Hostelling International Nantucket

Around Nantucket

Things To Do on the Island

Nantucket Island is one of the most unique, historic and visually stunning places in the world. Originally a booming whaling port, Nantucket has been named a National Historic District and has changed little architecturally since the 17th century, as seaside cottages and old-fashioned lamps still line its streets. Visit the harbor front, where the great whaling ships set out on their hazardous journeys to return years later - if at all.

Inland on this idyllic "elbow of sand," the wild moors open to the endless sky. Nearly 40 percent of Nantucket is protected conservation land. Several areas and habitats, natural groups of plants and animals, are rare to this region and even the world. Discover the island by bike, where the springtime blossom of daffodils and forsythia give way to summer's lush flowering of roses and hydrangea and, perhaps best of all, the rich tawny hues of autumn.

Walk the wide sandy beaches, as beautiful as any in the world. Swim in the still, sparkling waters of Nantucket Sound to the north, or brave the mighty Atlantic along the island's south shore. Let the pounding surf and clean, salty air restore you. Try your hand at surfcasting for stripers and bluefish or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing. Catch a breeze on a sailboat or a windsurfer. Take in the boutique shops and explore the art galleries and museums.

Celebrate Nantucket's cultural offerings year-round with theatrical performances, music, art, film and literature. Sign on for a guided tour of the island or pick up a picnic lunch and rent a bike, a good way of discovering Nantucket for yourself.


Hit The Beaches!!!

There are many beaches around the island. Some of our favorites are the following:

Surfside Beach: Located across the street from the Hostel. Good beach for families: picnics, kite flying, beach games and surfcasting. Surf can be heavy.

Jetties Beach: Easy bike ride from town. Shuttle service is available . Great for families: changing rooms, playground, public tennis courts, volleyball nets, showers and a boardwalk to the beach. Windsurfing, sailboat and kayak lessons and rentals available.

Children's Beach: On the harbor, an easy walk from town. Ideal for small children: parks, playground, picnic tables and bandstand.

Click here for info on more beaches.

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Tours

Ara's Tours - Great narrative vehicle tours of the island - will stop for photos. With groups of 8 or more, $1 off per person discount if hostellers book the tour before 9am. When booking a trip, hostellers should mention they are staying at the hostel. 6 Fair St., PO Box 734, 508-221-6852.  Website:  www.arastours.com/ 

Cisco Brewers - 30% off brewery tour and 10% off beer. Hostellers must call to make an appointment for the tour. Hostellers just have to tell Cisco Brewers they are staying at the hostel. 5 Bartlett Farm Rd., PO Box 2928, 508-325-5929, 800-324-5550. Website: www.ciscobrewers.com

Nantucket Preservation Trust - Learn about 300 years of Nantucket's extraordinary architecture with the Nantucket Preservation Trust staff and Guest Lecturers. Location: Coffin School, 4 Winter Street. Cost: $10 per person.

Getting Around:

Getting around Nantucket is easy! The Hostel is located at the last stop of the Surfside Route on the Shuttle. Different loops or routes are either $1 or $2. The Surfside and other beach routes operate June 23- September 1, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. All other routes operate May 23nd – October 5th.

Or Rent a Bike from Easy Riders. A 10% discount on all rental bicycles will be given to hostellers and they will pick up/drop off bikes where you'd like (hostel or dock). Hostellers just have to tell Easy Riders they are staying at the hostel. 508-325-2722 - Website: www.easyridersbikerentals.com/

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Museums & Historic Sites

African Meeting House
fbsprigg@nantucket.net    508-228-9833    23 York Street

Maria Mitchell Association
lkorpita@mmo.org    508-228-9198    4 Vestal Street

The Nantucket Atheneum
508-228-1110    1 India Street

Nantucket Historical Association
nhainfo@nha.org    508-228-1894    15 Broad Street

Nantucket Life Saving Museum
mo72506@nantucket.net    508-228-1885    158 Polpis Road

Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum
508-228-1177    49 Union Street

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Events

Nantucket Film Festival  June 19-22, 2008
Come to the 13th annual Nantucket Film festival to see independent, studio-produced, foreign, documentary and short films in every genre, including world and U.S. Premieres. www.nantucketfilmfestival.org

Circus on the Island  July 25-27, 2008
A circus performance by Circus Flora, a one-ring European-style circus held at Tom Nevers Field. For more information visit www.nantucketatheneum.org/circus/index.html

Visit here for more events.

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 Be sure to check out our Discounts page.

Links

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