There’s nothing quite like summer in New England. It’s such a great time of year to explore this part of the country with endless idyllic beaches, historic towns and fresh local seafood.
One of my favorite New England destinations is Nantucket. I’ve been going to Nantucket each summer for the past few years and it’s a yearly tradition I really cherish. A trip to Nantucket island is what I look forward to each year, and I’m happy to help you plan the perfect weekend in Nantucket (or really any short trip to Nantucket)!
This Nantucket travel guide will help you plan your trip to Nantucket from the places to eat to the places to stay. You’ll also find plenty of activities and Nantucket beaches to fill your itinerary.
All about Nantucket
Many people have heard of Nantucket, but they don’t know much about it. Nantucket is a small island about 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. This tiny island was the whaling capital of the world from the mid-1700s to the late 1830s, so it’s steeped in history. It also has the highest concentration of pre-Civil War homes in the country!
Aside from its rich history, Nantucket is known for its beautiful beaches and its relative isolation. The island has a population of around 11,000, but during the summer months that number increases to around 50,000 when people move to their summer homes on the island.
I love Nantucket for its rich history, its charming downtown (referred to as Town), its overgrown gardens and its beautiful beaches. The island is so naturally beautiful with rolling sand dunes, windswept beaches and overgrown hydrangeas – in fact, about 50% of the island land is held in permanent conversation!
But there’s so much more to Nantucket than just natural beauty. In the summer, downtown Nantucket becomes quite the scene as crowds flock to the fine dining establishments and luxury stores.
Cisco Brewers, the local award-winning brewery, hosts live music and food trucks at its large (and often rowdy, but in a good way) beer garden. Annual events are held, such as the TED-style conference The Nantucket Project, and The Boston Pops concerts.
For a small island Nantucket really packs it in with a lot to do and see. Here’s a guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Nantucket. If you want more inspo to plan your trip, here’s my photo diary from one summer in Nantucket and neighboring Martha’s Vineyard.
When to Visit Nantucket
Nantucket’s high season is the summer when people with summer homes and day trippers flock to the island. Summer is the best time to travel for good weather, but the crowds are big and hotel prices skyrocket.
I like visiting Nantucket right before and right after high season, so late spring and early fall. The weather is still perfect but there are fewer crowds packing the small island.
No matter when you visit pack some sweaters and pants; this is New England and it can get chilly at night!
You can take a day trip to Nantucket from places like Boston, but I prefer staying a little longer whenever possible. Nantucket is perfect for a shoulder season or summer weekend getaway to have more time to explore the beauty of Nantucket.
Getting to Nantucket
Nantucket is not the easiest place to get to, but that’s part of its charm. Since it’s an island, you can only get to Nantucket by ferry or airplane.
There is a small airport on the south side of the island. While flights from places like Boston and Martha’s Vineyard operate year round, there are many seasonal flights available each summer from other cities in the United States such as Charlotte, New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington DC.
Regular and high speed ferries leave multiple times a day from Hyannis in Cape Cod, and there are also ferries from New Bedford, MA and New York City. If you’re visiting in the summer and driving to the ferry, plan for heavy beach traffic.
The main ferry companies that service Nantucket are SeaStreak, Hy-Line and Steamship Authority.
Getting around Nantucket
Nantucket is a tiny island at 15 miles long and 3-6 miles wide. You don’t need a car on the island, and I’ve visited both with a car and without.
While I do prefer to have a car because I like being able to get up and drive wherever I want, you definitely don’t need one. You can bring your car over on the slow ferry (for a fee) or rent one on the island. Nantucket is known for its drive-on beaches, but you need a permit to do so. If you have your heart set on renting a car, I suggest reserving far ahead of time.
If you opt to go without a car you can get almost everywhere you need to go by bike. Bike rental shops are all over downtown. Taxis and Ubers are also plentiful on the island.
If you stay in town, you can get to most places by walking (even prime beaches, like Jetties and Steps). Nantucket has a great public transportation system called The Wave that loops around the island. Each ride is $3 and it’s very easy to navigate.
Important notes on Nantucket
Nantucket’s nickname is The Gray Lady due to the heavy fog that frequently rolls in. Along with the fog, weather on Nantucket is very temperamental. I’ve experienced heavy fog, rain showers, 90 degree heat and chilly winds- all in one day!
A rain jacket and sweaters are recommended even in the middle of summer. If the weather doesn’t seem to be cooperating just give it a little time, it will likely change!
Nantucket is not a budget destination. Hotel and resort prices shoot up during the crowded summer months, so it’s important to plan early and check out a variety of accommodations, like Airbnb, in addition to hotels. Dining out is also expensive on the island, so budget accordingly.
Where to Stay on Nantucket
Luxury Accommodations
The Wauwinet– This is a sister property to The White Elephant. It’s smaller than The White Elephant but equally as luxurious. The Wauwinet is located on the east side of the island, so it’s pretty far from Town (20 minute ride). The hotel does provide a free shuttle. If you don’t mind being a bit removed, this is a beautiful hotel in a serene setting.
Mid-Range Accommodations
76 Main– This charming hotel is situated right in Town. This is a small boutique property that’s in an old house. I stayed here on my most recent trip and really enjoyed its location and preppy nautical decor.
Hotel Pippa– This is one of the newest hotels on the island. It has a great location in Town surrounded by some of the island’s best restaurants and shops.
Budget Accommodations
The Beachside at Nantucket– The Beachside is a casual hotel in Nantucket that’s still located in a convenient area near Town.
Home rental- If you’re looking for a budget accommodation, I suggest searching for home rentals on Airbnb and VRBO. Plan ahead as the best properties tend to book quickly.
Where to Eat on Nantucket (and Drink Too!)
Nantucket is full of great restaurants and bars. Some of the best seafood places I’ve ever been to are on the island! If you visit in the busy summer months it’s important to make reservations ahead of time. My must-eat spots are:
The Sandbar at Jetties- This is a great lunch option. It’s situated right on Jetties Beach and is within walking distance from Town. Don’t miss their frozen blueberry lemonade!
Millie’s– Located in on the far west of Nantucket in Madaket. Millie’s is a great spot for lunch or a casual dinner and boasts an amazing drink menu.
The Nautilus– A tiny spot downtown with fabulous, inventive dishes served tapas style (many have an Asian twist) and an extensive cocktail menu.
Cru– Gorgeous, nautical restaurant right on the water in downtown. Perfect for a special night out! Don’t miss the lobster roll here, it won my personal award for best on the island (and I tried A LOT!).
Galley Beach– Galley Beach is a great location to watch the sunset. I don’t particularly love their food, and it’s a bit of a party vibe, but it’s worth checking out for a cocktail before dinner.
Cisco Brewers– The island’s craft brewery. Delicious craft beer, and also a distillery and winery on-site. A great spot to spend the afternoon in their outdoor “garden” that’s complete with local food trucks and live music.
The Juice Bar– This is the spot for ice cream on the island. Get your scoops in a waffle cone or bowl and don’t miss the homemade hot fudge. The line can be long, but it moves quickly.
Dune– This is a restaurant in Town that I finally tried on my most recent trip and it was delicious! People frequently cite it as their favorite spot, and I can see why.
What to Do on Nantucket
Nantucket offers plenty of activities thanks to the history of the island and the natural beauty of the island. This famous island in New England makes it easy to fill a Nantucket itinerary whether it is a one day itinerary, a weekend itinerary, or even a longer itinerary with a more relaxed schedule.
Best Beaches on Nantucket
Of course Nantucket is known for its beaches, many of which you can drive on. From surfing beaches with huge waves, to family-friendly options, there’s something for everyone.
Nobadeer– This is a great beach for driving on, but don’t try this unless you have a permit and four-wheel drive.
‘Sconset– This beach is located in the neighborhood of Siasconset, on the east end of the island. It’s about a 20 minute drive, and the Wave bus makes stops in ‘Sconset throughout the day. Something I love about this beach is that it’s home to seals that make frequent appearances!
Jetties– This is one of my favorite beaches on Nantucket. It’s small and very calm (no waves here) so it’s perfect for families and children. While it may not be the most exciting beach, I love that it’s within walking distance from Town and it’s home to one of my favorite casual restaurants on the island, The Sandbar.
Steps– The entrance to this beach is absolutely beautiful! It’s located below a cliff and a long wooden staircase takes you to a pathway through the sand before you reach the ocean. It’s gorgeous and very popular for sunsets. It’s also just a 20 minute walk from downtown Nantucket.
Best Things to Do on Nantucket
‘Sconset Bluff Walk
For me, no trip to Nantucket is complete without going out east to ‘Sconset and strolling along the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk. The Bluff Walk is an inconspicuous trail through the backyards of gorgeous homes overlooking the ocean.
The walk starts near the small “downtown” of ‘Sconset and meanders through forest paths and beautiful backyards. You may feel a little weird walking through people’s yards, but it’s expected!
Admire the ocean vistas and the beautiful homes, many of which are covered in flowers! Shortly after the Bluff Walk is the famous red and white striped Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
Break a Sweat
From biking to surfing to sailing, there is so much you can do on Nantucket. There are bike trails all over the island, in fact there are 56 km of trails! If you rent bikes on the island I recommend using Young’s or Cook’s, both located right in Town.
The Nantucket Surf School has been teaching surfing lessons on Cisco Beach since 1999. They offer private lessons, group lessons and even learn-to-surf camp for children. They rent wetsuits, surfboards and even stand up paddle boards. There are many options to go sailing on Nantucket, from sunset cruises to lessons.
Endeavor Sailing offers cruises throughout the day and a special sunset sail.
Shop in Town
I absolutely love the shopping on Nantucket! Town is filled with beautifully curated boutiques, art galleries and book shops.
Spending an afternoon walking around the cobblestone streets and popping in and out of shops is a must. One of my favorite local stores that highlights small designers is Skinny Dip Nantucket.
Learn Nantucket’s History
There are many options to learn about the island’s rich history. The Nantucket Whaling Museum is located in Town and is the flagship property of The Nantucket Historical Association. The Nantucket Preservation Trust offers historic walking tours of Main Street in Town and of ‘Sconset.
The Brant Point Lighthouse (officially named Brand Point Light) is beautiful for pictures but also a historical location in Nantucket. This lighthouse is the shortest lighthouse in all of New England at only 26 feet tall. It is also the second oldest lighthouse in the US, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nantucket looks like absolute paradise! Thank you for writing such a detailed guide about it! After living in Sweden for three years and experiencing "Swedish summers," aka no summer, I think I could handle that temperamental Nantucket weather…At least I hope.
Such beautiful photos! Is there a history behind the Jared Coffin house name?
Great suggestions – I’ve been dying to visit Nantucket – I’ll keep this for my trip! xx