Travel
A Weekend Guide to Nantucket's North Shore
8 min read
Where to swim, where to eat, where to slow down — a 48-hour itinerary for the part of the island most people skip.
Most visitors to Nantucket never make it past town and the south shore beaches, which is exactly why the north shore remains our favorite stretch of the island. A long weekend here, done properly, feels like stepping into a quieter, sandier version of the world.
Arrive on a Friday afternoon. Drop your bag at a shingled cottage in Dionis or el Point, pour a glass of something cold, and walk straight to the beach for the sunset. The north shore faces the sound, which means the water is calmer, the sand is softer underfoot, and the light at the end of the day has a particular pink quality you will not find on the ocean side.
Saturday is for slow mornings. Coffee on the porch, a bike ride down the Madaket path, a stop at Bartlett's Farm for tomatoes, corn, and a loaf of sourdough still warm from the oven. Pack a picnic and head to a quiet stretch of beach near the el Point trailhead. Spend the afternoon reading, swimming, and watching the oyster catchers work the tide line.
Saturday night calls for cocktails on the porch and a casual dinner at home. Grill bluefish over charcoal, serve it with a tomato salad and a bowl of corn, and finish with blueberry crisp and vanilla ice cream. Walk down to the beach with a flashlight to look for shooting stars before bed.
Sunday morning, drive out to Great Point at low tide if you have four-wheel drive. The lighthouse stands alone at the very tip of the island, surrounded by seals and seabirds. Bring binoculars, water, and absolutely no agenda.
Head back to town for a late lunch and a final swim before the ferry. The north shore rewards the kind of traveler who does less, lingers longer, and pays attention to the light. That is the whole point of coming here.
