Popularized in Herman Melville's Moby Dick, the former "whaling capital of the world" is now a posh summer playground where CEOs, celebrities, and affluent visitors tuck into the finest seafood meals and tee off at exclusive golf clubs. Nantucket vacation rentals give you a chance to experience this charming New England town, with its maritime heritage and stunning beaches. Must-dos include a trip to the fascinating Nantucket Whaling Museum, housed in a 19th-century whale oil candle factory, and pictorials against the backdrop of Brant Point Light, a picturesque 1746 lighthouse.
Nantucket native Maria Mitchell was the first female astronomer in the US, and you can visit her Quaker-style childhood home, Mitchell House, for a peek at early 19th-century life before going starwatching at Loines Observatory and Vestal Street Observatory. The locally-caught marine life showcased at the seaside Maria Mitchell Aquarium aren't going to be anyone's lunch—they're released back into the wild at the end of each season. You can also pop into the Nantucket Atheneum, a library built in the Greek Revival architectural style, for a lecture by the country's most distinguished speakers.
Water the chances of getting bored on this small island? Zilch, because there's plenty to do in and out of the water. The beaches, of course, are Nantucket's main draw, and those on the north side are calmer and shallower—Children's Beach and Jetties Beach are particularly great for families with kids. For surfing and boogie boarding, head to the beaches on the south side, such as Surfside, Madaket, and ‘Sconset. You can also go sailing, kayaking, or fishing, and if you want to take it easy, there's bird-, seal-, and whale-watching.
The weather in Nantucket is always influenced by the Atlantic ocean, and it's one of the few areas on the East Coast with an oceanic climate. Temperatures fall anywhere between 62 and 76 degrees in July and August. Winters are mild and wet, with the most rainy days from November to February. January and February are the coldest months, when temps range from 25 to 39 degrees. If you're ready to contend with the cold, you might score the best deals on Nantucket vacation rentals in the winter, and attractions typically remain open through Christmas and New Year.
Booking a Nantucket vacation rental means you'll be treated to beautiful coastal scenery and occasional sightings of local sea life, but you can also go further afield for even more nature trips. From Nantucket Harbor, you can take a cruise to nearby Muskeget Island. Its shores largely consist of sand dunes and marshes, and it's a breeding spot for gray seals. And if you thought Nantucket couldn't get any more photogenic, you should see it during daffodil season in late April, when the island is covered in millions of the bright yellow blooms.
The nearest airport is in Nantucket, MA (ACK-Nantucket Memorial), located 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Vineyard Haven, MA (MVY-Martha's Vineyard), which is 27.6 mi (44.5 km) away.
Nantucket is filled with unique historic sites to delight history buffs. Vacation homes are available near places like Sankaty Head Light, a historic lighthouse with a dramatic bluff that offers stunning scenic views, and the Jethro Coffin House, an old saltbox home with guided tours of the interior. You'll also like Egan Maritime’s Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, a museum with local shipwreck relics and historic documents.
Couples will love the abundance of romantic locations in Nantucket. Intimate vacation homes can be found near places like Sconset Bluff Walk, a footpath with scenic sea and heathland views, and the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, a museum dedicated to handcrafted baskets made by men stationed in lightships. Another great spot for couples is Tuckernuck Island, a tranquil, compact island with unique vegetation and wildlife.
Elegant condos, unique treehouses and rustic cottages — everyone's dream place to stay is different. Whatever you're into, you're sure to find something to tantalize you among our top vacation rentals in Nantucket:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Nantucket vacation rental for you.
For an unforgettable vacation experience, book one of Vrbo's tiny house rentals in Nantucket. A word of warning though — after you've lived the tiny house life, the urge to move into one of these miniature digs will be tough to resist!
Whether you want to spend your vacation adventuring outdoors or relaxing with your friends, we've got gorgeous log cabins where you can do both. Pack your suitcase and check out these top picks in and around Nantucket:
Clock off on Friday and then forget about your worries. If you're up for some relaxation and fun, these escapes in and near Nantucket promise an amazing weekend getaway:
Take in the culture and energy of Nantucket from the comfort of a studio apartment. Whether you'd love to get away on your own or have some fun with pals, you'll find the ideal studio apartment for rent in or near Nantucket:
There are many highlights around Nantucket to add to your agenda. Feed the culture buff in you with a visit to Institute of Contemporary Art and American Repertory Theater.
From time to time, you've just got to get away from it all, even if it's only for one or two days. Enjoy the ideal combination of exploring and relaxing at one of these short-term rentals in or around Nantucket:
Forget about roses and chocolates. Sometimes all you need is to take off for a weekend, just you and your sweetheart. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Nantucket that would make Cupid envious. Here are some we think you'll fall in love with:
You'll find some awesome mansions for rent in and near Nantucket. If you're searching for somewhere with plenty of room as well as a big dollop of wow factor, these architectural stunners will not disappoint:
Share your vacation and double the fun. Whether you're organizing an active getaway with pals or a big family gathering, there's no shortage of large group vacation rentals in and around Nantucket:
Of all the amenities a vacation rental can have, a pool is hands down the most fun. Check out these houses for rent with a pool in or near Nantucket and spend your time splashing about. Just remember to take your inflatable unicorn:
Nantucket has a humid subtropical climate, with average summertime temperatures ranging from 65 ºF to 70 ºF. But there's no need to wait until summer to visit. Take a look at the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the perfect Nantucket vacation rental and plan your escape for whenever you like.