Nantucket by Night: What to do When the Sun Goes Down
03/09/2026
Summer days on Nantucket get most of the attention, but the island doesn’t shut down when the sun goes down. From live music and casual drinks to evening walks and waterfront dinners, there’s plenty to do after dark. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or spending the season on-island, nighttime on Nantucket offers its own kind of entertainment.
Best Sunset Spots
Madaket Beach
Madaket Beach is on the west-end of the island, offering wide-open views of the sun sinking over the ocean. Locals and visitors alike head here to catch golden hour at one of the most prime sunset spots on the island. Tip: Grab dinner at Millie’s, and then walk over to Madaket Beach to catch the sunset!
Cisco Beach
Quieter than Madaket but still spectacular, Cisco Beach gives you a broad ocean view and a slightly more laid-back vibe. It’s especially good if you want to watch the sunset with less of a crowd.
Steps Beach
Located near town, Steps Beach offers great sunset sky views and is easy to get to by biking or walking. It’s also conveniently close to the Sandbar restaurant, which is right next-door at Jetties Beach.
Galley Beach
Not just a dining destination - Galley Beach on the north shore is known for beautiful sunset scenes, especially if you time your reservation right. You can enjoy the view from your table, or walk down to the sand.
Post Dinner Ice Cream
Juice Bar
With over 40 mouth-watering homemade ice cream flavors to try, the Juice Bar is sure to have a flavor that suits you. Stop by after dinner to grab a scoop of ice cream, a smoothie, or a handcrafted juice. This spot is so popular, there’s often a line out the door!
Jack & Charlie’s
Savor a warm summer night with a delicious scoop of ice cream served in a warm waffle cone or cup at Jack & Charlie’s. There are benches outside, perfect for relaxing and watching the downtown nightlife.
3-Way Scoops
Located mid-island, 3-Way Scoops serves hand-scooped ice cream, as well as milkshakes, banana splits, homemade waffle bowls, and frappes. Enjoy your sweet treat on the lighted picnic tables right outside.
Sconset Market
If you're out in Sconset, The Sconset Market has a simple yet tasty ice cream menu that you can order from at their walk-up counter. There's picnic tables and bike racks right outside, so you can enjoy your ice cream outside on a warm summer night.
Bars, Lounges, and Late-Night Social Spots
The Chicken Box
One of the most popular late-night spots on the island, The Chicken Box features live music, dancing, pool tables, and peak summer energy. Arrive early on weekend nights in the summer, as the line outside gets lengthy as the night goes on! Also check out Box Mondays, which feature a live DJ.
Rose & Crown
This casual daytime restaurant turns into a late-night hangout spot during the summer. Featuring live music, DJs, karaoke, and dancing on Thursday through Saturday nights, Rose & Crown has something for everyone. They also have big-screen TVs to catch all the big games on.
Gaslight
The Gaslight is a Japanese/Asian fusion restaurant by day, and live music and dancing venue by night. Live music is played every weekend from talented musicians both near and far. Arrive early on weekend nights in the summer, as the line outside gets lengthy as the night goes on!
The Muse
Located outside of town, The Muse features live music, a dance floor, pool tables, and Keno. The vibrant night life scene here showcases a variety of DJs and bands live on stage.
The Tavern & Gazebo
The Tavern & Gazebo is the place for everything you’re looking for: a simple lunch or dinner, drinks and appetizers, and late-night partying. The Tavern is the go-to place for food and specialty cocktails, while the Gazebo is the restaurant’s lively, open-sided bar looking out to the downtown harbor.
Slip 14
Situated right on the docks of Old South Wharf, Slip 14 offers dockside dining during the day, and a fun lively bar atmosphere at night. This is a popular hang-out spot for boaters, and is located right down the street from The Tavern & Gazebo.
Tree Bar
Located in the heart of downtown Nantucket, Tree Bar is somewhat of a hidden gem. At night, this outdoor patio comes to life as a fun and popular late-night hang. This is a great place to enjoy a warm night outdoors.
Club Car
At the heart of the Club Car is an upscale dining room and piano bar, uniquely set inside of a vintage railcar. This one-of-a-kind space blends classic charm and vibrant island nightlife, and every Thursday through Sunday at 9pm, the piano comes to life.
Ethos
Ethos is a wine bar and bistro, perfect for a spontaneous drink or quick bite to eat. Enjoy music with authentic food and beverages in a cozy atmosphere inside or outside under the trees of beautiful Broad Street.
Late-Night Food Spots
Surfside Taco Stand
Conveniently located at the bottom of Broad Street, Surfside Taco Stand offers a laid-back atmosphere with tacos, quesadillas, burritos, ice cream, beer, and cocktails. They have a special menu for their late-night offerings, which can be found here. This menu is offered on Fridays and Saturdays between 9pm and 2am.
Stubby’s
This is one of the most popular go-to late night spots for quick eats. Stubby’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant downtown that serves up fast food 7 days a week, and is open until 2am during the summer.
Walters
Got a late night craving for a delicious sub or sandwich? Walters has you covered! This is one of the popular stops for a quick bite on Broad Street, and is open until 2am during summer weekends.
Steamboat Pizza
Located in between Stubby’s and Walters, Steamboat Pizza serves up hot slices of pizza all night during the summer, closing at 2am.
Boat House
Located outside of town (but close to the Chicken Box), Boat House serves a variety of bites including burritos, burgers, bowls, chicken fingers, and fries. They are open late-night during the summertime, and are a good option if you don’t want to go all the way into town.
Nighttime Activities
Bike Ride at Dusk
As the day starts to cool off, the bike paths are the perfect place to be for a relaxing evening bike ride or walk. The options for your adventure are endless - here’s a map of Nantucket’s multi-use paths. Be sure to wear reflective gear and follow the rules of the bike path.
Catch a Movie at the Dreamland
The Dreamland is always showing newly-released movies, and is a great spot to relax at the end of an active day. The Dreamland also has a drive-in theater that’s open during the summer, which is located on Nobadeer Farm Road. Grab your blankets, snacks, and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie outdoors! The movie selection also occasionally includes classic throwbacks like Jaws.
Stargazing at Loines Observatory
Join the professional astronomers at Maria Mitchell Association for Open Night Stargazing at the Loines Observatory. Get a tour of Nantucket’s night sky while observing the planets, bright stars, nebulae, and even other galaxies! For more information on this event, click here.
Catch a Show at the Theater Workshop of Nantucket
The Theater Workshop of Nantucket puts on multiple evening shows throughout the summer, including a variety of musicals and plays. To check out a list of upcoming shows, click here.
Take a Ghost Tour
Wander through the eerie streets and lanes of historic Nantucket and view some of the island’s most haunted buildings. This is a leisurely-paced walk that starts at 8:00pm at the steps of the Pacific National Bank. Bill Jameson, who has been operating Nantucket Walking Tours since 1998, will be your knowledgeable tour guide. For more information and tour times, call Bill at 774-325-8972.
Go Night Fishing
Beaches around the island can be very productive after dark - especially for striped bass, which are one of the most nocturnal of fish hanging around Nantucket. Although it requires a certain skillset, night fishing from land has become popular in locations like Brant Point, Eel Point, Smiths Point, and south-facing beaches like Cisco. Some anglers also specifically fish for sandbar or other coastal sharks from the beach.
