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Rating Star

5 (64)

Location Icon Nantucket

Nantucket History Tour: Lighthouses, Cottages & More!

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90

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo The Historical Tour of Nantucket offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich past. This tour, led by the oldest tour company on Nantucket, showcases the island’s most treasured landmarks and hidden gems. It's perfect for anyone wanting to learn about Nantucket's history and culture.

Visitors will journey through time, seeing iconic spots like the Sankaty Head Light, offering stunning ocean views, and the charming Siasconset Cottages, known for their rose-covered facades. The tour also passes by the Old Mill, a testament to Nantucket's early industrial ingenuity, and the serene Quaker Burial Ground. Guests will also see the path of the former Nantucket Railroad Line, imagining the trains that once crisscrossed the island. This narrated tour gives a comprehensive overview of Nantucket's historical highlights.

This tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a knowledgeable tour guide. What’s Included: Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride, while an expert tour guide shares stories and insights. What’s Excluded: Coffee and tea, snacks, and lunch, allowing visitors to explore local options. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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See Historic Landmarks: Visit iconic sites like Sankaty Head Light and the Old Mill.

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Learn Nantucket History: Hear stories about the island's past from an expert guide.

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Comfortable Transportation: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for a relaxing experience.

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Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a small group setting.

Sentiment Analysis

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Overall, customers really enjoy this tour. They think it's a good way to see the island and learn about its past. Some wish it was a little longer or had more time at each stop. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved seeing the beautiful sights of Nantucket.

    Positive Highlight Icon The tour guides are very knowledgeable and friendly.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many visitors enjoyed the stories shared about the island's history.

    Positive Highlight Icon The tour is a great way to get an overview of Nantucket.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some guests felt the tour was too short.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few visitors mentioned wanting more time at each stop.

The Journey

1

Former Nantucket Railroad Line

Step back in time and imagine the era when the Nantucket Railroad transported visitors between Surfside and Siasconset from 1881 to 1917. Though the line is now defunct, its legacy endures, conjuring images of a bygone era of leisurely travel and connecting two of Nantucket's most picturesque coastal communities. Explore the historical routes and uncover remnants of this once-vital transportation artery.

2

Quaker Burial Ground

Discover a place of profound tranquility at the Quaker Burial Ground, a poignant reminder of Nantucket's Quaker heritage. Founded by Quakers, Nantucket's history is etched in this serene cemetery. Unlike conventional graveyards, most graves here remain unmarked, reflecting the Quaker emphasis on simplicity and equality. Reflect on the lives of the island's early settlers in this quiet, contemplative space.

3

Old Mill

Visit the Old Mill, a testament to Nantucket's ingenuity and maritime history. Believed to have been built in 1746, it stands as the oldest operating windmill in the United States. Witness the craftsmanship and engineering of this historical landmark, the sole survivor of five mills that once graced the landscape overlooking Nantucket Town. Experience a tangible link to the island's past and its reliance on wind power.

4

Siasconset Cottages

Journey to the eastern end of Nantucket Island and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Siasconset. Wander through picturesque lanes adorned with rose-covered cottages, exuding quintessential New England allure. Discover the captivating beauty of this historic village, a haven of tranquility and an artist's dream. It is an idyllic coastal community steeped in history.

5

Sankaty Head Light

Witness the grandeur of the Sankaty Head Light, a historic lighthouse perched on Nantucket's easternmost point. Built in 1850 and automated in 1965, this beacon continues to guide mariners. Located in Siasconset, the lighthouse boasts a rich history and was one of the first in the U.S. to feature a Fresnel lens. Marvel at its enduring presence and the breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a tour guide. It excludes coffee and tea, snacks, and lunch. This means you'll be riding in comfort and have a guide to show you around, but you'll need to get your own food and drinks. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point. The tour concludes back at the original departure location.

Hot Tip

Many past visitors suggest bringing a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Wearing comfortable shoes is also a good idea, even though you'll be mostly riding. Also plan where you want to visit after the tour to maximize the remaining time on the island.

From $57 Price

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As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.