Nantucket
City

Nantucket

New England's pristine island escape of cobblestones and charm

Thirty miles off Cape Cod, Nantucket feels like stepping into a New England postcard that forgot to age. Cobblestone streets lead to weathered-shingle houses where whaling captains once counted their fortunes. Today, the island trades whale oil for wine bars, but the charm remains untouched.

The ferry ride from Hyannis takes an hour – just enough time to watch the mainland fade and feel your shoulders drop. Once you dock at Steamship Wharf, the island's spell kicks in immediately. No chain stores clutter Main Street. No traffic lights interrupt your thoughts. Just rose-covered cottages, pristine beaches, and the kind of laid-back luxury that money can't manufacture.

Summer brings crowds and $30 lobster rolls, but also perfect beach days and harbor sunsets that justify every penny. Spring and fall offer cooler weather and smaller crowds – plus room rates that won't require a second mortgage. Winter? The island practically hibernates, which has its own quiet appeal if you're into that sort of thing.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Nantucket. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Nantucket Town centers everything around the harbor and Main Street's brick sidewalks. The White Elephant and Harbor View Hotel put you steps from restaurants and shops, though you'll pay resort prices even for standard rooms. Look for smaller inns like The Veranda House on Step Lane – same walkable location, half the attitude. Siasconset (locals call it 'Sconset) sits on the island's eastern shore, famous for rose-covered cottages that look straight out of a fairy tale. The Summer House here offers beachfront luxury, but book months ahead. For families, the area around Jetties Beach on the north shore provides easy beach access and more reasonable vacation rental options. Madaket on the western tip delivers the island's best sunsets and fewer crowds. It's a 20-minute bike ride from town, which keeps the day-trippers away. The area works well for longer stays when you want to feel properly removed from everything.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Visit in May or September for summer weather without peak prices - hotel rates drop 40-50%
  • 2.Skip the car ferry - bikes cost $35/day vs $200+ for vehicle transport
  • 3.Pack lunches for beach days - even basic sandwiches cost $15+ near popular beaches
  • 4.Buy groceries at Stop & Shop before taking the ferry - island prices run 30% higher
  • 5.Book restaurants early in the day for same-day reservations vs weeks-ahead planning
  • 6.Stay in vacation rentals for longer visits - hotels charge resort fees on top of room rates
  • 7.Take the slow ferry for half the price - adds 30 minutes but saves $20+ per person

Travel Tips

  • •Bring layers even in summer - ocean breezes make evenings cool
  • •Reserve bikes in advance during peak season - shops sell out by noon
  • •Download offline maps - cell service gets spotty on the island's edges
  • •Pack reef-safe sunscreen - regular sunscreen damages the island's marine ecosystem
  • •Bring cash - many local spots don't accept cards or charge fees
  • •Book dinner reservations when you book your hotel - popular spots fill up fast
  • •Check ferry schedules for weather delays - storms can strand you an extra day

Frequently Asked Questions

Take the Steamship Authority ferry from Hyannis, Cape Cod. The fast ferry takes 1 hour, slow ferry takes 2.5 hours. You can also fly into Nantucket Memorial Airport from Boston, New York, and other East Coast cities.

Explore Nantucket

Things to Do in NantucketWhen to Visit Nantucket3 Days in Nantucket7 Days in Nantucket

Ready to explore Nantucket?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.