What’s On: Nantucket’s Greatest Hits this Summer

With its striking landscapes lined with beaches, lighthouses, and bike paths punctuated with vivid-blue hydrangeas, Nantucket is a coastal Pinterest board come to life, particularly in the lively spring and summer months. This season, the island’s storybook setting is matched by a calendar of can’t-miss moments—from the 150th anniversary of one of its most storied hotels to a headline-worthy traveling exhibition at the Whaling Museum and the 30th anniversary of the Nantucket Film Festival.

Here’s a preview of all that’s to come:

In June, visitors can look forward to the Nantucket Book Festival (June 11–14), where confirmed authors include Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James, Pulitzer Prize- winner Richard Russo, and PEN/Faulkner Award-winning novelist Ann Patchett. Then, from June 25-30, the Nantucket Film Festival will ring in its 30th anniversary with a buzzy lineup that includes an in-depth look at Diane von Furstenberg and her fashion empire, as well as an Elizabeth Taylor documentary featuring 70 hours of newly discovered interviews and unprecedented access to the legendary star’s personal archive.

Nantucket and its whaling days form the backbone of Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, Moby Dick, which celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2026. Bookish visitors interested in peeling back the island’s whaling history can opt for the Jared Coffin House’s “In the Wake of Moby Dick” package, which includes a three-night stay (guest rooms starting at $255) and a host of inclusions inspired by Nantucket’s literary legacy. Two complimentary tickets to the Whaling Museum will give guests a comprehensive view of the rise and fall of the whaling industry. It will also unlock a visit to the traveling exhibition “The Wider World & Scrimshaw” (on view through Nov. 1), which tells the story of carving traditions that emerged along whaling routes across Oceania, the Pacific, and the Arctic through more than 300 objects.

Back at the hotel, the concierge will arrange a custom walking itinerary to local landmarks including the grand 1846 home of whale-oil merchant William Hadwen and the Brant Point Lighthouse, which guided ships as they navigated around the crucial point of entry into the harbor. As a parting gift, guests will receive a keepsake copy of Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea, which recounts the true tale that inspired Melville’s famed novel.

As one of the oldest and most storied hotels in Nantucket, the Relais & Châteaux Wauwinet Hotel stands as a true island landmark, celebrated for its classic style, exceptional coastal dining, and enviable setting at the edge of the Great Point Wildlife Sanctuary, tucked between a serene private bay and the untamed Atlantic surf. This year, the iconic shingle-style retreat marks 150 years of heritage and tradition. In honor of this milestone, guests are invited to commemorate the occasion with engaging historical tours like “150 Years on the Harbor,” inventive “Then & Now” tasting menus at TOPPER’s, historical turndown cards with fun facts from 1876, signature cocktails, and 150-minute experiences including tennis lessons and boat tours.

Nantucket has long been one of the country’s most beloved family-friendly escapes but finding accommodations that truly suit a group can be a challenge. Enter White Elephant Resorts, where thoughtful design and elevated comfort make traveling with family feel effortless.

For those seeking space without sacrificing style, the White Elephant Residences offer one- to three-bedroom accommodations that live more like private beach homes than traditional hotel rooms. Each features a pantry-style kitchen, gas fireplace, and full access to the resort’s coveted amenities—including courtesy BMWs for cruising around town and one of the only in-town pools, complete with a poolside ice cream cart that’s a hit with guests of all ages.

Equally appealing, the Garden Cottages provide a flexible, family-friendly alternative, with one- to three-bedroom layouts that can be tailored to your needs. Depending on the configuration, guests can enjoy private decks, spacious dining areas, pantry-style kitchens, and even multi-level living.