Where is Nantucket Island, Nantucket, Massachusetts?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Nantucket Island is located in Massachusetts, USA.It lies between Cape Cod and the Atlantic Ocean, situated off the coast of southeastern Massachusetts, and is famous for its historic lighthouses, beaches, and charming island town.

Nantucket Island Location Map, Nantucket, Massachusetts

Top Attractions Inside Nantucket Island

  • Brant Point Lighthouse – Iconic lighthouse and one of the oldest in the U.S., offering scenic harbor views.
  • Whaling Museum – Exhibits detailing Nantucket’s rich whaling history and maritime heritage.
  • Old Mill – Historic 18th-century windmill, the oldest functioning mill in the United States.
  • Surfside Beach – Popular sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Sankaty Head Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse on the eastern end of the island with stunning coastal views.
  • Jetties Beach – Family-friendly beach with picnic areas, calm waters, and recreational facilities.
  • Great Point Lighthouse – Remote lighthouse offering scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Nantucket Island Facts

Official NameNantucket Island
LocationAtlantic Ocean, ~30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
Latitude & Longitude (approx. center)≈ 41.28° N, 70.10° W
Total Area≈ 47.8 square miles (≈ 124 km²) land area; total county (including surrounding waters) ~304 sq mi (land + water) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Island Dimensions~14 miles long, ~3.5 miles wide :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
County / AdministrationOperates as both a Town and a County — Nantucket County / Town of Nantucket :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Established / IncorporatedTown incorporated 1687, County formed 1695; island settlement started mid‑1600s :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Historic SignificanceOnce a major whaling port (18th–early 19th century); entire island designated as a large historic district — Nantucket Historic District, a National Historic Landmark District covering over 30,000 acres :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Population (Year-round)About 10,172 (2010 census) — permanent residents; population swells to ~50,000–60,000 in summer with tourists & seasonal residents :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Main Features / LandscapeSandy beaches, Atlantic coastline, dunes, harbor, historic town & colonial‑era buildings, preserved natural & conservation land (>50% preserved) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Cultural / Architectural HighlightsHistoric sea‑captain houses, cobblestone streets, lighthouses, colonial‑era buildings, museums & galleries, maritime heritage tied to whaling and sea trade :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Tourism & RecreationBeaches, boating, fishing, cycling & walking trails, historic‑district sightseeing, museums, art galleries, harbor & coastal activities, cultural events & festivals :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Access / TransportFerry service (fast & vehicle ferries) from Cape Cod (Hyannis) — about 1‑hour fast ferry or ~2h15m vehicle ferry; also reachable via air (Nantucket Memorial Airport) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Official / Visitor Information Websitehttps://www.nantucket‑ma.gov/ :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Distances from Nantucket Island to Nearby Landmarks

  • Nantucket Town – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Brant Point Lighthouse – 3 km (1.8 mi)
  • Jetties Beach – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Siasconset Village – 20 km (12.5 mi)
  • Madaket Beach – 15 km (9.5 mi)
  • Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge – 22 km (14 mi)
  • Surfside Beach – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Polpis Harbor – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Tom Nevers Field – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Great Point Lighthouse – 30 km (18.5 mi)
  • Whaling Museum – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Jetties Harbor – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Miacomet Golf Course – 9 km (5.5 mi)
  • Children’s Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge – 32 km (20 mi)
  • Miacomet Pond – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Chase Garden Creek – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Surfside Marina – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Smith’s Point – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Polpis Beach – 12 km (7.5 mi)