Where to Stay on Nantucket | Hotels on the Beach

Though Nantucket lies just 30 miles from the coast and even closer to its ocean neighbor, Martha’s Vineyard, this Massachusetts island — once the whaling capital of the world — can feel like a world of its own. There’s one town, also called Nantucket, a picturesque cobblestoned community that’s been designated a National Historic District. (And no wonder: More than 800 buildings on the island date back to before the Civil War.) Nantucket’s year-round population of about 12,000 tops more than 55,000 in the summer, as visitors come to soak in the history, laid-back atmosphere, and, of course, sun and sand. Almost three-quarters of the 110-mile coastline are beaches, ranging from quiet coves to surfing hot spots, so visitors are never really that far from the water. However, some lodging options can put you just steps away from the action. And if that sounds like something you’d want for your visit, read on for some of our favorite Nantucket hotels on the beach.