Welcome to The Rock
We're definitely biased, but we think Nantucket is one of the best places. Not only does it offer world-class kiting and water activity conditions, but there are amazing places to eat, stay, and explore when not on the water. We've put some of our favorites and go-tos, and always love giving recommendations if looking for more!
Traveling to the Island
Getting to Nantucket can be tricky, especially in the heat of summer (but we promise it's worth it!). Try to lock in your travel as far in advance as possible. Below are some resources to help you get to the island. Surrounded by nothing but water, you have two options: arrive by sea or arrive by air. We don’t really recommend swimming.
BY SEA
A cheap and convenient option for getting to and from Nantucket is by ferry, both with or without your car. Please note both Hyline and Steamship serve Cisco beer and make a mean bloody Mary. Steamship Authority runs year-round from Hyannis to Nantucket. It offers both a high-speed, passenger-only boat (takes about one hour), as well as the traditional car-and-passenger ferry (a little over two hour ride). Hy-Line Cruises runs one hour high-speed passenger ferries from Hyannis throughout the year. The Hy-Line also provides a seasonal ferry option between Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Seasonal, high-speed passenger options are also available via Freedom Cruise Line from Harwich Port, and Seastreak from New Bedford, New York City, and Highland. This Website oes a great job of consolidating all the information you want to know about getting to Nantucket by ferry.
By Plane
It’s fastest and easiest to fly directly into the Nantucket Airport (ACK), with flights offered both on a seasonal and year-round basis. Several companies also offer private, charter flights to Nantucket. We'd be happy to provide recommendations if you are interested in this option.
Getting Around
There are several ways to explore all the Grey Lady has to offer. For short stays the bus system, Ubers/Taxis, and bikes are great! And nothing beats renting a 4x4 to go off-roading.
BikesBringing or renting a bike is an extremely effective way to explore Nantucket. With sprawling bike paths and dirt trails, biking adventures are endless and a blast. It's also good to know that you can put your bike on the shuttle to get to more remote areas. Nantucket Bike ShopYoung's Bicycle Shop Easy Riders Bicycle Rentals Island Bike Company |
CarsIf you’re going to rent a car, we'll always suggest a 4WD for getting around the and exploring the island. While not necessary to getting around the island, it does add convenience at times and can get you additional access to certain locations. Nantucket Windmill Auto RentalAffordable Rentals Young's Bicycle Shop Nantucket Island Rent-A-Car Uber & Lyft Nantucket Taxis |
ShuttleThe WAVE (Nantucket's shuttle system) is robust, efficient, and well run. We cannot recommend it enough for getting around the island. |
Where to stay
Part of what makes Nantucket so great are the different parts of the island, each offering its own unique feel and experience. Below are just a few to get you started, and here are some more details to help you find the best place!
-
Downtown
This is the heart of the island, closest to the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The cobblestoned streets are only steps away from pristine beaches, bike paths, and historic landmarks. If you are looking for more activity and prefer not to have to deal with a car on island, downtown may be best for you!
Sconset
For those after more privacy and a quieter place to get away, we'd suggest staying in Sconset. A 17th century fishing village, it is located on the eastern end of the island and is about a 15 minute drive or a 40-45 minute bike ride from town. Be sure not to miss the Bluff Walk and the addictive Sconset Market cookies!
Pocomo
This is the closest spot to where the windsports happen on the harbor! It is a 15 minute drive from downtown, and is best described by quiet roads, private houses tucked away, and quick access to walking trails and flat water beaches. Stay here if you're looking to optimize your kiting time.
South Shore
Over on this part of the island is where the best waves are! These are great beaches for hanging out with family and friends and also are known for some of the best sunsets on the island. Along the South Shore, you can stay in Nobadeer, Cisco, Madaket, Tom Nevers, Surfside, and Miacomet. It's a great spot if you have kids (or golden retrievers) looking to boogie board and play in shorebreak!
-
Finding the Perfect Spot
If you’re coming in for just a few days of riding and play we recommend staying at one of the island's many wonderful hotels, bed and breakfasts, or inns. However, we are likely to point you towards a house rental if you'll be coming in for a week or more. No matter what you find, you'll be on Nantucket and life is good.16 units located in the heart of downtown with waterfront views (hence the name), full kitchens, and impeccable accommodations. This is all paired with friendly, on-point staff. The Harborview helped us get started on Nantucket, and we love picking up our clients who stay there by boat!
Located on the waterfront next to Children’s Beach Boat Ramp and just a short walk from downtown. Luxury units with great service and on-site amenities including a spa.
Boutique luxury accommodations in a peaceful setting away from the fast paced action of downtown. On the northeast part of the island, the stunning property boasts a sprawling lawn, a private beach, an award-winning onsite restaurant, and convenient shuttles to get to and from town, it is a special place to stay.
Just steps from downtown and the beaches, The Nantucket Hotel redefines hospitality through its traditions, experiences, and spirit, making for an unique and memorable visit you'll be sure to repeat.
Just east of Town on the northern edge of the island, Cliffside provides guests with an intimate experience complete with spectacular oceanfront views, access to the private beach club and its amenities, and peaceful serenity. The best of all worlds.
Faraway Nantucket boasts six buildings, a restaurant, and an outdoor courtyard in the heart of downtown. It is walking distance from the ferries, beautiful shops, restaurants and attractions that make the town a wonderful place to call home during your visit.
A historic property that was recently redoine with care, showing inspiration from the best of Nantucket past and present. that has been redone with care. The Jared Coffin House offers quality rooms and a convenient location in the heart of downtown.
The only hotel located directly on Nantucket's Main Street. 76 Main and its sister property 21 Broad are both converted traditional Nantucket homes that offer comfort, convenience, and a true feel of of the island.
Located mid-island, this is a no frills hotel just across from the airport with an onsite pool and shuttles to get downtown.
The Beachside is located on the fringe of downtown and is just a quick walk to Jetties Beach and Brant Point. It offers good accommodations with easy access to the water and town at one of the best price points on the island.
A nonchalant innkeeper’s coastal cottage filled with a touch of the island's flora, Life House was designed as an eclectic escape that reflects her flair for cultivating the island's native botany and practicing holistic wellness.
Best Places to Eat
Breakfast
Claudette's sconset
Delicious breakfast sandwiches and a nice walk from the lighthouse.Island Kitchen rotary
Upscale diner-feel with incredible food. Serve all day and offer catering too.The Downyflake rotary
Nantucket staple. A classic diner with unreal donuts.Lemon Press town
Bright, brick-lined cafe with outdoor tables offering eclectic eats, smoothies & superfood lattes.
Lunch
Provisions town
Home of the famous Turkey Terrific.Fresh town
We love the Caprese.Sayle's Seafood town
Fried Clams and a Lobster Roll = Perfection.Cisco Brewery south shore
Food trucks, beer, spirits, music -- what more could you ask for?Something Natural cliff road
Bakery and sandwich shop, known for its breads, huge sandwiches, and cookie dough to cook later.The Corner Table town
Sometimes also referred to as our de facto office. Strong coffee, strong internet, delicious food to go or stay, and cool people.
Dinner
Oran Mor town
Romantic dinner spot. Fantastic food and cocktails.Lola Burger rotary
Family friendly with good burgers and prices. Its sister restaurant Lola 41 is in town and a little more formal.Sister Ship town
A restaurant, cafe, and relaxed cocktail club, Sister Ship offers elevated cocktails alongside seafood-forward, Mediterranean dishes, made using New England seafood and local ingredients.Ventuno town
Delicious Italian food with a strong wine selection. If you miss dinner, they are also known for a good party late night.Sandbar at Jetties jetties
Family friendly, casual beach dining. It's a great place to watch the sunset with daily buck-a-shuck happy hour specials.Nautilus town
Creative small plates and cocktails you won’t forget. Get your reservation early in the day.Millie's madaket
Unbeatable tacos, quesadillas, and sunsets. Try the Madaket Mystery. Plus, Mr. Rogers hung out here and you should too.Straight Wharf town
Summer classics perfect for a day after the beach.Pi Pizza rotary
Very. Good. Pizza.
Dessert & Something Sweet
The Juice Bar town
Best ice cream + smoothies + juices.Wicked Island Bakery near the rotary
Morning buns. That's all we have to say.Pip & Anchor near the rotary
Local produce, pastry, sandwiches, pantry goods and more from makers and growers on Nantucket and beyond, up to 100 miles away.Nantucket Bake Shop near the rotary
Fresh baked Nantucket treats. Arguably the best donuts on island and you'll want to be sure to try the Jamaican patties, almond macaroons, and just about everything else!
Late Night
Stubby's town
'Cause who doesn’t like onion rings and a cheesesteak at 1AM.
Nightlife
Start the night with one of your many delicious dinner options. Then, you might wander over to Gazebo for one of their incredible mudslides post dinner. Slip 14 and Or the Whale also offer great drinks and friendly bartenders. As your night continues, you may find yourself at one of the following places. Nantucket closes at 1am so go close it down! Plus, nothing cures a hangover like a bit of kiting the next morning...
The Chicken Box near rotary
Live music, dancing, and even rowdier times. Look out for upcoming concerts and visiting bands, but watch out for long lines on busy nights.Club Car town
The infamous piano singalong spot. You'll find strong spirits both in the drinks and people!Gaslight town
New in 2019, Gaslight offers itself as an aswesome new destination for live music, craft cocktails, and complementary food. It became a favorite quickly, and you'll want to watch out for lines.Ventuno Back Bar town
A Nantucket classic and more traditional bar scene.
A Few More Tips
Sometimes when you are in a new place, we know that you just need to know some of the basics. Here are a couple more tips we hope you find helpful as you spend time on Nantucket.
Supplies
Groceries, Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Stop and Shop is your best bet for groceries on Nantucket - both Downtown and Mid-Island
If looking for alcohol, you have: Hatch's Package Store, Nantucket Wine and Spirits, Murray's Beverage Store, The Islander, and Old South. Epernay and BRIX also carry all three and will probably have your most diverse wine selections.
Hardware Store
Marine Home Center – Nuts, Bolts, Screws - This is the Ace hardware of the island
Brant Point Marine – Boat parts and cleaning supplies
Glyn’s Marine – Engine work
Water Sport Gear
Indian Summer Surf Shop – Surfboards, Wetsuits, and Clothes
Nantucket Surf Club – Surf Gear and Swag
Force 5 Watersports – Wetsuits and Clothes
Tech & Shipping
Computer Solutions is good to get your iPhone or computer fixed, and they have various computer supplies available as well. For shipping needs, there is FedEx , UPS, and USPS.
Other ACKtivities (for when you are not Kiting!)
- Go off-roading! Rent a Jeep from Young's Bicycle Shop and drive out the beach to Great Point or ride through the dirt trails in the Moors and Altar Rock (the highest point on the island and a great spot for star watching). You could also drive to Great Point for a picnic.
- Spend a rainy day at the Whaling Museum.
- Go stargazing at Loines Observatory.
- Check out the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum.
- Get to know historical Nantucket on a Walking Tour.
- See the island on a Nantucket Bus Tour.
- Walk to Brant Point Lighthouse and watch the boats.
- Learn the history behind those popular baskets at the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum.
- Attend an event at the historic Nantucket Atheneum.
- Check out the fresh veggies, pies, flowers + more at Bartlett’s Farm.
- Catch a movie at the Dreamland.
- Play a round of golf at Miacomet, Siasconset Golf Course, or Nantucket Golf Club.
- Rent a paddle board or kayak from Sea Nantucket Paddle Sports and cruise around the harbor.
Looking for even more Nantucket intel? Check out some of the best activities on island, Official Guides from Nantucket's Chamber of Commerce, and some of the Must Sees!
