You’re reading Nina Garcia’s Insider Guide newsletter, exclusively available on ELLE.com to All Access members. This edition was originally published in May 2026. Sign up to receive the next edition here.Nothing defines “if you know, you know” style like Nantucket. It’s never showy—the flashiest things you’ll see are beautiful hydrangea bushes and there are almost no chain stores—but when you’re there, you can be sure that CEOs, politicians, and writers are in your midst. World-class hotels, some of the best beach views you can imagine, and unbelievably scenic bike trails make Nantucket one of the chicest vacation destinations in the country.The island has a dense downtown area where you can find many of the restaurants and most of the shops. If you go farther out, you’ll find more beaches in the adorable Sconset area. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a couple’s trip, or a reunion of old friends, Nantucket is an unforgettable destination. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and when you can witness the sun setting on a cliff above the ocean, it feels like you’ve never seen anything more spectacular.For this month’s Insider Guide, I looked back on summertime visits to Nantucket and also consulted Veronica Swanson Beard, co-CEO of Veronica Beard, who has both a home and a store on the island. This guide will help you discover (or rediscover) all the people, places, and food that make Nantucket such a summertime treasure.BEST TIME TO GO:The island is gorgeous in the summer, but also expensive. September, late May, and June can be just as beautiful with fewer crowds. Visitors can fly into Nantucket International Airport or take a ferry from Cape Cod. The holidays also have their charm. The season kicks off on the day after Thanksgiving, when crowds gather for the official tree lighting. The following week is the Nantucket Christmas Stroll, three days of seasonal events.SleepCourtesy of Nina GarciaWhite Elephant: An all-time favorite for visitors, the White Elephant is ideally located, only a short walk away from the ferry and Main Street, and within sight of Children’s Beach. The main hotel has 54 rooms and suites, some of which have private outdoor space. Nearby are 11 garden cottages with one to three bedrooms. There’s also the Residence and Inn, complete with 20 rooms and suites and 25 residences, which have more of a resort feel. You can catch a beautiful view of the sunset from one of the lounge chairs positioned on the hotel’s harbor-facing lawn.Nantucket Hotel and Resort: One of the few properties open year-round, the Nantucket is a luxury hotel that maintains a warm, welcoming feel. It opened in 1891, but, of course, has been significantly renovated. The 36-room hotel is great for families—there’s an outdoor swimming pool and the lobby and lounge spaces are filled with board games, pool tables, and books. This year, guests can book one of the Lilly Cottages, two suites decorated in the vibrant patterns of Lilly Pulitzer.Jared Coffin House: If you’re looking for something with more of a historical feel, the Jared Coffin, a red-brick, blue-shuttered townhouse built in 1845, conjures the atmosphere of the Nantucket of the past, when visitors to the hotel included Herman Melville.The Wauwinet: A bit farther from the hustle of downtown, the Wauwinet, Nantucket’s only hotel from the hospitality group Relais & Châteaux, has more of a remote feel, though it can be accessed easily by a hotel-operated shuttle or by a ferry that regularly goes between the Wauwinet and the White Elephant, which are sister properties. Its exterior has the quintessential gray-shingled New England charm, and it takes advantage of the gorgeous setting between the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Harbor, with an expansive lawn overlooking the ocean and sitting next to acres of protected land.Also try:Greydon HouseFaraway NantucketDineCourtesy of Nina GarciaBreakfast:Black Eyed Susans: Many call breakfast at Black Eyed Susans the best on the island. It has a warm and laid-back atmosphere and the Jarlsberg pancakes are legendary.Wicked Island Bakery: Wicked Island’s famous morning buns, which use pure Vermont butter, vanilla bean, and secret spices, are so popular that they frequently sell out shortly after opening. You should also check out the housemade croissants and breakfast sandwiches.Lemon Press: The most adorable spot for breakfast and lunch, Lemon Press has a Mediterranean- and Middle Eastern-influenced menu that includes bagels, smoothies, and mezze plates.The Hub: A fun, old-school shop selling coffee, bagels, and iced drinks alongside souvenirs and a bit of island gossip.Also try:Roastd General StoreHandlebar CoffeeThe Corner TableBorn & Bread NantucketLunch:Brotherhood of Thieves: An iconic Nantucket spot, Brotherhood of Thieves has a casual, homey menu and charming service. The restaurant has three distinct dining rooms—downstairs is a traditional-looking pub dating back to the 1840s, while upstairs there’s a beachy-feeling bar and the Notch Whiskey Bar, a beautiful space with dark wood and ikat-patterned fabrics.Topper’s: The Wauwinet Hotel’s excellent restaurant uses native seafood and local ingredients. Guests can take a water taxi to the restaurant from other parts of the island. During lunch and dinner service, the deck bar serves oysters, lobster rolls, and other specialties.The Chanticleer: A Sconset classic serving a sophisticated menu with adventurous dishes like Duck Confit Poutine, Pommes Dauphine, and a Masa-Battered Lobster “Corn Dog.” Sit either in the beautiful rose garden for lunch or the Grill Room for dinner.Galley Beach: Beard loves this spot for lunch, dinner, or sunset drinks. The main dining room is an open-air deck with heated floors and incredible views. If you want the real beach experience, grab one of the tables set up on the sand.Claudette’s: If you’re staying in Sconset, Claudette’s is a go-to for takeout beach sandwiches.Sister Ship: A relatively new restaurant, Sister Ship is located in the Faraway Nantucket hotel. Its cocktails are famous but its great food should be, too. There’s a lovely courtyard with a first-come, first-served policy so it’s worth it to wait a bit to be able to eat out there.The Juice Bar: It’s a special day across Nantucket when the Juice Bar opens for the season. The most popular ice cream destination is a must for visitors and residents alike (and now accepts credit cards). Expect to wait in a long line, but it’s worth it to try famous flavors like Crantucket and Dirty Grasshopper.Millie’s: Bike over to Millie’s for the absolute best lobster rolls to take to the beach.Dinner:LeLanguedoc Bistro: An island institution for 50 years, Le Languedoc is Beard’s favorite stop for a burger and a martini. The Small Town Girl Butter Crunch Sundae, which mixes vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, and toffee, is also a crowd favorite.The Pearl: If you want to get Nantucket lovers excited, ask them about the Pearl. The Asian fusion restaurant is one of the hottest spots on the island. Try to get a table outside—there are only a few, but the experience is worth it. If you’re looking to host a group, you can have a private dinner in one of the small dining rooms upstairs.Oran Mor Bistro: Beard’s perfect date night is dinner in the window booth at Oran Mor Bistro. The high-end American menu includes hits like Roasted Oysters Bourguignon and Black Truffle Bucatini.Sayle’s Seafood: The seafood market sells the freshest scallops, lobster, cod, salmon, swordfish, oysters, mussels, and clams. It also has a takeout menu with lobster dinners, raw bars, and fish sandwiches. If you want to have a clambake, they’ll help with that, too.Also try:Brant Point GrillBillie’sVia MareStraight Wharf FiDiscoverCourtesy of Nina GarciaWhaling Museum: Nantucket’s largest museum traces the island’s long history of whaling, from terrifying facts about life at sea and stories about life on Nantucket in the 1700s, to the most beautiful scrimshaw art.Cisco Brewers: Down the road from Cisco Beach is a family-run brewery that offers a tour of the machinery as well as a fun place to spend hot weekend afternoons.Brant Point Lighthouse: Visit one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.Sanford Farm: Beard likes to take long walks on this 780-acre property of conservation land.Beaches: There’s one for everyone. If you’re staying in town, Steps, a favorite of photographers, is only a bike ride away. Also close is Children’s, which is great for families. Madaket has the greatest sunsets, while Madequecham has an untouched beauty. For a perfect beach day, try Surfside, which has huge waves and great ice cream. There are boat and kayak rentals at Sea Nantucket Paddle Sports and surfboard rentals at Cisco Beach via Nantucket Island Surf School.Also try:Great Point BeachLadies BeachBartlett’s FarmDreamlandShopCourtesy of Nina GarciaRalph Lauren: Chain stores are frowned upon, but Nantucket has one of the most beautiful Ralph Lauren boutiques in the country.Murray’s Toggery Shop: If you’re looking for a pair of Nantucket’s famous red khaki pants (and even if you’re not), stop in this family-owned clothing store.Mitchell’s Book Corner and Nantucket Bookworks: The island has two charming bookstores located only a few blocks apart. Both are great places to find vibrant conversation!Alice Walk: Owner Emily Keneally’s simply designed sweaters, jackets, dresses, and skirts come in a soft pastel palette that feels very Nantucket.Cartolina: This gorgeously curated shop sells a chic clothing line alongside home items and décor pieces.Veronica Beard: The brand has an adorable store located in a small cottage with a white picket fence, a block from the water.Sylvia Antiques: In business since 1927, Sylvia has one of the largest selections of Nantucket antiques, including the island’s famous rattan-woven lightship baskets.Nantucket House: Beard loves this antique store, which specializes in American, English, and Canadian furniture.Also try:Maison WheatNantucket LoomsMilly & GraceWant to chat about my Insider Guide to Nantucket? Send me a note at ninagarciainsiderguide@hearst.com. I’ll see you next month. 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