Whaling Museum.

Housed in a restored 1846 oil and candle factory, the Nantucket Whaling Museum turns the island's maritime past into an immersive, multi-layered experience. The jaw-dropping centerpiece is a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton suspended in the main hall, sharing space with a massive 1849 Fresnel lens from the Sankaty Head Lighthouse and an internationally renowned collection of scrimshaw. Beyond the whaling industry, the museum’s nine galleries cover four centuries of island history through artwork, industrial artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Don't miss the daily presentations on the ill-fated whaleship *Essex*—the real-life inspiration for *Moby-Dick*. Before leaving, head up to Tucker’s Roofwalk, a fully accessible rooftop deck offering panoramic views over Nantucket Harbor.