Travel Guide: Plan the Perfect Trip to Nantucket

North America . Travel Guides . Weekend Getaways

Travel Guide: Plan the Perfect Trip to Nantucket

Last Modified: March 5, 2023

Table of Contents

1 Information About Nantucket
2 Where to Stay in Nantucket
3 Nantucket Accommodations
4 What to Bring
5 Nantucket Beaches
6 Things to Do in Nantucket
7 Where to Eat in Nantucket
8 Conclusion
9 PIN IT FOR LATER!

For years we’ve had people tell us just how extraordinary Nantucket was. With little international travel, we decided that now was the perfect time to visit. From the second we got there, we knew that this was the first of many trips to Nantucket.

The homes are picturesque with washed grey shingles, and the island is full of beautiful gardens filled with hydrangeas and roses. There are very few places around like it, which adds to its charm.

I have always loved nature photography, so for me, this place was paradise. I couldn’t help but take photos everywhere I went! Nantucket is full of beautiful beaches, delicious food, and lots of opportunities for outdoor activities.

This travel guide goes over how to plan a trip to Nantucket. I will tell you about the most popular places to stay, restaurants to try, and things to do. If you are only staying for a couple of days, you will not be able to fit it all in, and that’s okay!

The main reason people go to Nantucket is to relax, and so I encourage you to do just that. Trust me, you will be back!

Information About Nantucket

Where is Nantucket?

Nantucket is a remote island located 30 miles off the Massachusetts coast. The island is only 14 miles long and 5 miles wide, making for a wonderful summer getaway. Nantucket can be accessed by both boat and airplane through its ACK airport.

History of the Island

Nantucket is known for its connection to the whaling industry. Before that, it was inhabited solely by members of the Wampanoag tribe. In 1641, the island was deeded to Thomas Mathew, but it did not start prospering until 1659 when it was sold to nine men.

One of the purchasers was Tristan Coffin. You will see plaques and buildings around the island dedicated to his family who had a big influence on the community.

It wasn’t until the mid-1700s that Nantucket became the whaling capital of the world. In the 1850s the whaling industry was in decline, and between the economic troubles and the Civil War, the island was left with only 4,000 inhabitants.

Over the next hundred years, Nantucket was transformed into a tourist destination that has gained in popularity over the last few years. Now, people come all over the world to relax and enjoy the beauty of this historic place.

Moby Dick

Herman Melville wrote his classic 1851 novel Moby Dick based on Nantucket, even though he had not actually set foot there. He took much inspiration from whaling, especially from the tragic tale of the whaling ship Essex which was lost at sea.

It wasn’t until a year later that he finally visited the island and met with Captain George Pollard Jr. of the ship and other influential members of the community.

Nantucket Travel Tips

Bring Some Cash: You will need cash to use the Wave Shuttle and purchase items at some smaller shops. There are several ATMs located around the town if you need to withdraw money.
Book Accommodations in Advance: Nantucket has become a popular vacation destination during the summer months. Accommodations get booked up very quickly. Try to book your hotel or vacation rental six months out.
Stay in the Town: For the best experience stay in the downtown area. The hotels here are all within walking distance of the shops and restaurants. You are also less than a mile from several beaches.
Use the Wave Shuttle: The Wave is the bus service that will take you from the Town to other parts of the island. It is the cheapest and most reliable way to get to places like ‘Sconset and Cisco.
Nantucket is Expensive: If you are on a budget, make sure to take this into account. You can easily spend $50 per person on a sit-down meal, if not more! Grabbing food to go and visiting during the shoulder months will help save a little money.

When to Go to Nantucket

Nantucket gets very cold most of the year, so ideally, the best time to go is summer. July and August are the months with the best weather. Because of that, they are also the busiest and most expensive times to go.

We had originally tried to go in May but were unable to work it around our schedule. We were shocked to find the price for accommodations went up almost twice as much for July.

If you visit at the end of May, June, and beginning of September, you will save a lot of money, and the island will not be as crowded. Just be prepared for slightly chilly weather.

We were able to find reasonably priced accommodations in July, and the weather was perfect! Either way, you can’t go wrong! Nantucket is breathtaking during these months.

My favorite part about Nantucket was the weather. The water was very calm, and there was always a slight breeze during the day, which made it comfortable in the hot sun.

At night, we made sure to bring some sweaters as it did get a little colder. We spent many nights either sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine or walking around the town.

Getting to Nantucket

Fly to Nantucket

Nantucket is not the easiest place to get to, but I promise the trip is worth your time! If you don’t live in the Northeast, the fastest way to get there is to fly. Plan on at least a 4-5 hour flight time (including a layover).

We flew into JFK, and from there took a connecting flight to Nantucket’s small airport. There are several other airports that you can fly out of as well.

Take the Ferry

Another option is the ferry. It is a little more inconvenient if you have lots of luggage, but you don’t have to worry about delays or layovers as with flying.

It is also ideal for people who live closer and are okay with leaving their car at the ferry terminal. The terminals charge around $10 per day for parking.

Plan on a two-hour trip by regular ferry, or opt for the passenger-only ferry that takes half the time.

Depending on where you are coming from, there are different ferry options. The Hy-Line and Steamship Authority from Hyannis is the most popular and offers the “fast ferries”.

Some ferries also allow you to bring your car with you. If this is something you are interested in, make sure to book your ticket in advance as there are limited parking spots.

Another option is the Seastreak Ferry from New Bedford. This ferry ride is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Getting Around Nantucket

Bring or Rent a Car

Nantucket is a smaller island and can easily be navigated. If you want to bring a car you can, but plan on spending about $200-$400 for a round-trip automobile ticket during peak season.

There are also multiple places on the island where you can rent a car. The streets are very narrow in some places and parking can be a little challenging, but it does make exploring the different areas of the island much easier.

Bike or Walk Around Town

The two best and most affordable options are to walk or rent a bike. I highly recommend renting your bike from Young’s Bike Shop; we had a great experience with them.

If you are staying in town, you can walk to restaurants, shops, and the beach. There are also multiple bike routes and lots of places that offer bike rentals.

Make sure to check with your hotel before booking your rental. Many do offer complimentary bikes to guests. Biking around the island was by far the best part of our stay.

There are bike stands everywhere, and it is a fun way to explore the beautiful Nantucket homes and landscape.

Take the Wave Shuttle

The Wave is the bus service for the entire island. All routes will take you to the center of the Town, and bring you to all areas of the island. Fare is only $2-$3 each way, and during peak season buses normally run around 30 minutes.

Sconset: The Sconset via Milestone and Sconset via. Old South Road are the best routes to take.
Cisco Brewery: The Miacomet Route takes you within half a mile from Cisco. Get off at the Somerset Lane/Hummock Pond Road stop and walk the bike path to the brewery.
Millie’s: Take the Madaket bus. It will stop right in front of the restaurant.

TRAVEL TIP: The Wave only takes cash and will not give you change back. If you overpay for your ride, they will give you the remainder of your money on a card to use for later.

Use the Taxi Service

There are also taxis and Ubers on the island if you are staying in the more remote areas. This is the most expensive option, and sometimes not the most reliable.

Uber rates can get up to $50 for a 10-hour drive during certain parts of the day, and many times it is hard to find a ride at all.

Where to Stay in Nantucket

There are several neighborhoods that all offer a little something different. If this is your first time in Nantucket or you prefer being in the middle of everything, I would recommend staying in the Town.

It is conveniently located near all the main restaurants and stores, as well as some beaches. This was our favorite area of Nantucket and where we will plan on staying again next time we visit.

‘Sconset and Madaket are quieter options. ‘Sconset, which is short for Siasconset, is a fishing village on the east side of the island. This area is full of many quaint cottages with amazing gardens and a few restaurants. The entire village looks like it came out of a painting.

On the west end of Nantucket is Madaket. Madaket is about six miles from downtown and has few retail stores. It is a laid-back area with some of the most pristine beaches.

Visitors love staying in this little village for its ocean views and more remote location. No matter where you stay on the island though, you can’t go wrong!

Nantucket Accommodations

If you happen to know someone who has a place in Nantucket, that may be an option for you.

If not, there are many hotels as well as rental houses. Like I said earlier, prices for these accommodations are much higher in July and August.

Keep that in mind when you are planning your trip! If you are traveling by yourself or with your significant other, hotels are the most convenient option. There are many types of hotels as well.

Whether you are looking for a cozy Inn or luxurious hotel with lots of amenities, there is something for everyone.

Luxury Hotels

White Elephant is one of the most well-known hotels on the island. It is also on the pricier side during peak season. To me, it is worth every penny to stay at. Not only is it beautiful and right near the water, but it comes with so many amenities. The White Elephant has a beautiful pool with cabanas, a fitness center, a spa, and other complimentary accommodations. If you are looking for the quintessential Nantucket experience, this hotel is a no-brainer!
Greydon House is another amazing luxury hotel. The boutique hotel has 20 uniquely designed rooms, from petite rooms to large suites. Guests also get complimentary morning coffee and beach bags, towels, and even portable Bose speakers.
The Wauwinet is one hotel that is not located in the downtown area but on the edge of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge on the northern part of the island. It has been around since the 1870s and is known for its historic charm mixed with modern amenities. Around this area, you will find sand dunes, barrier beaches, and lots of marine life. The Wauwinet also has its own private beach, tennis courts, spa, and excursions. For a quiet getaway, the Wauwinet is the perfect place to stay.
Summer House offers different accommodations around Nantucket. Their cottages in ‘Sconset are a unique experience that everyone should try. Guests get their very own English-style cottage with ocean views. Summer House is perfect if you are looking for a more secluded stay and want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.
The Nantucket Hotel and Resort is a family-friendly and pet-friendly hotel. Guests have a choice between regular rooms, suites, or cottages. One of the reasons people love to stay here is the number of amenities it includes. Guests have access to a heated pool, recreation area, spa, fitness classes, and shuttle. The hotel also offers bike rentals, beach chairs, and towels.

Mid-Range Hotels

Martin House Inn is a cozy, romantic Inn in the downtown area. It is a great place to stay if you want a quiet atmosphere. Martin House has lovely fireplaces in every room, local artwork, and a garden. The best part of the inn is the rooftop deck that offers stunning panoramic views of the island. The Martin House Inn also offers complimentary breakfast and homemade afternoon snacks for guests.
21 Broad is another great Budget hotel with 27 elegant rooms. It is also centrally located, only two blocks from the ferry terminal. The Inn comes with modern amenities and offers beach towels and chairs for guests to use.

Vacation Rentals

Renting a house is ideal if you are planning to stay for a long period of time. With a large group of people splitting the cost, it may also be cheaper than getting individual rooms at a hotel. Airbnb and Vrbo have a plethora of homes to rent for your stay. I would recommend booking your reservation pretty far in advance though, Nantucket is a popular vacation destination during the summer months.

What to Bring

I would make sure to pack a few casual and dressier options for your trip. Sundresses, swimsuits, coverups, hats, sandals, and shorts are must-haves during the summer.

Make sure to pack some jeans and sweaters at all times of the year. Even in the summer months, the nights can get chilly. An umbrella and a rain jacket are also good ideas. The weather can be very unpredictable and change throughout the day.

I would also bring a couple of pairs wedges and dresses just in case you decide to go to dinner at one of the more upscale restaurants. Don’t feel like you have to dress up every day! Nantucket is a little more casual than you may think.

TRAVEL TIP: Make sure to bring some cash with you! Many places on the island only accept cash, and ATMs charge fees.

Nantucket Beaches

Nantucket has the most beautiful beaches scattered around the island. What I love about Nantucket’s beaches is that they are all very different. Some are remote and extremely quiet, while others are great for families and more lively. Jetties, Surfside, Steps Beach, and Cisco are all great options to try.

Jetties Beach

Jetties Beach is within walking distance of the downtown area. Jetties is a convenient option, but since it is in the heart of the town it tends to be a little more crowded. Jetties is great for families since the water is much calmer and perfect for swimming.

What I liked about Jettie’s beach were the amenities. The public restrooms were very convenient and there is even a beachside bar where you can grab lunch and some drinks. The beach even has a public shuttle that runs frequently during the summer seasons.

Surfside Beach

Surfside is one of the most popular beaches in Nantucket. It is located on the south side of the island and can be accessed through a bike path or Wave Shuttle. There are also parking lots if you have a car. The south side of the island has strong currents, making it ideal for surfing.

Steps Beach

Steps Beach is not known to many people, but it was our favorite beach of them all. It can be accessed off of Cliff Road and from Galley Beach. At the top of the 40 steps leading down to the beach, you have amazing views of the Great Point Lighthouse.

Since it is such s hidden gen, you will be able to enjoy a relaxing beach day here. The best part of this beach is admiring the beautiful mansions sitting high on the cliff.

Cisco Beach

Cisco beach is on the south side of the island. There are lots of waves here which makes it ideal for surfing. The beach itself is a lot smaller than some of the others, but the view of the ocean is extremely relaxing.

If you are feeling adventurous you can rent a surfboard or take some surfing lessons. The best part is once you are done enjoying the sun, head over to Cisco Brewery for a cold drink.

Things to Do in Nantucket

Nantucket is known for being a relaxing island getaway. The majority of the activities on the island involve the outdoors, which is one of the main reasons people come to visit. I’ve put together a detailed list of things to do in Nantucket.

Visit the Lighthouses

Nantucket has three lighthouses. The first is The Brant Point Lighthouse near the downtown. It is easily recognizable by the American Flag painted on it. The next is the Great Point lighthouse, which is the hardest to get to but worth the trip.

Lastly is the Sankaty Lighthouse in ‘Sconset. The best way to get to it is by taking the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk, which I highly recommend anyone do during their trip.

Rent a Bike

Biking the trails was one of our favorite things to do. Many bike shops around the island offer a variety of bikes, including electric ones. We rented ours from Young’s, and I highly recommend them! Other rental companies include Nantucket Bike Shop and Cook’s.

One bike route you must try is the Polpis Bike Path to ‘Sconset. The path is almost 10 miles long and begins just outside of the downtown area. It took us well over an hour because we kept stopping for pictures and to admire the views around Polpis.

Do Some Shopping

There are many shops in the town, but just know the prices are much higher here within the many souvenir shops. If you are looking for some clothing stores, The Pink, Murray’s and CJ Laing are popular stores.

Grace Geier, Milly & Grace, The Skinny Dip, The Lovely, and Lilly Pulitzer are other lovely clothing stores to check out. My favorite store is the Peter Beaton Hat Studio. They have an extensive collection of beach hats and the quality is remarkable.

We also really enjoyed exploring the little bookshops, art galleries, and antique stores in the Town. They are filled with whaling memorabilia from the 1800s and beautifully crafted artwork from local artists.

Charter a Sailboat

Endeavors Sailing is one of the best companies in Nantucket. They offer both daytime and sunset tours starting at only $80 per person. You can choose between 1 ½-hour and 3-hour options and even rent a private charter for up to 14 people. You will sail around the island through the jetties and into Nantucket Sound.

Hang Out at Cisco Brewery

Cisco Brewery is about 4 miles from the downtown area. It is an easy bike ride or short Uber to get there. Cisco also offers a shuttle several days a week that will take you to and from the Town. If you are not a beer drinker don’t worry, they also have a wine and cocktail menu. Cisco also has several food trucks if you get hungry.

Try a Water Sport

Fishing and paddleboarding are two popular sports on Nantucket. Surfing is also a fun activity that can be done on the south shore of the island. Nantucket Island Surf School offers both private and group lessons for children and adults.

Explore the Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum is located right across from the Juice Bar downtown. It is an interactive museum that goes through the island’s history and its connection to the whaling industry. The best part of the museum was climbing to the rooftop for uninterrupted views of the harbor and downtown.

Try the 'Sconset Bluff Walk

This path takes you from the village of ‘Sconset, about two miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you get to see both the small historic homes in the area and the luxurious island mansions up close. At the end of the trail is the Sankaty Head Lighthouse. The path can be hard to find, but it officially starts on Front Street. Look for a dirt path between the houses.

Watch the Sunset

Either grab dinner/drinks at Galley Beach restaurant or hang out on the beach itself. It is one of the best places to see the sunset. If you continue walking to the Cliffs neighborhood, you will also be able to see one of the many luxurious family homes on the island.

Take in the Architecture

Nantucket is beautiful!! And full of pristine Cape Cod-style homes. Spend an afternoon just walking around and exploring. Our favorite area to walk was between the Town and Galley Beach. There are so many beautiful homes in this area. No matter where you go, you will have the best photo opportunities.

Where to Eat in Nantucket

There are so many restaurants scattered around the island. You can visit several times and still not get to them all. One thing that I was excited to visit Nantucket for was the food.

Everyone I had talked to raved about how fresh the ingredients are here. Since there are so many places to choose from, this list is pretty extensive.

Although I personally did not get to try each one, I spend a lot of time researching and asking for recommendations.

TRAVEL TIP: If you are looking to go out for dinner on the weekends, I would recommend making reservations in advance as many will have a wait.

Breakfast and Lunch

Something Natural – This sandwich shop was one of our favorite places to eat in Nantucket. Their food is extremely fresh and you get a lot for your money. The sandwiches were very large and affordable. We liked it so much, we ate there for lunch two days in a row. Something Natural also has salad options and other healthy snacks. Grab a sandwich and find a picnic table under the shade.
Provisions – For some delicious sandwiches you must go here. You can either enjoy your meal at the cafe or get some to go. We bought some to bring to the beach with us, and they were delicious. The cafe also has lots of breakfast items to choose from.
Claudette’s is another sandwich shop that in ‘Sconset. They have some great sandwich and breakfast options that you can bring to the beach with you. Their turkey sandwich is their most popular!
Black-Eyed Susan’s is a great breakfast place with outdoor seating. They open at 7 am if you are an early riser and are looking for something to eat. I do recommend trying to get here earlier to beat the crowd or wait until later on in the day to go. We ate there at noon on a Friday and there was no wait at all. TIP: Black-Eyed Susan’s only accepts cash.

Dinner and Drinks

The Chanticleer was another favorite of ours. This French restaurant is located in ‘Sconset and has a high-end menu and terrific wine list. We had their Island Salmon and Chicken Saltimbocca which were both delicious. For a romantic and special night out, I highly recommend this place.
Cru – For delicious seafood, make sure to stop by Cru. The restaurant is on the harbor and offers spectacular dinner views. We grabbed some lobster rolls for lunch and got to enjoy watching the boats come in and out of the harbor. They are another extremely popular place to eat, so make sure to make reservations well in advance.
Galley Beach – This is an amazing restaurant on the beach. The atmosphere is very rustic and cozy, and the food lived up to our expectations. The best part is hanging out at their beach bar with a drink and watching the sunset.

Dessert

The Juice Bar is actually an ice cream shop. They usually have long lines, but it is worth standing in. To beat the lines, try stopping by after 3 o’clock. They are the busiest at noon when they open and late at night. Plus, you get to smell the waffle cones being made.
Downyflake – For a sweet treat, stop by and get a donut to go. Downyflake is a popular place, so make sure to get there early when they are fresh.

Grocery Stores

Stop & Shop – There are two grocery stores you could also stop by if you wanted to grab a quick bite. If you are renting a house, they are also great ways to stock up the kitchen for your stay and save a little money by cooking at home.

Conclusion

Nantucket is a truly magical place. It is a place to relax and enjoy friends and family, so don’t feel like you have to cram everything into each day. Make sure to soak up some sun, enjoy nature, and try out the local cuisine.

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Hey, I’m Ally! Welcome to Cafes and Getaways. I’ll be sharing details on my latest travel destinations, as well as tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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