Things to Do on Nantucket on a Rainy Day

While Nantucket is best known for its outdoor activities and beaches, there is also plenty of fun to be had on the island on a rainy day.

A little gloomy weather on Nantucket is an invitation to explore another side of the island. Visit a museum, settle into the library, lace up your ice skates, or linger over lunch. There’s plenty of island to enjoy while the beach towels take a break.  

With its plethora of museums and historical sites, rainy days on Nantucket can be educational as well. Visit the island's famed Whaling Museum to learn about Nantucket's maritime history. Whaling Museum exhibits include, 46-foot sperm whale skeleton and ship replicas and models.

The museum's in Town location makes it easy to pair your visit with lunch or a stop at nearby shops.

Location: 13 Broad Street

Plan your visit: Check the Nantucket Historical Association for current hours, admission, and exhibitions.

For another perspective on the island’s maritime history, head to the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum on Polpis Road. The waters around Nantucket were notoriously treacherous for sailors, and the island was known as the “graveyard of the Atlantic.” The Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum preserves the dramatic stories of shipwrecks and rescues that are part of the island’s maritime history. Discover the stories of shipwrecks around Nantucket and the lifesavers who came to the rescue.

Location: 158 Polpis Road

Plan your visit: The museum operates seasonally. Check Egan Maritime’s visitor information for opening dates and possible off-season tours before heading out.

Sometimes a rainy afternoon calls for a slower pace. The Nantucket Atheneum, the island’s free public library, offers a welcoming place to read and explore its collections.

Once the island's gathering place, the Nantucket Atheneum was founded in 1834 and has long been a center for learning and culture on the island. It was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1846 and became a hub of intellectual and abolitionist thought, including hosting Frederick Douglass for one of his first public speeches.

Families can also check the library calendar for children’s activities, while adults can look for talks and other programs scheduled during their stay. See the sidebar for more information on the Atheneum and events there.

Location: 1 India Street

Looking for an active indoor outing? Consider a visit to Nantucket Ice in the Mid-Island area. A public skating session can be a fun change of pace for families spending a rainy day away from the beach.

Bring an extra layer and confirm public skating times and skate rental availability before you go.

Location: 10 Backus Lane

If you don’t mind a few raindrops between stops, spend part of the day browsing the island’s specialty shops. Look for a vacation keepsake, explore local boutiques, or take your time choosing a gift to bring home.

Our guide to shopping on Nantucket is a helpful place to start planning your route.

Let the weather set a more relaxed pace for your day. Take a break over lunch, find a spot for coffee, or make a leisurely dinner the main event of your afternoon and evening.

Explore our Nantucket dining guide for ideas, and confirm seasonal hours and reservation availability directly with the restaurant.

For a day centered around Town, begin at the Whaling Museum, stop for lunch, and spend the afternoon at the Atheneum or browsing shops. Check opening hours first so you can arrange your stops around the day’s schedule.

Traveling with children? Consider a museum visit followed by public skating, if a session is available. Leaving room between activities makes it easier to adjust to the weather and everyone’s energy.