Welcome to our Nantucket Getaway Guide, your ultimate resource for planning a memorable trip to this timeless New England destination. If you're yearning for a place where cobblestone streets lead to untouched beaches, where historical charm meets coastal sophistication, and where relaxation and exploration flow harmoniously, then Nantucket is the ideal escape for you.
In this comprehensive Nantucket travel guide, we'll unveil the unique aspects that make visiting Nantucket a truly special experience, offering invaluable getaway tips and insider insights. From lesser-known gems to the delectable local cuisine that will delight your taste buds, we've got you covered. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Nantucket enthusiast, our goal is to inspire and guide you as we uncover the timeless allure and treasured traditions that have put Nantucket on the map for generations.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Nantucket is undoubtedly during the summer months, from June to August. Nantucket's summer offers the best weather, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, creating the perfect setting for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. The island comes alive with a vibrant energy as visitors and locals alike partake in a myriad of seasonal activities, events, and festivals. From leisurely bike rides along scenic paths to picnics in idyllic spots, Nantucket's summer provides an array of opportunities to immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty and coastal charm.
If you’re visiting during peak season, know that steep peak prices also apply to rentals and hotels. If you’re flexible in your travel plans, consider visiting during shoulder seasons in late spring and early fall for milder temperatures and thinner crowds of tourists — offering a more tranquil and authentic coastal New England experience.
Though we haven’t visited in the winter (yet!), the island offers picturesque landscapes that are ideal for photographers. Nantucket takes on a magical quality with occasional snowfalls, creating stunning postcard-worthy scenes. It's the perfect time for brisk walks along the deserted beaches, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean in a raw and untamed state. Many of the island's cozy inns and bed-and-breakfasts offer discounted rates during the winter, providing an excellent opportunity for a more affordable and intimate getaway. Additionally, Nantucket's vibrant local community hosts various off-season events and cultural activities, giving visitors a chance to connect with the island's authentic charm. Whether you're savoring a hot cup of clam chowder by a crackling fireplace or discovering the island's rich history at its museums and historic sites, winter is a great alternative to experience Nantucket that most people have not seen.
Nantucket's Rich History and Culture
Nantucket culture is a blend of historical richness, maritime heritage, and a strong sense of community that defines the essence of this charming island. Rooted in its whaling past, the island's culture pays homage to its seafaring traditions, evident in its architecture, museums, and festivals. The Nantucket Whaling Museum stands as a cultural landmark, preserving the tales of the island's maritime legacy.
Beyond its whaling history, Nantucket fosters a vibrant arts scene, attracting talented artists who find inspiration in its picturesque landscapes. Galleries and studios showcase a diverse array of artwork, reflecting the island's creativity and appreciation for the arts.
The Kennedy family has a long and storied relationship with Nantucket, making the island a significant part of their history and legacy. The Kennedys' connection with Nantucket can be traced back to Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the patriarch of the Kennedy family, who acquired a property on the island in the 1920s. The Kennedys' presence on the island has also contributed to Nantucket's allure as a beloved and iconic New England getaway, drawing visitors from all over the world who wish to experience a bit of the island's rich history and cultural significance.
Getting to Nantucket
There are a few different ways to get to New England’s Grey Lady. There are several ferry options departing from different mainland ports in Massachusetts. Regardless of which ferry you decide to take, be sure to book well in advance, particularly if you plan to visit Nantucket during peak season.
Hy-Line Cruises: Hy-Line Cruises offers high-speed ferry service from Hyannis to Nantucket during the peak season. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs $89 per adult roundtrip. Our Italian Greyhound, Luna, traveled for free. What we really loved about Hy-Line was the flexibility to change your departure time. On both our arrival and departure days, we were able to adjust the ferry time free of charge (as long as you are traveling on the same day).
Steamship Authority: The Steamship Authority operates a year-round ferry service from the mainland ports of Hyannis and Woods Hole to Nantucket. The journey from Hyannis takes around 2 hours, while the Woods Hole route takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Seastreak: Seastreak provides seasonal high-speed ferry service from New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Nantucket. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
To get to Nantucket, you can fly into Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK), which is the main airport serving the island. Nantucket Memorial Airport offers commercial flights from several cities in the United States, especially during the peak summer season. Some of the common airports with direct flights to Nantucket include:
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) - Boston, Massachusetts
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - New York City, New York
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - New York City, New York
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - Newark, New Jersey
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) - Providence, Rhode Island
Getting around Nantucket
Nantucket is relatively small and bringing a vehicle is highly discouraged. Parking is notoriously difficult to find, particularly in the downtown area, with many hotels not offering parking spaces. The best way to get around Nantucket is by:
Biking: Nantucket is a bicycle-friendly island with numerous bike paths and scenic routes. Most hotels offer free bikes to use, or you can rent with local outfitters, like Young’s Bicycle Shop, Nantucket Bike Shop, or Easy Rider Bicycle Rentals.
Walking: Many of Nantucket's main attractions and downtown areas are easily accessible on foot.
Turo Car Rental: Download the Turo app and rent a car from a local islander. Think of this as the Airbnb of car rentals. The rates are much more affordable, ranging from $20/day and up, making it a much better option than most major car rental companies, which can charge upwards of hundreds of dollars per day.
Ride Share with Uber or Lyft: Uber and Lyft are both available on Nantucket, but be warned: prices are high, and wait times are long with limited available drivers.
Where to Stay in Nantucket, Massachusetts
Blue Iris by Lifehouse
Nantucket’s boutique hotel, Blue Iris, embodies the essence of coastal chic, timeless luxury, and exceptional hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the island, this bed and breakfast offers a one-of-a-kind experience for discerning travelers seeking a memorable stay.
Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a celebration of the island's creative history and coastal beauty. In the late 1800s, an art collector settled into a Greek Revival vacation estate in the heart of Nantucket. A Patroness of the Arts, she fondly welcomed neighbors and travelers for intimate gatherings on her garden patio and invited local artists to use her home as their studio.
Embracing her spirit, Life House Hotels crafted each room to be adorned with carefully curated artwork, playful Portuguese patterns, and soothing coastal color palettes to reflect the hotel’s rich history. Guests can expect opulent linens and terry from Revival New York, a retro Marshall amplifying speaker, and Le Labo bath products in every room.
Blue Iris Nantucket | 10 Hussey Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
Life House Nantucket
Just on the other side of the island, you’ll find Life House Nantucket, Blue Iris’ sister hotel. Nearly 200 years ago, Captain Robert Calder built a Federal-style mansion atop one of the highest points on Nantucket. After experiencing generous receptions in ports across the Atlantic, he turned his home into an inn and opened its doors to travelers in 1833. Life House designed this location with a nod to his wife — a nonchalant innkeeper’s eclectic escape that reflects her flair for cultivating the island’s native botany and practicing holistic wellness while her Captain was out at sea. Guests will experience sun-soaked rooms with raffia writing desks and botanical rain showers in the heart of this New England island.
Life House Nantucket | 10 Cliff Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554
Stop by Sister Ship
Be sure to stop by Sister Ship, a cocktail club and restaurant owned by Life House, just a five-minute walk away. Sister Ship offers elevated beverages alongside dishes inspired by New England seafood and local ingredients, served in a lush courtyard.
Sister Ship | 29 Centre Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
The Quick Guide to Nantucket
Things to Do
Go to the Beach!
Ride Bikes Around the Island
Summer Beach Picnics
Have a Beer at Cisco Brewery
Visit Brant Point Lighthouse Visit Sankaty Lighthouse
Favorite Beaches
Miacomet Beach
Cisco Beach
Steps Beach
Dionis Beach
Madaket Beach
Coskata Beach (Requires 4x4 Vehicle)
Best Provisions
Born & Bread - Artisan Bakery and Sandwiches
Eperney - Wine Shop
Brix - Wine Shop
Juice Bar - Best Ice Cream
Favorite Restaurants
CRU - Drinks, Oysters and Lobster Rolls in Marina
Sayles - Casual Seafood (Beach Picnic Approved)
Proprietors - Vegetable-Forward Dishes
Drinks and Late Night Music
Galley Beach - Beachside Sunset Happy Hour
The Nautilus - Great Drinks
Bar Club - Great Late Night Drinks
Chicken Box - Live Music and Late Eats
The Gaslight - Live Music and Late Eats
Planning your first trip to Nantucket? Check out our Nantucket Weekend Itinerary with insider tips and intel for planning your trip to this exclusive New England destination.
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