Nantucket is a photographer’s dream: cobblestone streets, rose-covered cottages, sweeping beaches, and postcard-perfect lighthouses. Whether you're curating your Instagram feed, capturing vacation memories, or scouting for a unique engagement shoot location, the island offers no shortage of stunning backdrops.
Here are 10 of the most instagram-worthy spots on Nantucket — from iconic landmarks to hidden gems — to help you find the best places to take pictures on Nantucket.
Steps Beach
Tucked between Jetties and Dionis Beaches, Steps Beach is beloved for its tranquil waters, dramatic dunes, and the long wooden staircase leading down to the sand.
Capture This: The view from the top of the stairs at sunset — it’s pure Instagram magic.
Top of First Congregational Church
The viewpoint from atop the First Congregational Church is spectacular. You're offered expansive views of the island and get to check out all your favorite spots from above!
Madaket Beach
Known for its epic sunsets, Madaket Beach offers wide-open sky, soft sand, and crashing surf. It’s a quieter alternative to the busier town beaches and one of the island’s best-kept secrets for twilight photography.
Sankaty Head Light
Sankaty Head Light is just one of Nantucket's majestic lighthouses. It sits perched atop towering dunes amid lush dune grass swaying gently in the breeze.
Brant Point Light
Visible as you arrive by ferry, Brant Point Lighthouse is Nantucket’s most photographed landmark. Its white tower, surrounded by a sandy shoreline and sea grass, is a perfect backdrop for golden hour portraits or family photos.
Insider Tip: Shoot at sunrise or sunset for soft lighting, and don’t miss the American flag often draped on the lighthouse rail.
Old North Wharf
Old North Wharf is a small side street paved with pebbles and lined with the most magnificent beach homes covered in ivy and pastel pink hydrangeas. This destination is beloved by photographers, locals, and visitors alike
Downtown
Main Street offers old-world charm with its cobblestone roads, 19th-century buildings, and hydrangeas spilling over fences.
Photo Tip: Snap a photo during early morning hours for fewer crowds and softer light reflecting off the worn brick and stonework.
Sconset Bluff Walk
The Bluff Walk in Siasconset ("Sconset") feels like stepping into a storybook. Lined with historic shingle-style cottages and blooming gardens, this footpath overlooks the cliffs and sea below.
Why it’s photo-worthy: Charming architecture meets dramatic coastal views — the ultimate Nantucket aesthetic.
Straight Wharf
Straight Wharf captures Nantucket's essence perfectly, and so will you when you photograph it.
Old Mill
Not only is Old Mill a historical landmark, it's also makes for a wonderful photo location. Built in 1746, Old Mill is the oldest functioning mill in the United States.
Photography Tip: Use the windmill as a centerpiece and frame it with summer wildflowers.
More Nantucket Photo‑Worthy & Instagram‑Ready Spots
Great Point Lighthouse
Located on the northernmost tip of the island, Great Point Lighthouse feels wild and remote. You’ll need a 4x4 permit or guided tour to reach it, but the reward is total solitude and a striking lighthouse framed by dunes and surf.
Pro Tip: Visit early or late in the day for dramatic skies and fewer people.
Cisco Brewers
A beloved local hangout, Cisco Brewers offers a lively, rustic-chic setting complete with food trucks, string lights, and a laid-back crowd.
Most Instagrammable Moment: Cheers-ing with a flight of craft beer or catching live music under the summer sun.
Jetties Beach
Just a short walk from downtown, Jetties Beach is perfect for capturing classic seaside scenes: kids playing in the sand, sailboats drifting past, and the sun setting behind the harbor.
Bonus: There’s a casual beachside restaurant — perfect for golden hour drinks and shots.
Final Tips for Nantucket Photography
- Golden Hour is Key: Shoot early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
- Go Off-Peak: Visit popular spots on weekdays or shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.
- Pack Smart: Comfortable shoes, a backup battery, and a polarizing filter go a long way.
- Respect Private Property: Many homes and gardens are privately owned — be courteous!
Capture the Charm of Nantucket
With its blend of coastal beauty and historic charm, Nantucket is one of the most Instagram-worthy destinations in New England. Whether you're looking for the best places to take pictures on Nantucket or planning an entire trip around photo ops, the island delivers beauty around every bend.