The Perfect Guide To Nantucket Island (Updated 2026)

Golden beaches, cottages dating back to the 17th century, pastel hydrangea flowers, quaint brick roads, and laid back seafood restaurants make up the tiny, but iconic Massachusetts island of Nantucket. Nantucket lives up to the hype. While it was more quaint, quiet, charming, and authentic years ago - it still carries that unforced New England charm. Here you can wander the brick roads, shop at high end boutiques in downtown, have a go at surfing at Cisco, or dine at one of the many award winning restaurants. Read on to discover the beautiful island of Nantucket.

 This post is all about a guide to Nantucket. 

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How To Get To Nantucket

There are a few ways to get to Nantucket:

The most popular way to get to the island is by ferry from the Cape. You could book the fast or slow ferry from Hyannis, MA, you can take a ferry from Boston, or you could book the fast or slow ferry from Harwich, MA. I always went to Nantucket from Harwich. The cheapest way is to take the slow ferry from Hyannis.

You can fly to Nantucket. Airlines such as JetBlue, Delta, United, Cape Air, and more fly to ACK.  If you are flying into Boston you could take a bus from Boston Logan Airport to Hyannis and then hop on the ferry.

See the latest flights to Nantucket here.

When To Go To Nantucket

The most popular times to visit is May - September and over the holidays, because of the lovely Christmas market. The cheapest time to visit Nantucket would be in the spring - which I don't recommend (bad and unpredictable weather). Also during the spring many of the shops and restaurants on Nantucket are closed. The fall is a great time to visit if you are looking to save. The weather is a bit more chilly, but it is still beautiful.

If you are going to go to Nantucket I would say just to spend some money and enjoy the summer. July is my favorite month in Nantucket, but if you are looking for less of a crowd go in the end of August or September.

How To Get Around Nantucket

Nantucket is a small island. You could buy the $18 day pass for the bus (this could change) that goes all around the island. You could also rent a car. A lot of people love their Jeeps and high rise vehicles on Nantucket!

Where to Stay In Nantucket

White Elephant - Located on Nantucket Harbor (just steps from some the the islands best beaches), The White Elephant is the most well known hotel on the island. Here you can find old-school luxury, pool and cabanas, a spa, and a restaurant. It books out months in advance.

Seven Seas Inn - If you are looking for something quaint, quiet, and to experience the the real Nantucket, the Seven Seas Inn it perfect. Located right in town, this charming Inn embodies what Nantucket was before it became famous. Think working fireplaces, brick walls, and wood features. Seven Seas also books up months in advance!

Nantucket Resort Collection- The Nantucket Resort Collection is one of the few hotels open year round. They are relatively inexpensive compared to other hotels on the island, but still incredibly luxurious with a modern design that still maintains New England's charm.

Faraway Nantucket -Faraway Nantucket is all about design. Located in town, you will find thoughtfully designed spaces split across 6 buildings. Here you will find 58 guest rooms, a restaurant, and an outdoor courtyard.

What To Do In Nantucket

Have a Go At Surfing At Cisco Beach

It has big waves and good vibes. Cisco is a surfing beach very close to Bartlett Farms and , of course, Cisco Breweries which both have great food. So if you get hungry at the beach just hop on your bike.

Watch The Sunset At Jetties Beach

If you have younger kids, Jetties Beach is perfect. There are hardly any waves at here and there is a child friendly restaurant at the beach.

Jetties is right next to downtown Nantucket so it is easy to walk to if you are just doing a day trip.

Jetties is also a great place to watch the sunset as the sun will sink into the ocean here. At night people will light bonfires and roast marshmallows.

Downtown Nantucket

Right when you hop off the ferry you will enter the lovely downtown Nantucket. Downtown Nantucket has adorable bouquets and amazing food. Some of our favorite boutiques include Mitchell's Book Corner and Erica Wilson.

Even if you are not too into shopping you can just admire the beauty of the cobblestone streets and brick buildings or sit at a cafe and people watch.

Check out the Yachts

Nantucket has so many yachts. Take a stroll along the dock near the downtown and checkout the magnificent yachts! You can do this while you are in the downtown as the harbor is right in town.

Fishing Charter

If you love to fish, Nantucket is the place to do it. You can book this private fishing charter that provides rods and everything you need.

I am not into fishing but my dad and brother went on this tour and love it.

Great Point

Great Point is a beach on the Atlantic side of the island. You can go to Great Point and drive your jeep or other high rise car on the sand. Bring a picnic or watching the sunset!

Be careful swimming at Great Point as there has been a ton of shark sightings recently.

Siasconset

Siasconset is another small town and beach on Nantucket. It is great to walk dogs, go to the beach, and eat some food. There is a lovely boardwalk in Siasconset that overlooks the ocean. Grab a morning coffee and walk the boardwalk.

Cisco Breweries

You should definitely add the famous Cisco Breweries to your Nantucket itinerary. Cisco Breweries is the place to be after a beach day. Cisco is lined with amazing food trucks and the best beer in town.

Bike Around Nantucket

If you have ever been to Nantucket you will know that the island is full of bikers. There are so many gorgeous bike paths all throughout the island. Many people will bike all around Nantucket because it is such a small island.

You can rent bike in downtown right when get off the ferry and use that as your mode of transportation. It would be so much cheaper than renting a car!

Walk Down Orange Street

Orange Street is an adorable Street right next to downtown Nantucket. Walk down to see old Nantucket homes, gorgeous flowers, and really cool cars that embody what life is like on Nantucket. The homes on Orange Street were some of the first homes ever built on the island dating back to the 1700s. While walking down Orange Street you will notice roof decks, often called widow walks, on pretty much all of the houses. These roof decks are called widow walks because way back when people first settled on Nantucket woman would look out at sea from there roof. They would do this because they were hoping that they would see their husbands boat coming back from sea, as Nantucket was once a fishing village.

Best Restaurants On Nantucket

Best Dinner Spots On Nantucket

Lola 41 - Well-liked and stylish asian bistro located in downtown.

Slip 14 - Slip 14 serves american seafood dishes. With the outdoor seating and details of rope and fisherman's net you will feel like you are on a ship.

American Seasons - Upscale restaurant set in downtown. The menu changes with the season to serve the freshest most delectable food. Make sure to make a reservation because American Seasons will book out months in advance.

Pizzeria Gemelle - Pizzeria Gemelle servers thin crust pizza that is perfect if you are not in the mood to go out to dinner, want to save some money, or want to have a sunset picnic at the beach.

Best Lunch Spots On Nantucket

Lemon Press - A women owned family business that serves all fresh middle eastern and mediterranean inspired food set in town.

Provisions - Best beach sandwiches. Provisions is in downtown Nantucket right next to the ferries so if you are hungry after the boat ride it is an amazing way to start your time on Nantucket.

Bartlett Farms - Right next to Cisco Beach. Bartlett Farms is great grocery store with really good sandwiches at the deli park of the grocery store. You should try there lobster roll.

Best Breakfast and Coffee On Nantucket

Island Coffee - If you wake up early like me you can grab your coffee here as it opens before all of the other coffee shops.

Born & Bread - French bakery in downtown, so good. This place is very expensive but its it is worth it!

Lemon Press - Has it all - try the charcoal coffee

Downyflake - Best donuts in town. I got them my last morning in Nantucket and I regretted not getting them earlier. They are small donuts, so you may end up eating a few too many.

Best Ice Cream Shop On Nantucket

Jack & Charlie's - Not a huge crowd and great ice cream! Jack & Charlie's have the cutest outside set up.

Where To Go Out On Nantucket

Cisco Breweries - The original Cisco Brewers sits only a 5 minute drive from Cisco beach. Beer, food trucks & live music. It get super crowded in the summer so you may have to wait to get in.

The Chicken Box - In town and live music every night!

Read Next - Nantucket Food Guide

Nantucket Day Trip Itinerary

Many people do day trips to Nantucket because it is much more affordable. You can take the 8am ferry and then the 7pm ferry back. The ferries are only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Harwich.

• Grab a coffee and egg sandwich at Born & Bread: Mercentile and bakery
• Shop around downtown for a few hours and get a nantucket outfit (be sure to checkout the yachts)
• Provisions sandwiches from downtown
• Hop on the Nantucket bus-line and go to Cisco Beach. Cisco is a surfing beach but it is by far my favorite on Nantucket. If you have kids you could go to Jetties, which is very kid friendly!
• Once you have soaked up the sun and enjoyed the island head back the the ferry.

Nantucket On a Budget

Go to the Stop and Shop next to downtown Nantucket and grab snacks and lunch food! Whenever I am traveling on a budget I buy oatmeal at a local grocery store for breakfast and ingredients for peanut butter and jellies for lunch. There are not many budget friendly restaurants on Nantucket so if you want to go out to dinner make sure you budget for it. You could always eat takeout pizza!

Also buy sunscreen at Stop and Shop because buying sunscreen anywhere else on Nantucket would be a fortune.

Also check out these work exchanges for free accommodation in the summer on Nantucket.

Where To Go From Nantucket

If you are lucky enough to have more time in the lovely state of Massachusetts and New England here are some places to consider after you finish your Nantucket Itinerary.

Martha's Vineyard - Martha's Vineyard is Nantucket's neighbor to the west. Martha's Vineyard (or the Vineyard) and Nantucket are very similar but they have their differences. The Vineyard is much bigger than Nantucket and is closer to the mainland. While Nantucket is probably the preppiest place you will ever visit, Martha's Vineyard is much more laid back. While in Martha's Vineyard checkout Jaws Bridge and the Martha's Vineyard Gingerbread Houses. The Gingerbread Houses are actual houses that look like gingerbread houses. The Jaws bridge is the bridge in the famous movie Jaws. Don't watch Jaws before visiting Martha's Vineyard.

Boston - After relaxing island time you may be ready to join the hustle and bustle again in Boston. Boston is a lovely city that has many European features in terms of architecture. While in Boston take a stroll down Newbury Street, read a book in the Boston Common ,and catch a game at Fenway Park, the oldest baseball park in the United States.

Related Article - 15 Places To Visit In Massachusetts

A Locals Guide To Nantucket Wrap Up

We hope you plan the perfect trip to Nantucket with this travel guide! If you liked this post check out our other Nantucket guides and our Cape Cod articles.