ALL AREAS
Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket Island is one of the most extraordinary places in America — a place where grey-shingled cottages meet open Atlantic coastline, where hydrangeas bloom along every lane in July, and where the phrase "see you next summer" is less a farewell than a certainty.
all nantucket areas
Nantucket Town
The Heart of the Island
Nantucket Town is the beating heart of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts — a UNESCO-recognized historic district where cobblestone streets, harbor views, and rose-draped storefronts create one of the most sought-after summer destinations on the East Coast. Whether you're searching for a Nantucket vacation rental within walking distance of the ferry, a waterfront property investment, or simply the most walkable neighborhood on the island, Nantucket Town delivers on every front.
Siasconset
The Village Time Forgot
Siasconset — known to generations of island families simply as 'Sconset — is one of the most distinctive and beloved neighborhoods on Nantucket Island, MA. Located seven miles east of Nantucket Town on the Atlantic bluff, this historic fishing village is defined by rose-covered cottages with names instead of numbers, winding lanes barely wide enough for a bicycle, and a pace of life that hasn't changed in a century.
Best for: Year-round residents, first-time island visitors, walkability lovers, dining & nightlife
Madaket
Wild, Windswept,
and Worth It
Madaket sits at the western tip of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, and is widely considered home to the best sunsets on Nantucket. Wide, uncrowded Atlantic beaches, dramatic coastal views, and a laid-back atmosphere make Madaket one of the island's most beloved destinations for beach-first travelers and those seeking a genuinely private Nantucket vacation rental away from the summer crowds.
Best for: Beach lovers, sunset seekers, nature enthusiasts, privacy-first renters
Surfside
Beach Town Energy,
Island Charm
Surfside is Nantucket Island's quintessential beach neighborhood — a south-facing stretch of Atlantic coastline that draws families, surfers, and active visitors to one of the island's most popular and accessible beaches. Located just 1.5 miles south of Nantucket Town, Surfside is connected to the town center by a dedicated bike path, making it one of the most bikeable and family-friendly neighborhoods on the island.
Best for: Young families, surfers, active renters, beach-first visitors
Mid-Island
Practical, Central, and Underrated
Mid-Island is Nantucket's most practical and centrally located neighborhood — and for families and repeat visitors who know the island well, that's exactly the point. Situated between Nantucket Town and the island's south shore beaches, Mid-Island puts everything within easy reach: Surfside Beach is minutes away, Nantucket Town is a short bike ride, and the Nantucket Memorial Airport is just around the corner — a genuine convenience for families arriving for a full summer season.
Best for: Value-conscious buyers, large groups, families with cars, repeat renters
Polpis
Moors, Marshes &
A Slower Pace
Polpis is Nantucket Island's most quietly extraordinary neighborhood — a rolling landscape of open moors, tidal marshes, cranberry bogs, and harbor views that defines the island's protected interior. Located along Polpis Road between Nantucket Town and Siasconset, this neighborhood sits adjacent to land protected by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, ensuring the surrounding countryside remains wild, open, and unspoiled for generations to come.
Best for: Nature lovers, cyclists, families wanting space, buyers seeking land and privacy
nantucket. Where summers are measured not in weeks, but in memories that last a lifetime.
The Best Beaches on Nantucket Island
Nantucket is surrounded by more than 80 miles of coastline, and no two beaches feel the same. Jetties Beach sits within easy walking distance of downtown Nantucket Town, making it the go-to for families who want a full beach day without the logistics, complete with a waterfront bar serving summer essentials all afternoon. Surfside Beach on the south shore faces the open Atlantic with wide rolling surf and a young, energetic crowd. Madaket Beach commands the western tip of the island with dramatic views and sunsets that are second to none anywhere on Nantucket. For something quieter, Steps Beach and Dionis offer calmer water and a more local feel. Pick a different beach each day, by the end of your stay, you'll have a favorite.