Nantucket Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: Beyond the Cobblestones

Explore historic downtown Nantucket on a self-guided audio walking tour. Follow a roughly 2-mile route as stories and directions play automatically along the way. Hear how Nantucket rose to prominence as a whaling port, how Quaker families shaped the island, and how its economy and architecture evolved after the whaling era. See landmarks including the Nantucket Atheneum, Straight Wharf, Hadwen House, Greater Light, and Jared Coffin House. Download the tour in advance to use it offline as you walk. Pause anytime for museums, shops, food, photos, or a break, then continue whenever you’re ready. - GPS-triggered narration plays automatically - Approximately 2-miles and relatively flat - Hear about whaling, Quaker history, architecture, and island life - Works offline after download - Explore at your own pace - Pause anytime and continue when you’re ready

1. 1

   Whaling Museum

   Pass by

   The tour begins outside the Nantucket Whaling Museum on Broad Street. Hear how Nantucket became one of the world’s leading whaling ports and why the museum is worth visiting before or after your walk.

2. 2

   Nantucket Atheneum

   Pass by

   Learn about the Nantucket Atheneum as you view it from outside and hear about the well-known figures who have visited or spoken here over the years.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   20 min

   Explore the shops and restaurants as you hear about this once active commercial hub for Nantucket.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   15 min

   Stroll down the narrow gravel path and pop your head into a few of the art galleries on Nantucket's Old South Wharf.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   See the historic marker memorializing The Petrel, a Nantucket steamship dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   See Nantucket’s distinctive Compass Rose mural and hear the story behind the photographer who created the original image in 1936.

7. 7

   Nantucket Friends Meeting House

   Pass by

   View the Quaker Meeting House as you hear about its history on the island.

8. 8

   Hadwen House

   20 min

   View this historic home and museum, built in 1846 by William Hadwen. It's a prime example of the island's whaling success. Admission is $10 per person (or included if you purchase admission to the Whaling Museum).

9. 9

   Maria Mitchell Hinchman House

   Pass by

   Learn about America's first female astronomer as you view her historic home.

10. 10

    Greater Light

    Pass by

    Learn about 2 Quaker sisters who restored this old barn into a quirky mix of art and architecture as you view it from outside.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    Pass by

    Learn about a prosperous whaling-ship owner who built this house for his family in 1845, and how it survived the Great Fire of 1846.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The tour route is 2 miles and relatively flat
• Allow approximately 2–3 hours, depending on stops and breaks

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.