The Ultimate Guide to Downtown Nantucket: Summer 2025
Discover the enchanting blend of luxury and charm in downtown Nantucket through our carefully curated summer guide. From the comfort of the Nobadeer Inn, immerse yourself in an island experience that masterfully combines sophisticated indulgences with authentic local character.
Start Your Day: Morning Essentials
Begin your day at Salt & Sage Bakery, where third-generation baker Marie Collins creates artisanal pastries infused with local herbs. Their lavender honey croissants and rosemary sea salt bagels have become legendary among islanders. Take your breakfast to the newly landscaped Lighthouse Square, where local artists showcase their work each morning.
Luxury Shopping Experience
Downtown’s merchant scene sparkles with unique boutiques. The Quartermaster’s Chest offers nautical antiques and custom-designed maritime jewelry, while Mermaid’s Purse features island-exclusive fashion from emerging designers. Don’t miss Bookkeeper’s Corner, a three-story haven of rare maritime literature and first editions, complete with a new rooftop reading garden.
Culinary Adventures
Fine Dining Destinations
This season introduces several exciting additions to Nantucket’s culinary landscape. The Saltbox Kitchen, helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Thomas Harper, presents an innovative tasting menu featuring hyperlocal ingredients.
Casual Dining Favorites
For a casual yet refined experience, try The Dune Shack’s famous lobster pot pies, or visit Maritime & Main for their signature seafood chowder served in sourdough bread bowls.
Transportation & Island Navigation
While the Nobadeer Inn sits 12,000 steps from downtown, we’ve partnered with Island Wheels to offer vintage-inspired electric bikes for guests. Their custom-designed cruisers feature wicker baskets perfect for shopping and picnic adventures. For a more traditional experience, try their restored 1960s bicycles, complete with brass bells and leather seats.
Evening Experiences
The Sunset Circuit Wine & Dine Tour
Experience our exclusive evening tour, beginning at Sailor’s Vineyard, Nantucket’s first underground wine cellar. The three-hour experience includes stops at hidden gem restaurants like The Captain’s Table, known for its secret speakeasy entrance, and The Whaler’s Daughter, where each dish tells a story from the island’s rich history.
Hidden Island Treasures
Venture down cobblestone lanes to discover The Secret Garden Tea Room, housed in a converted 1800s greenhouse. The newly opened Lighthouse Lens Gallery showcases local artists in a space featuring salvaged pieces from historic New England lighthouses.
Afternoon Indulgences
Reserve a spot at The Sandbar Social Club, a members-only beach lounge that opens to Nobadeer Inn guests. Their afternoon tea service includes house-made sea salt caramels and cranberry scones, alongside a selection of custom-blended teas.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The Starboard Theater’s summer program features local playwrights and musicians in an intimate setting. End your evening at The Night Watch, a sophisticated rooftop lounge offering craft cocktails inspired by Nantucket’s maritime legends. Try their signature “Moby’s Revenge,” a smoked whiskey concoction served in a vintage crystal decanter.
Cultural Experiences
Visit the newly opened Maritime Heritage Center, where interactive exhibits bring the island’s whaling history to life. The adjacent Sailor’s Workshop offers daily demonstrations of traditional rope-making and scrimshaw techniques.
Plan Your Perfect Nantucket Stay
Your perfect Nantucket experience awaits. The Nobadeer Inn’s dedicated concierge team can customize any of these experiences to create your ideal island adventure. From securing reservations at the most exclusive venues to arranging private tours, we’re here to make your stay extraordinary.