Why Nantucket was named one in every of America’s finest islands

If you are eager about an island trip, there’s one in Massachusetts that comes extremely beneficial.

Nantucket was voted one of many best islands in the continental United States as a part of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2026.

“In this year’s survey, more than 661,000 votes were cast—on city and island escapes, safari outfitters, airlines, and hotels around the world,” Travel + Leisure stated. “Some winners have consistently ranked in the awards for more than two decades; others are catching your attention for the first time.”

While it did not win the title of finest island (Georgia’s Golden Isles would obtain that honor), Nantucket was nonetheless named the No. 3 finest by journal readers.

Here’s what makes Nantucket particular, in keeping with Travel + Leisure.

Nantucket, MA— One of continental U.S.’s finest islands

Travel + Leisure named Nantucket as among the finest islands to go to within the continental United States due to the sheer quantity of issues you’ll be able to expertise on the island, from consuming the recent seafood caught that day to buying on the boutiques on Main Street.

“Some of the most luxurious dining on Nantucket can be found at Straight Wharf Restaurant,” the journal stated. “Located right along the harbor, the 45-year-old seasonal establishment serves elevated summer-inspired fare and fresh seafood.”

You can discover the Straight Wharf Restaurant at 6 Harbor Square in Nantucket.

Travel + Leisure additionally named a number of different eating places that make Nantucket among the finest islands to go to just like the Asian fusion restaurant Nautilus on 12 Cambridge St., the brand new American fine-dining institution Queequeg’s on 6 Oak St., and others.

The journal additionally beneficial a lot of actions together with visiting the Loines Observatory, seeing the Great Point Lighthouse, and heading to the 47-foot whale skeleton on the Nantucket Whaling Museum.

And, there’s at all times the views.

“Known as one of the most picturesque walks on Nantucket, the Sconset Bluff Walk (also called the Cliff Walk) winds from Sconset to the Sankaty Head Lighthouse,” Travel + Leisure stated. “The footpath takes walkers past gorgeous Nantucket homes and offers exceptional views of the ocean.”

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She will be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.