Things Locals Do on Nantucket That Visitors Rarely Discover

Nantucket is best known for its beaches, historic charm, and classic summer ambience. But beyond the most popular spots, there is a quieter side of the island that locals come to know and love.

These are lesser-known places, experiences and everyday moments that define Nantucket life. If you want to get to know the island the way locals do, here are a few things that can help you live like a local.

While visitors tend to plan beach days around midday, locals know that the best time to be by the water is early morning or just before sunset.

Morning beaches are calm and uncrowded, with soft light and peaceful conditions. Sunset beach walks are a favorite ritual among the locals. For the best beach sunsets, visit Madaket.

Again, locals tend to stay away from some of the more crowded beaches on the island like Surfside or Jetties. Instead, they prefer hidden gems like Smith’s Point in Madaket. One of our William Ravies Nantucket agents said her favorite beaches are on the west end of the island, like Eel Point and 40th Pole. These beaches offer exquisite sunsets and are a perfect spot for anglers.

Downtown Nantucket is charming and historic, but it can also feel pretty crowded during the busier summer months. That’s why locals recommend exploring quieter parts of the island.

Sconset still has shops and restaurants, but is a bit quieter and more laidback than the downtown Nantucket area. Locals love it for its charm and rose-covered cottages.

Neighborhoods like Polpis, Tom Nevers, Quidnet, and Madaket offer wide-open landscapes, quiet beaches, and a sense of nature that feels distinctly Nantucket. Exploring these areas gives a deeper appreciation for the island’s diversity and natural beauty.

Biking is not just recreation on Nantucket. It is transportation, therapy, and a daily habit.

Locals bike to the beach, to lunch, and through the moors simply to clear their heads. The island’s flat terrain and extensive bike paths make cycling one of the most authentic ways to experience Nantucket.

While some legendary Nantucket restaurants like Millie’s and Galley Beach are not to be missed, locals prefer some lesser-known gems like Island Kitchen, Brotherhood of Theives, 45Surfside or 167 Raw Seafood Market.

Visitors often see Nantucket only in summer, but locals know the island is just as special in the quieter months.

Fall brings warm ocean water and fewer crowds. Winter offers dramatic scenery and a strong sense of community. Spring feels fresh as the island comes back to life. One of the favorite traditions locals love is the Daffodil Festival, usually held the last weekend in April.

Whether you are visiting for a week, renting for the season, or considering ownership, understanding Nantucket through a local lens changes everything.

Working with experienced local professionals helps you uncover neighborhoods, rhythms, and opportunities you may not otherwise find. It is often the difference between simply visiting Nantucket and truly feeling at home here.

If you’re thinking about buying on the island, see our guide on buying versus renting or the top things you need to know before buying.