Travel Guide to Nantucket Island. Where to Stay, Shop, Dine and Explore. — Girls Guides (2024)

FAQs

How many days do you need to explore Nantucket? ›

Three days on Nantucket will give you plenty of time to get a sense of the island and enjoy some of what makes it so special. I'm going to lay out your itinerary for three days on Nantucket over a long weekend (or mid-week trip for fewer crowds!)

June, July and August are the best times to go to Nantucket for families and those who prioritize warmer weather and beach time. Fall (September and October) and Spring (April to early June) are perfect for couples and friend groups, or those who are looking to enjoy the island when it's less busy.

If you want to see as much of the island as possible during your day, renting a car or an e-bike would be the best choice. You can see a lot of town on foot and a lot of the island on a bike, but if you are the kind of person who wants to maximize the sight seeing, having a motor makes it more doable.

Nantucket is small and extremely walkable, so please consider leaving your car in Hyannis, where both ferry lines operate secure lots. Parking can be difficult on-island, particularly in high season, and it is rather expensive to ferry your car back and forth.

There are loads of types of vacations in Nantucket and the cost will depend on what type of trip you're taking and for how long you'd like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $674; Family vacation $535; Romantic vacation $697; Luxury vacation $697.

While cars are allowed on Nantucket, it's much easier to get around on foot, bike, shuttle or ride share like Uber. The island is small, parking is limited and the cost to bring your car by ferry is expensive, so we recommend walking, riding a bike or moped, or renting a car.

Martha's Vineyard is the larger of the two islands and is also far busier. Its population swells to over 200,000 in summer, so you could run into some crowds. Nantucket is smaller and doesn't get as busy. If you're looking to relax and hit up a secluded trail or beach, it's worth considering.

What is the best time of year to visit Nantucket? Summer beach vacations to Nantucket are popular among travelers from around the world, making this the busiest season on the island. The spring and fall months are generally quieter times of year, though most shops, restaurants, and attractions are open for business.

The best time to visit Martha's Vineyard, according to many New Englanders at least, is around either May or September.

Brant Point is perhaps the most iconic of Nantucket Island areas. The location allows for a quick walk into the heart of town, or for leisurely strolls past oceanfront homes and Brant Point Lighthouse.

What's so special about Nantucket? ›

Renowned for our cobblestone streets, high-end dining establishments, luxurious hotels, and charming inns, Nantucket is a world-class destination. Art galleries, a picturesque harbor, and museums add to the tapestry of cultural richness.

The island of Nantucket offers a seasonal public transit system, as well bikes paths, car rentals, and taxi services. With many options for transportation on the island, traveling with a vehicle is not necessary. Parking is not available at The Cottages.

You can use your major credit cards pretty much everywhere on the Cape and islands; the exceptions might be some smaller stores or eateries (we indicate in the review of the place whether it's cash only).

There are lifeguards on duty at Jetties beach during the summer months and there is a large seasonal boardwalk extending roughly 380 feet from the parking lot to the beach that makes the beach accessible for people who may have difficulty walking in soft sand.

Two ferry lines - Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority - provide convenient, year-round service from Hyannis to Nantucket. Both run high-speed passenger catamarans with a travel time of approximately one hour. The Steamship Authority also runs a traditional car-and-passenger ferry, with a 2 ¼ hour cruise time.

Two ferry lines - Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority - provide convenient, year-round service from Hyannis to Nantucket. Both run high-speed passenger catamarans with a travel time of approximately one hour. The Steamship Authority also runs a traditional car-and-passenger ferry, with a 2 ¼ hour cruise time.

We will be setting a brisk pace for this four to eight hour hike, so if you choose to hike the whole way, prepare for a long day. Please wear appropriate shoes, bring sun-screen (or rain gear), insect repellent, lunch and a refillable water bottle. There will be water available at all checkpoints and fruit and snacks.