rentals

Miacomet is an easily accessible area on the south side of Nantucket with a golf course, pond, and beautiful beaches. Neighboring Cisco, Miacomet is also close to social hotspot Cisco Brewers and family-owned Bartlett&#39;s Farm. Residents and vacationers in homes in Miacomet enjoy ocean, pond, and farm views, as well as fabulous sunsets.

Beaches &amp; Ponds

Miacomet Pond is a great spot for kayaking and canoeing, but the best swimming can be found in the big waves at Miacomet Beach. Ample parking and a large area in the dunes between the pond and the ocean make for a great picnic or cookout area. There are lifeguards but no bathrooms or food facilities. Ladies Beach another option where you can drive onto the beach with an Over Sand Permit and four-wheel drive vehicle.

Golf

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the newly renovated Miacomet Golf Club is the Island&#39;s only public 18 hole course. The link style course is owned by the Nantucket Land Bank and is expertly maintained. Their casual indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar is always a popular hangout spot, whether or not you actually play golf.

&nbsp;

Miacomet

The Mid-Island area is a term that loosely describes the area between downtown, Surfside, and the airport. This area is best known for its conveniences, including schools, the largest grocery store on the island, health clubs, and restaurants. The new Nantucket Cottage Hospital is also located here. Mid-Island is accessible to most areas on the island by car, bike, or the Wave (our public transit bus). Whether it&#39;s fun family activities you&#39;re looking for, or a great social scene, Mid-Island is the ideal spot. Its proximity to Town and many beaches make it a no-stress choice for a vacation rental home which are moderately priced.

Pool &amp; Ice Rink

In the heart of Mid-Island, along Surfside Road as you leave Town, lie the Nantucket Public Schools. In summertime, they offer day camps and activities for the kids, including swimming lessons in the high school&#39;s Olympic-sized pool. Adult and elder programs are available as well. In between the high school, middle school, and elementary school there are playgrounds, basketball courts, and athletic fields that are bustling with activity from soccer camps, adult recreational leagues, and neighborhood pickup games. Behind the elementary school sits Nantucket Ice, a state-of-the-art ice rink with programs and hockey leagues for youth and adults (and also some really great Thai food at the concession stand).

Restaurants

Mid-Island has a high concentration of restaurants, much like the downtown area. Dine at the Sea Grille for fresh seafood and award-winning chowder, or Island Kitchen for the perfect re-energizing Sunday brunch after a night out. Don&#39;t miss Pi Pizzeria for thin crust Neapolitan pizza and fresh takes on Italian dinner favorites. Hit Lola Burger for craft burgers, shakes, and people watching at the rotary on your bike ride to or from Sconset. There are numerous other restaurants, bakeries, and sandwich shops in this hopping area.

Nightlife

The Mid-Island area is home to the best party spot on the island &ndash; the mecca of monkey business, the headquarters of hijinks, the scene of shenanigans, the capital of cavorting &ndash; the internationally infamous Chicken Box. If you&#39;re looking for the quintessential way to let loose in true Nantucket fashion, look no further. It wouldn&#39;t be odd to find a gentleman in a tuxedo playing pool with a sandy, salty surfer dude. Women in bridesmaids&#39; dresses &ndash; heck, even the brides themselves &ndash; have been seen dancing on the stage as everyone else rocks out to great tunes on the dance floor. Anything goes at the Box, which is why revelers of all ages and walks of life flock to this island institution for free-flowing libations and great live music. Kitty Murtagh&#39;s, an Irish pub is also a fun night spot with pool tables. 

&nbsp;

Mid Island

Monomoy and Shimmo are located next to each other on Nantucket Harbor across from the downtown waterfront. These areas are known for their grand homes, many with views of the Harbor. Accessible from Milestone and Polpis Roads, this strictly residential area is quiet and relaxing, yet only a short drive to Town and Mid-Island conveniences.&nbsp;

Beach

Monomoy Beach is popular for walking, picnicking, and launching kayaks or paddle boards. A walk to the left leads to a salt marsh and creeks, which is a great place for spotting birds and aquatic wildlife. The most common birds seen in this area are ducks, geese, cormorants, oyster catchers, blue herons, egrets, and of course gulls. A paddle through the winding creeks will also reveal small fish and lots of crabs. Make sure to pay attention to the ebbing tide as you could strand your craft! A walk to the right will take you past two piers and up to Pimney&#39;s Point, where another salt marsh ever changes with the tide. In the winter, these waters are popular with scallopers and clam diggers.

&nbsp;

Monomoy

Located just south of Nantucket Town at the beginning of Surfside Road is the community of Nashaquisset. This private neighborhood has winding roadways and mature gardens with white picket fenced homes and brick sidewalks. This area represents classic Nantucket living. Whether you&#39;re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, your stay in Nashaquisset will be delightful.

Nashaquisset

Naushop is a lovely neighborhood situated between the Mid-Island rotary and the airport, complete with white picket fences, brick sidewalks, and meticulously landscaped yards. The neighborhood consists of a beautiful sweeping drive that circles back around to the main road, with a few quiet side streets branching off.

Amenities

There is a community pool, lounge, and tennis courts for use by any of the residents in the neighborhood. Aside from these neighborhood amenities, Naushop is a great place for families to rent or own due to the quiet streets, spacious houses, and close proximity of Mid-Island resources, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and schools. And of course like all other island neighborhoods, Naushop is not far from the beach, nature trails, and bike paths.

&nbsp;

Naushop

Pocomo is an area on the northeast part of Nantucket, located between Polpis and Wauwinet. It is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and where you will dirt and sandy roads, used mostly by islanders. Pocomo boasts many grand waterfront homes and is an idyllic island spot to enjoy a summer vacation. 
&nbsp;

Pocomo Beach &amp; Water Sports

Pocomo Beach is part of the inner bay and protected by Great Point and Coatue Wildlife Refuge. It is an ideal spot for swimming and for children since there are no waves and the water is calm and warm. In the busy season it is common to see commercial vessels, fishing boats, yachts, sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers, and paddleboards all passing each other in the harbor. Every once in a while, even a seaplane pays a visit. But in the waters off Pocomo Point, the most common sight is that of a kiteboarder catching air. Pocomo is a favorite spot for kiteboarders due to its outstanding flat water conditions and easy launch point.

&nbsp;

Pocomo

Polpis is a vast area that encompasses miles of land south of Nantucket Harbor. Most of the land is owned by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, creating lush surroundings for homeowners and renters to enjoy. Often the nearest neighbor is hundreds of yards away. Although just a few miles from Town, it feels a world away. The beautiful landscape of Polpis and the ample opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature make this area a really special part of the island. Attractions Winding its way through this beautiful landscape is the Polpis bike path, starting at the beginning of Polpis Road and running past Sankaty Head Lighthouse and Golf Club ending in Sconset. Many would agree that this bike path is the most beautiful of all the bike paths on the island. Polpis is also home to the Windswept Cranberry Bog, one of just a few organic bogs on the East Coast. This bog has walking trails and is a great spot to observe wildlife on Stump Pond or in the &quot;hidden forests.&quot; If you&#39;re really into exploring, you may even find an old beech tree with initials carved into its bark by visitors past. Also, along the way is the Egan Maritime Institute&#39;s Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum, a Nantucket landmark devoted to the preservation and honor of maritime history and lifesaving in the waters surrounding Nantucket. Polpis is also home to a small harbor branching off of the main harbor, and serves as a launch for small boats as well as for the Nantucket Community Sailing school.

Polpis

Shawkemo and Quaise are neighborhoods to the east of Monomoy and Shimmo on Nantucket Harbor. They are located off the Polpis Road and are often considered a part of the greater Polpis area. Shawkemo forms Abrams Creek and Abrams Point to the north and offers a calm, sandy beach on the harbor, as does neighboring Quaise and Fulling Mill Creek. Quaise ends with Polpis Harbor to the east. Houses in these neighborhoods are much like other waterfront homes, boasting large yards and beautiful harbor views.

Attractions

Quaise is known for its water activities such as clam digging, scalloping, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. The water is calm and great for families to enjoy quiet time together. A rainy day in Quaise is well spent at the Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum learning about the maritime history of Nantucket.

Quaise

Quidnet is a small neighborhood just past Polpis and south of Squam. Quidnet abuts both Squam Farm, which has an excellent hiking trail, and the beautiful beaches on the eastern shore of Nantucket. Also in Quidnet lies Sesachacha Pond, the island&#39;s largest kettle pond and home to many types of fish and birds. Twice a year, the town opens Sesachacha Pond to the Atlantic Ocean in order to maintain healthy natural habitats for plants and animals residing there. Quidnet is a quiet paradise with grand summer homes, only rivaled by the stunning ocean beaches and Sankaty Lighthouse views. Attractions During the summer months, the north side of the pond and its neighboring beach are popular spots for families, as there is calm water on one side and more active water on the other. The town of Sconset is close by and a ride on the Polpis bike path is a breathtaking way to get there. Not to be missed are the sunrises from this part of the island.

Quidnet

Quidnet | Nantucket Rentals

&nbsp;

Siasconset, or simply &#39;Sconset, as locals call it, is the area on the eastern most end of the island. About a seven mile drive from Town, on Nantucket&#39;s only state road, Sconset is its own little world. In the summer, the village is blanketed with rose-covered cottages, lush green hedges, large hydrangeas and white shell driveways around every corner. Just when you think Nantucket Island can&#39;t get any better, head out to Sconset for a little slice of heaven out on the east end.

&nbsp;

Beaches

Just beyond the village is Sconset Beach, great for sunbathing, a picnic and the place where the sun rises first in the United States. Kids can walk across the street from the beach to enjoy the nearby Codfish Park playground.

&nbsp;

Attractions

The Sconset Bluff Walk is a popular walking path that is open to the public and winds through rosa rugosa, honeysuckle, and the backyards of ocean view mansions. A must to visit is the beloved Sankaty Head Lighthouse; the only original lighthouse still standing on the island. Completed in 1850, the lighthouse was 60 feet high with 10 more feet added in 1888 as a lantern deck. No longer needed as a working lighthouse, and in serious danger of falling into the sea, the Sconset Trust in 2007 took ownership of the property and moved the lighthouse to safer ground. The grounds are open daily and several times a year the public is welcomed to walk to the top.

&nbsp;

Golf &amp; Tennis

Sconset is also known as a haven for golfers. There are three golf courses &ndash; Nantucket Golf Club, Sankaty Head Golf Club, and Old Siasconset Golf Course, affectionately known as &quot;Skinner&#39;s.&quot; The first two are 18 holes and private, with the latter course being 9 holes and open to the public. This course is believed to be the oldest privately-owned golf course still being played. If tennis is more your flavor, the Sconset Casino maintains an excellent set of courts for the enjoyment of members.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Restaurants

The Chanticleer is the ultimate spot for a romantic dinner. Whether you dine al fresco in their beautiful gardens or in one of their elegant dining rooms, their French cuisine and wine list makes for a memorable evening. Ocean Avenue is where you will find the Summer House. Enjoy cocktails and lunch by the pool, or have dinner in the main restaurant while listening to classic tunes on the piano. The Sconset Caf&eacute; (cash only &amp; BYOB) and Claudette&#39;s Sandwich Shop are two other options in the heart of the Village, next to the rotary. Around the corner is the Sconset Market, a great place to grab a morning coffee and blueberry muffin, a sandwich for the beach, ice cream, or that gourmet dinner ingredient you forgot while you were downtown.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Sconset

Sconset | Nantucket Rentals

Monomoy and Shimmo are located next to each other on Nantucket Harbor across from the downtown waterfront. Accessible from Milestone and Polpis Roads, this strictly residential area is quiet and relaxing, yet only a short drive into Town and Mid-Island conveniences.&nbsp;

Beaches

Monomoy Beach is popular for walking, picnicking, and launching kayaks or paddle boards. A walk to the left leads to a salt marsh and creeks, which is a great place for spotting birds and aquatic wildlife. The most common birds seen in this area are ducks, geese, cormorants, oyster catchers, blue herons, egrets, and of course gulls. A paddle through the winding creeks will also reveal small fish and lots of crabs. Make sure to pay attention to the ebbing tide as you could strand your craft! A walk to the right will take you past two piers and up to Pimney&#39;s Point, where another salt marsh ever changes with the tide. In the winter, these waters are popular with scallopers and clam diggers.

&nbsp;

Shimmo

South of Town

Surfside is a favorite area of Nantucket for vacation renters because of its easily accessible beaches and its proximity to Town and Mid-Island conveniences. This family-friendly area offers a laid back summer vacation on the south shore beaches and a three mile bike path - the perfect distance for young children to ride. Many homes in Surfside enjoy water views and peaceful, woodsy surroundings. A rear access road from Surfside to Nantucket Memorial Airport is also convenient for those arriving by air. 
&nbsp;

Beaches

Just a few miles south of Town, this wide beach offers plenty of room for sunbathing and has a lifeguarded swimming area. There is also ample vehicle parking, bike racks, bus service, bathroom facilities, and the Surfside Beach Shack that sells food and rents beach chairs and umbrellas. This is the only beach on the south shore that boasts this many amenities. A few smaller beaches are located nearby. Fisherman&#39;s &amp; Stones Beach can be found between Surfside and Nobadeer beaches and are favored with locals, however, there are no amenities and they can have strong surf. Nobadeer Beach allows four-wheel drive vehicles to drive on the beach with an Over Sand Permit and it&#39;s a great spot to see airplanes flying overhead since it is close to the airport.

Restaurants

In addition to the Surfside Beach Shack, 45 Surfside Bakery and Cafe offers breakfast and lunch and can be found right along the bike path. They are especially known for their delicious pastries. Yummy is also located on the bike path and is a great place to stop for an ice cream to or from the beach.

&nbsp;

Surfside

Tom Nevers is a peaceful neighborhood situated south of Milestone Road between Madequecham and Sconset. It was named after a Native American whose name was shortened to Tom Never, thus the area was called Tom Never&#39;s Head, as he was hired by British settlers to man a whale lookout station in the mid 1700s. Fast forwarding to the 1950s, the United States Navy built a facility on an old World War II bombing range on the coastal area of Tom Nevers. It was also held as a bomb shelter for President John F. Kennedy in the event that a nuclear attack occurred while he was at home in Hyannisport. Currently the bunker is still intact and houses the Nantucket Hunting Association.

&nbsp;

Beaches &amp; Playing Fields

Tom Nevers Beach is a beautiful south shore beach and is a favorite spot to fish for striped bass and bluefish in the summertime. Note that there are no lifeguards and the surf can be rough at times. Looking to play outdoors with the family, head to the Tom Nevers Field which has a large park with softball fields and basketball hoops right along the ocean.

&nbsp;

Amenities

The community offers a private tennis court and neighborhood pool, making it a great option for families. Many homes are &quot;upside down&quot; in style and offer large yards and spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets from their decks. This residential area also offers many private roads for biking and walking.

&nbsp;

Tom Nevers

The Town of Nantucket or simply &quot;Town&quot; as many call it, is the epicenter of life on the island. Situated on the north side of the island around Nantucket Harbor, Town offers both natural beauty and historical charm. In the early 1800s, Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world. While the wharves and many structures in the commercial district were lost in the Great Fire of 1846, some still stand today and are thoughtfully preserved and accessible to the general public. Whether it is through tours of Nineteenth Century whaling captains&#39; homes, events at churches or the Athenaeum Library, or a visit to a museum, Town is steeped in history. Have you ever heard of Maria Mitchell, renowned astronomer and professor? How about Herman Melville&#39;s Moby Dick? Surely you&#39;ve read Nathaniel Philbrick&#39;s In the Heart of the Sea, or seen the Hollywood blockbuster of the same name. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin and Macy&#39;s Department Store both have roots to Nantucket as well.

&nbsp;

Restaurants, Shopping &amp; Galleries

Along with historical charm, downtown Nantucket today is chock full of restaurants, shops, and galleries. A true gastronome&#39;s paradise, Town offers all types of cuisine and levels of sophistication from A to Z. Whether you&#39;re looking for Classic French, New American, Global, or something casual for the kids, you&#39;re covered. In between meals, check out one of the many boutiques or art galleries as you stroll up and down narrow, beautifully landscaped cobblestoned streets. In the evening, there are many options for entertainment &ndash; whether it&#39;s live music in a relaxed environment, or singing and dancing the night away in a swanky, lively spot.

&nbsp;

Boating &amp; Fishing

There are many active pursuits in Town, as well. Being located on the harbor, there are kayak, sailboat, and stand-up paddle board rentals. Take a walk down to Straight Wharf and reserve a sport-fishing charter or spend a day on a boat catching bass, bluefish, bonito, and maybe even see a few dolphins, whales, or sharks! There is also a Critter Cruise available for the kids.

&nbsp;

Beaches &amp; Biking

The Brant Point and Cliff areas are next to Town and offer several options for sunbathing at one of the north shore beaches. Also most of the bike paths are accessible from Town, making the rest of the island just a bike ride away!

&nbsp;

Town

Town | Nantucket Rentals

Wauwinet is just about the furthest one can go on the island before all roads turn to sand. Located to the northeast of Polpis, Wauwinet is the gateway to Great Point, Coskata, and Coatue. A small gatehouse stands at the entrance to almost 1500 acres of wildlife refuge owned by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation (Coatue and the Haulover), the trustees of Reservations (Coatue and Coskata), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Great Point). This land contains miles of beaches, marshes, ponds, and wooded areas that provide habitats for many animals. Renting or owning a home in Wauwinet means serenity, beautiful beaches, easy access to the harbor, and breathtaking sunrises.

Attractions

At the far northern tip of the island sits Great Point Lighthouse, an aid to mariners both past and present, and home to great fishing, so long as the seals that congregate around the point don&#39;t catch your line! But in order to get there you will need an Over the Sand permit and a four wheel drive vehicle.

Wauwinet is also home to one of the country&#39;s most exclusive resorts &ndash; the aptly named Wauwinet Hotel. The hotel, along with its incredible restaurant Topper&#39;s, has received accolades from highly regarded sources such as Conde Nast Traveler, Zagat, and Wine Spectator year after year. Both hotel guests and folks from all around the island enjoy the superb cuisine here.

&nbsp;