Nantucket, Massachusetts Travel Guide
Nantucket, Massachusetts is a classic all-American getaway. Yachties, yuppies, and sophisticated socialites mix with families and low-key locals on this iconic New England island. Nantucket is known for its wild dune-backed beaches and out of this world seafood from some of America’s best eateries. The rose and ivy covered mansions, straight out of Pinterest, are the cherry on top.
Impressively, Nantucket has been able to maintain its maritime heritage. All houses must be built with unpainted cedar shingles that turn grey as they weather over time. I appreciate how the community wants to keep the islands authenticity, not allowing tourism and development to alter it. Many local business owners are wary about travel trends. I asked about an e-bike at a rental shop and the owner said he’s not a fan. His reasoning? It takes away the classic feel of riding a bike & just slowing down and enjoying the scenery.
From breezy bike rides to lobster lunches, I’ve rounded up the best spots to visit on this idyllic island.
How to Get There
You can take a ferry from mainland Massachusetts, but direct flights from Boston, JFK or Washington DC are easier for those on a time crunch. My Jetblue flight from Boston to Nantucket took about 20 minutes... so quick! FYI Nantucket is known as The Grey Lady due to its fog, so be prepared for potential fight delays.
Also, if you are traveling during the summer and would like to rent a car, make sure you book early as they sell out fast. A car really is not required though, and you can get around via bikes, taxis, and scooters.
Things to Do on Nantucket
- Explore the downtown area, designated as a "National Historic District”. It’s free of traffic lights which adds to the historical charm. Preppy clothing staples like Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer, antique shops, and chic restaurants line the cobblestone streets (ladies, no stilettos here).
- Stroll the stunning Sconset Bluff Walk, a sandy footpath with mansions to the left and the Atlantic Ocean to the right. It feels like true Americana, with the white picket fences and upwards of 20+ American flags blowing in the wind along the coastline.
- Bike or scooter around the island. There are lots of rental shops right in town. Some great paths include Surfside Road, Polpis Road, Madaket Road, Milestone Road, and Cliff Road.
- Visit the pristine beaches. The best beaches on Nantucket:
North Shore Beaches: Jetties Beach, Brant Point Beach, Children’s Beach, Steps Beach, Dionis Beach. More gentle waves, good for families.
South Shore Beaches: Surfside Beach, Nobadeer Beach, Ladies Beach, Cisco Beach. Cooler water temps & bigger waves so it’s awesome for surfers.
East End Beaches: Siaconset/Sconset Beach, Great Point Beach, Low Beach. Best sunrises and tons of seals to see.
West End Beaches: Madaket Beach. Not great for swimming, but the best place to catch a sunset.
4WD permit Beaches: Coatue, Great Point, and parts of Madaket. Isolated, adventurous and accessible by 4WD vehicles only.
- Check out the lighthouses: Brant Point, Sankaty Head, Great Point
- Go sailing or fishing
- Go surfing, kayaking, or paddle boarding
- Rent a jeep and explore Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
- Hike on trails in the Middle Moors in the center of the island. It’s the largest plot of protected land on Nantucket and reminds me of the Serengeti. I must not be the only one, as I noticed kitschy cut outs of lions and zebras.
Where to Eat & Drink
Black Eyed Susan’s: great breakfast spot serving up the classics
Lemon Press: organic cafe with delicious coffee and healthy breakfast choices
Provisions: best place for sandwiches
Something Natural: bakery and sandwich shop that has been around for 50 years
Millie’s: coastal fare and cocktails
167 Raw: raw bar and fish market serving up some of the best seafood on the island
Cru: vibey and sophisticated oyster bar.. amazing place to people watch on the water
Nautilus: must do for dinner & they serve my fave Nautilus wine from Marlborough, New Zealand
Cisco Brewers: a brewery, winery, cocktail bar, and live music venue all in one
Straight Wharf: posh seafood focused restaurant with menus that change nightly
Bartlett’s Farms: Nantucket Island’s oldest and largest family owned farm with a fab market
Galley Beach: beach bar & restaurant that’s perfect for sunsets
Sandbar at Jetties Beach: great happy hours right on the sand
The Juice Bar: icon for ice cream
Where to Stay
The accommodation scene on Nantucket mainly consists of refined boutique hotels and restored B&Bs, as well as home rentals.
Airbnb/VRBO for home rentals
Nantucket Travel Tips
It gets chilly at night all year round, so pack a jacket even if it’s the middle of summer.
The best time to visit is May - October. The hydrangeas show off July - early September, which is worth scheduling around if you’re also a flower lover. I visited Labor Day weekend into the week after and the weather was gorgeous.
It’s expensive, so save it for a couples trip or girls weekend where you don’t mind splurging on meals. Expect to pay for the privilege of being on the island; a $30 glass of wine is not uncommon.
If you are biking, check out Google Maps beforehand. Some of the roads are sand which makes it very challenging.
Here is my custom Google Maps Nantucket Travel Guide
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