Nantucket is one of those places you have to see to believe. All the charming photos and videos don’t really do it justice. It’s absolutely beautiful and special, and something everyone should experience for themselves. That said, visiting Nantucket isn’t always easy. It’s an expensive destination and it’s also not the easiest place to get to.
Nantucket is an incredibly popular destination in New England, and there are so many amazing things to explore on the island. I’ve created this guide to be your go-to resource for all things Nantucket Travel.
A Nantucket Travel Guide
Nantucket is a smaller island than Martha’s Vineyard, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in fantastic beaches, dining, and shopping. Nantucket has an incredible coastline, a historic downtown, great shopping, and incredible food (seriously it’s amazing). In this guide you’ll find recommendations on what to do, the best places to eat, cute stores, where to stay, when to go and more.
Why Is Nantucket Famous
Nantucket has a rich history, and it’s evident the moment you step onto the island. With cobblestone streets, many historically preserved homes, beautiful beaches, and conservation land, visitors flock to Nantucket to enjoy all that is has to offer. Nantucket was also the whaling capital of the world. It has a rich maritime history and features several lighthouses including The Great Point Lighthouse located at the northernmost point of Nantucket Island which is the most powerful light in New England.
Where Is Nantucket Island
Nantucket is located 30 miles off of Cape Cod in the Atlantic Ocean. It also includes the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget.
How To Get To Nantucket
There are several ways to get to Nantucket, either by boat or plane. If you are traveling by ferry there are several options, but not all of them run year round. The only two ferries that provide year round service to Nantucket are Hy-Line Cruises and Steamship Authority. Here are the following ferry services to Nantucket:
- The Steamship Authority High-Speed and Traditional Car Ferry, departs from Hyannis, MA
- Hy-Line Cruises High-Speed Ferry, departs from Hyannis, MA. Also inter-island service from Oak Bluffs (Martha’s Vineyard).
- Freedom Cruise Line departs from Harwich Port, MA
- Seastreak High-Speed Ferry from New Bedford, MA
You can also reach Nantucket by plane. The only airline that provides year round service to Nantucket is Cape Air. Additional airlines that have seasonal flights to Nantucket include:
- JetBlue
- Delta Airlines
- Tradewind Aviation
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
When Is The Best Time To Visit Nantucket
Summer is typically the most popular time to visit Nantucket. The weather is fantastic and with plenty of beaches and activities, Nantucket is bustling in the summer. It’s also peak tourism season, so the island is more crowded. Rates are also higher in the summer so lodging will be more expensive.
Fall is another great time to visit Nantucket. The weather is still great but the island is much less crowded. It’s easier to get reservations for restaurants, rates are more reasonable, and almost everything is still open with normal business hours. Towards the end of October the island starts to quiet down and businesses have more limited hours. Some close for the winter season.
Catch sunrise over Nantucket harbor.
Get coffee and pastries at Handlebar Cafe
Take a bike or scooter to Sankaty Lighthouse
Explore the shops in downtown.
What To Do In Nantucket
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Visit Sankaty Head Lighthouse
There’s limited parking at Sankaty Head Lighthouse so I recommend riding bikes or a scooter. You won’t be disappointed in the incredible views of the lighthouse overlooking Sconset Beach. There’s a few places to sit where you could pack a lunch or snacks and enjoy the view.
Stroll the Sconset Bluff Walk
Take a stroll along this beautiful footpath nestled between private homes and bluffs on the Sconset shoreline. It’s a short walk that’s flat with one public access footpath down to the beach.
Get Lobster Rolls
It’s not a trip to Nantucket without lobster rolls. You can’t go wrong at Millie’s on Madaket Beach, the 167 Raw Food Truck, or Cru if you’re downtown.
Go For Cocktails at Sister Ship
A super cool restaurant, cafe, and cocktail bar, Sister Ship is a really fun spot to get drinks and/or dinner on the island.
Check out the Whaling Museum
Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world for over a century. The Whaling Museum includes a 46 foot long sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling along with various galleries and exhibits.
Rent Bikes or Scooters to Explore the Island
Nantucket is a great place to ride a bike or scooter around the island. There are various dedicated bike paths to get you from one end of the island to the other. The entire island is only 14 miles long making it very reasonable for biking. You can rent bikes at Young’s Bicycle Shop or rent a scooter from Nantucket Bike shop right next door.
Get Ice Cream at the Juice Bar
I’m going to ahead and say that ice cream from the Juice Bar is some of the best I’ve ever had in my life. This homemade ice cream shop has tons of flavors, homemade waffle cones and a bunch of topping options.
Go Shopping in Historic Downtown
Nantucket has so many incredible shops from clothing and antique stores to art galleries and speciality boutiques. You could spend an entire day perusing all the great local shops around town. Fuel up for the day at Lemon Press with a breakfast sandwich or acai bowl. A few of my favorite shops from the island (non-chains) were:
- Bon Ton: A great tiny antique shop with reasonable prices
- Nantucket Bookworks and Mitchell’s Book Corner: Great independent bookshops on the island
- Peachtree Kids: Such a sweet kids clothing store
- Hospital Thrift Shop: A very cool thrift store with multiple floors of second-hand clothing and home goods
Nantucket Bookworks a cute independent bookshop.
Bon Ton is a great antiques shop in downtown.
Peachtree Kids is a cute children’s boutique.
Annie & The Tees has all your Nantucket sweatshirts and tees.
Head to the Beach
If there’s one thing Nantucket has plenty of, it’s beaches. Whether you’re looking for calmer waters or beaches with surf, you’re sure to find beautiful spots all around the island. Here’s a few beaches to check out on Nantucket:
- Madaket Beach: popular sunset viewing destination
- Sconset Beach: Accessible by bike, scooter or shuttle
- Cisco Beach: popular beach great for surf with surf school on site
- Children’s Beach: closer to downtown with a playground and café, also within walking distance to Brant Point Lighthouse
- Great Point Beach: vehicles allowed with a permit
- Steps Beach: A popular public beach with calmer water for swimming. Galley Beach, is a nearby beachfront restaurant.
Take a Tour at Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewers was founded on Nantucket, and their brewery has tours, food trucks, live music, and more. A great spot to grab a drink and lunch, located on the way to Cisco Beach from downtown.
Where To Stay In Nantucket
Nantucket has everything from luxury hotels to cozy inns and well appointed cottages. There’s downtown lodging and hotels situated right on the beach. Here’s where to stay in Nantucket.
Cottages at the Boat Basin
If you want to be in the heart of downtown but also on the water, there is no better place than the Cottages at the Boat Basin. These well appointed cottages and lofts have waterfront views, decks, full kitchens, complimentary bikes, and pet friendly accommodations.
The Wauwinet
If you’re looking for a beachfront stay, check out the Wauwinet. This luxury 5-star oceanfront resort has a mix of rooms and cottages. It’s a bit of a distance from downtown (about 25-30 minutes) which adds to its secluded appeal. The hotel has two private beaches and a spa. It’s also close to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Great Point Lighthouse.
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