Ashley KaiNantucket has established itself as one of the leading summer vacation destinations and a top east coast hotspot for the rich and the famous.
But, thanks to its small New England town-at-sea charm, extensive conservation lands and areas, hundreds of historical sites to see, and endless outdoor activities to participate in, it is also a suitable spot for a family vacation, even if you are not billionaires.
The island, which is 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, MA, is, in fact, one of the best places to go for a memorable and fun family retreat.
Here are five of the top reasons which may help you decide whether to book your next holiday with the kids on the island of Nantucket.
Amazing houses for your stay
With hundreds of A-listers, celebrities, and other famous people choosing Nantucket for their vacation, it comes as no surprise that there are some high-end luxurious hotels with all of the amenities as the best 5-star hotels in the world there.
The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to book hotel rooms for you and the kids for your stay on the island. Instead, you can choose and book one of the many beautiful local houses and other accommodations available on Nantucket for short-term rent.
This will save you money and make it easier to prepare snacks and meals at home, feel more comfortable, and keep your kids entertained with the different amenities included in the booking fees for these beautiful homes in Nantucket.
Wide variety of beaches and water activities
The island’s pristine coastline includes 82 miles of the most beautiful beaches in the country and possibly in the world.
There are over 25 beaches spread on all coasts of Nantucket. Some are more popular, and others are more remote and tranquil. Some beaches are perfect for families with young kids, such as the north shore Children’s, Jetties, and Dionis’s Beaches.
Others are more suitable for youngsters and surfers, like Nobadeer, Surfside, and Cisco.
Madaket is the beach to go to watch the most amazing sunsets on the island.
Steps Beach is among the top-Instagrammed beaches. And Siasconset is perfect for morning walks and visiting the nearby postcard-like village of Siasconset and the Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
There are two surf schools on the north beaches of Nantucket, where you can sign your kids up for surf camp or private or group courses. There are also rentals for kayaks, boogie boards, SUP, and many more watersports.
Plus, your children will most likely love going on one of the picturesque and fun harbor or island sailing cruises, such as the ice cream or critters cruise.
Many outdoor activities to enjoy
Apart from the many wide, sandy, and free beaches, Nantucket has extensive protected areas, wildlife reserves, and sanctuaries with walking trails to explore. You can go bird watching or seal spotting with the children and enjoy picnics and games in the untainted nature of Nantucket.
You can go on an exciting and scenic beach drive to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge or stroll through the picturesque Tupancy Links, Miacomet, Sanford Farm, and other easy and short trails all areas of the island.
Nantucket is small and has extensive and safe bike lanes, so you and your family can easily get around by cycling too.
There are bike rentals, and many of the rental residences include complimentary bicycles for their guests as well.
Nantucket also has many playgrounds, gardens, and organized events for children of all ages throughout the summer season. There is even an ice skating rink, where the little ones and you can chill down after a day at the beach.
Picturesque spots on every corner
Another excellent reason to go on a family retreat to Nantucket is to create and document lifelong memories together.
It is one of the most Instagram-worthy towns, counties, and islands in the USA.
You should be prepared for photo-ops at any given moment when you are in Nantucket.
Whether you choose to take fun beach photos, impressive historical ones, or photograph the stunning ocean views, the untouched flora, and fauna, the lighthouses or the 46-foot long skeleton of a sperm whale in the Whaling Museum, or the cottages with roses crawling up to the roofs, Nantucket has it all.
Some of the top-rated picturesque sites to visit include the Sconset Bluff Walk, Main Street in the historic Downtown, the Brant Point Lighthouse, Steps Beach, and the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.
It is easy to find and enjoy quality food
Although Nantucket does not have any famous fast food eateries that kids on the mainland usually enjoy, it still has some fantastic family-friendly restaurants, diners, snack shops, ice cream bars, and food trucks where you and the children can eat delicious snacks and meals.
Of course, the food to go for in Nantucket is the fresh local seafood, such as the famous lobster rolls, crab cakes, scallop soup, fried clams, raw oysters, and more.
But there are enough restaurants where you can get your kids snacks and meals which they are used to, such as tacos, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and others.
Some of the best kid-friendly eateries in Nantucket include Millie’s, Bartlett’s Farm, b-ACK Yard BBQ, Breeze restaurant, Island Kitchen, Downyflake, Black Eyed Suzan, Surfside, Cisco Brewers, Something natural, and the Juice Bar Homemade Ice Cream.
Or you can shop for the freshest local produce from the local farmer’s markets and fish stores and prepare your favourite dishes in your rented house.
Ashley Kai
