Travel Guide: Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming summer paradise located off the coast of Massachusetts. Only accessible by ferry and plane, Nantucket is a quaint island and the perfect destination to embrace the summer season. There are cobblestone streets, amazing boutiques and shops, beautiful beaches, and incredible views of the water.

How to Get There:

The best way to get to Nantucket is by ferry or by plane. Throughout high season, certain airlines will operate flights directly to Nantucket. Alternatively, the Hy-line ferry is the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket.

When to Go:

Nantucket definitely prides itself as a summer destination and, as expected, June-August is the busiest time (and most expensive)to visit Nantucket. The best time to go to Nantucket to really enjoy the island without the crowds is during the shoulder season: May/June and September/beginning of October. June is when the temperatures really start to warm up and Nantucket starts to grow into a lively, summer getaway destination.

Figawi, one of the most popular celebratory weekends on Nantucket, takes place on Memorial Day weekend. While you can visit Nantucket during the off-season, the weather can be quite unpredictable and some of the restaurants and hotels will be closed throughout off-season.

Things to Do:

Nantucket Center: Nantucket center is located right where the ferry arrives. There are a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques in the heart of Nantucket.
Cisco Brewery: Cisco Brewery is a brewery located in the outskirts of Nantucket. There is usually music and a few food trucks that offer local fare. It is definitely a highlight to any trip to Nantucket.
Spend the day at the Beach: Galley Beach, Steps Beach, and Jettie’s Beach are all within walking distance from the town center. Alternatively, you could also look at Madaket Beach or Cisco Beach, which are accessible by car.
Rent a Bike: Nantucket is relatively bike friendly, and it is a great way to explore the island. There are a few bike rental spots on the island.
Grab a Drink: The Cable Car, Chicken Box, and The Gazebo are island staples for a drink. The Gazebo is known for its mudslides.
Sconset: an artistic enclave located on the eastern end of Nantucket. It is known for its oceanfront mansions, cliff walks, and history as a fishing town. The best way to get to Sconset is to bike, which is roughly 8 miles along the Milestone Road Bike Path. The ride is pretty easy and relatively flat.
- While quiet, there is plenty to do while you are here in Sconset:
  - Walk or bike to Sankaty Lighthouse
  - Walk along the Sconset Bluff Walk, a 1.2 mile pedestrian path that runs parallel to the water
  - Visit Sconset Beach– one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
  - There are also a few other gift shops that you can also visit while you are there. Now, it is time to relax for a few hours at Sconset Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is the perfect destination to relax and spend a few hours.
Boat tour of Nantucket Harbor
Brant Point Lighthouse
Rent a Jeep – another fun way to explore the island, there are some beaches that allow you to drive right onto the beach with your car
Learn to Surf

Restaurant Recommendations:

It is important to make reservations at any restaurant when to visit Nantucket

Here are a few restaurant options while in Nantucket, but there are plenty more on the island!

Cru– a popular restaurant on the island located right near the ferry.
Provisions – located close the ferry and is known for its sandwiches, especially its breakfast sandwiches. A great option for before or after the ferry.
Black Eyed Susan’s – a sit down restaurant known as one of the best breakfast spots on the island
Lemon Press– located right on Main Street, known for its fresh and healthy cuisine, offers juices, bowls, and breakfast sandwiches)
Millie’s Nantucket – known for its coastal cuisine including items such as tacos and poke bowls
Something Natural – known for its fresh ingredients and sandwiches
Nautilus – only 50 seats at this restaurant, so definitely make reservations; known for its Asian fusion cuisine and offers tapas style dishes
Claudette’s – located in Sconset, casual sit-down sandwich shop
Sconset Market – market that is close to Sconset beach, a nice option to grab food before going to the beach for the day
Straight Wharf- an island staple that has been open for almost 50 years
Lola 41– high-end sushi restaurant and known for Asian cuisine
Jetties Beach – a restaurant located right on Jetties Beach