Insider's Guide to Nantucket

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 does 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.   

 

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.


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

Now over on this part of the island is where the best waves are! These are great beaches for hanging out with the family or just getting wet in the water. Within the South Shore, you can stay in Nobadeer, Cisco, Madaket, Tom Nevers, Surfside, and Miacomet. If you have kids looking to boogie board and play in shorebreak, this is a great spot for you.

 

Cliffside

Just east of Town, on the northern edge of the island, you'll find Cliffside. It is just a quick walk to the action downtown, while offering beautiful oceanfront views, access to walking paths, and peaceful serenity. The best of all worlds. 

 

 

A Few Lodging Options

Cost

Hotel Name

Location

Phone

Website

$$$$$

Harborview

Downtown

(508) 228-4423

http://www.harborviewnantucket.com

$$$$$

White Elephant

Downtown

(508) 228-2500

http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com

$$$$$

Wauwinet

Wauwinet

(508) 228-0145

http://www.wauwinet.com

$$$$

The Veranda House

Downtown

(508) 228-0695

http://www.theverandahouse.com

$$$$

Jared Coffin House

Downtown

(508) 228-2400

http://www.jaredcoffinhouse.com

$$$$

Nantucket Inn

Downtown

(508) 228-6900

http://www.nantucketinn.net

$$$

76 Main

Downtown

(508) 228-2533

https://www.76main.com

$$$

21 Board

Downtown

(508) 228-4749

https://www.21broadhotel.com

$$

The Beach Side at Nantucket

Downtown

(508) 228-2241

http://thebeachside.com

$

Airbnb

All

https://www.airbnb.com/s/Nantucket

VRBO

All

https://www.vrbo.com

Great Point Properties

All

(508) 228-2266

http://www.greatpointproperties.com/all-nantucket-vacation-rentals?q=all-nantucket-vacation-rentals

 

 

Getting Around

There are several ways to explore all the Grey Lady has to offer. Rental companies are available for both bikes, cars, and mopeds, as well as the island shuttle and cabs to help get you around. 

Bikes 

Young's Bicycle Shop
Cook's Cycle Shop
Nantucket Bike Paths
Easy Riders
Nantucket Bike Shop

Cars

Windmill Auto Rental
Affordable Rentals
Young's Bicycle Shop
Nantucket Island Rent-A-Car

    Shuttle

    The Wave

     

    Best Places to Eat on Nantucket

    Breakfast
    Claudette’s breakfast sandwiches + walk to lighthouse
    Island Kitchen – our favorite place to get breakfast
    Downyflake – best donuts on island + diner
    Black Eyed Susan’s – in town. be sure you don't miss the Pennsylvania Dutch cakes! 


    Lunch
    Provisions – Turkey Terrific sandwich is famous
    Fresh – we love the Caprese
    Sayle’s Seafood – fresh fish sandwiches, not too far of a walk from town
    Cisco brewery food trucks an beer – really good options – a must got. There is a free bus you can take from town
    Something Natural - bakery and sandwich shop, known for it's breads and huge sandwiches


    Dinner
    Oran Mor – romantic dinner spot
    Lola Burger – good burgers + lots of options
    Black Eyed Susan’s – also does a great dinner and it is bring your own wine
    Ventuno – great Italian
    Sandbar at Jetties – casual dining + good sunset spot


    Dessert & Sweets
    Juice Bar – best Ice cream + smoothies + juices
    Sweet Inspirations - artisan chocolates and home of the cranberry creation 
    Wicked Island Bakery - morning buns. that's all we have to say.

     

    Supplies

    Stop and Shop - Groceries both Downtown and Mid-Island
    Hatch’s Package Store - This is typically the cheapest place to get beer and liquor on the island
    Nantucket Wine and Spirits - This is attached to the Stop and Shop mid island
    Murry’s Beverage Store - Located downtown
    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
    Force 5 Watersports – Wetsuits and clothes
    Indian Summer Surf Shop – Surfboards, wetsuits and clothes
    Computer Solutions – Get your iPhone or computer fixed here; various computer supplies available as well
    Shipping - Need to send a package off island? FedExUPS, and USPS services are available.

     

    Activities - What to do (when you are not kiting on Nantucket!)

    Drinks at Cisco Brewery + listen to music
    Drive out to Great Point with your 4x4 for a picnic + sunset
    Dinner at Millie’s – Have to go at Sunset
    Dinner at Nautilus – Really good cocktails
    Altar Rock – Take your 4x4 to the highest point on the island and enjoy the view 
    Whaling Museum – Great rainy day activity
    Nantucket Culinary – Sign up for a cooking class
    Loines Observatory
    Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum
    Nantucket Walking Tours
    Town + historical whaling
    All around the island with bus
    Walk to Brant Point Lighthouse and watch the sunset
    Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum
    Bartlett’s Farm Check out the market's fresh veggies, pies, flowers + more
    Catch a movie at the Dreamland
    Play a round of golf at MiacometSiasconset Golf Course, or Nantucket Golf Club
    Take a surf lesson with Nantucket Island Surf school or ACK Surf School
    Check out the Surf Gear at Nantucket Surf CoIndian Summer, and Force Five Watersports
    Go off-roading! Rent a 4x4 Jeep from Young's Bicycle Shop and drive out the beach to Great Point or ride through the dirt trails in the Moors.
    Rent a paddle board or kayak from Sea Nantucket Paddle Sports and cruise around the harbor.

       
      Looking for more Nantucket intel? Check out some of the best activities on island100 Things to Do on Nantucket, and some of the Must Sees!  

      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 does 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.   

       

      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.


      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

      Now over on this part of the island is where the best waves are! These are great beaches for hanging out with the family or just getting wet in the water. Within the South Shore, you can stay in Nobadeer, Cisco, Madaket, Tom Nevers, Surfside, and Miacomet. If you have kids looking to boogie board and play in shorebreak, this is a great spot for you.

       

      Cliffside

      Just east of Town, on the northern edge of the island, you'll find Cliffside. It is just a quick walk to the action downtown, while offering beautiful oceanfront views, access to walking paths, and peaceful serenity. The best of all worlds. 

       

       

      A Few Lodging Options

      Cost

      Hotel Name

      Location

      Phone

      Website

      $$$$$

      Harborview

      Downtown

      (508) 228-4423

      http://www.harborviewnantucket.com

      $$$$$

      White Elephant

      Downtown

      (508) 228-2500

      http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com

      $$$$$

      Wauwinet

      Wauwinet

      (508) 228-0145

      http://www.wauwinet.com

      $$$$

      The Veranda House

      Downtown

      (508) 228-0695

      http://www.theverandahouse.com

      $$$$

      Jared Coffin House

      Downtown

      (508) 228-2400

      http://www.jaredcoffinhouse.com

      $$$$

      Nantucket Inn

      Downtown

      (508) 228-6900

      http://www.nantucketinn.net

      $$$

      76 Main

      Downtown

      (508) 228-2533

      https://www.76main.com

      $$$

      21 Board

      Downtown

      (508) 228-4749

      https://www.21broadhotel.com

      $$

      The Beach Side at Nantucket

      Downtown

      (508) 228-2241

      http://thebeachside.com

      $

      Airbnb

      All

      https://www.airbnb.com/s/Nantucket

      VRBO

      All

      https://www.vrbo.com

      Great Point Properties

      All

      (508) 228-2266

      http://www.greatpointproperties.com/all-nantucket-vacation-rentals?q=all-nantucket-vacation-rentals

       

       

      Getting Around

      There are several ways to explore all the Grey Lady has to offer. Rental companies are available for both bikes, cars, and mopeds, as well as the island shuttle and cabs to help get you around. 

      Bikes 

      Young's Bicycle Shop
      Cook's Cycle Shop
      Nantucket Bike Paths
      Easy Riders
      Nantucket Bike Shop

      Cars

      Windmill Auto Rental
      Affordable Rentals
      Young's Bicycle Shop
      Nantucket Island Rent-A-Car

        Shuttle

        The Wave

         

        Best Places to Eat on Nantucket

        Breakfast
        Claudette’s breakfast sandwiches + walk to lighthouse
        Island Kitchen – our favorite place to get breakfast
        Downyflake – best donuts on island + diner
        Black Eyed Susan’s – in town. be sure you don't miss the Pennsylvania Dutch cakes! 


        Lunch
        Provisions – Turkey Terrific sandwich is famous
        Fresh – we love the Caprese
        Sayle’s Seafood – fresh fish sandwiches, not too far of a walk from town
        Cisco brewery food trucks an beer – really good options – a must got. There is a free bus you can take from town
        Something Natural - bakery and sandwich shop, known for it's breads and huge sandwiches


        Dinner
        Oran Mor – romantic dinner spot
        Lola Burger – good burgers + lots of options
        Black Eyed Susan’s – also does a great dinner and it is bring your own wine
        Ventuno – great Italian
        Sandbar at Jetties – casual dining + good sunset spot


        Dessert & Sweets
        Juice Bar – best Ice cream + smoothies + juices
        Sweet Inspirations - artisan chocolates and home of the cranberry creation 
        Wicked Island Bakery - morning buns. that's all we have to say.

         

        Supplies

        Stop and Shop - Groceries both Downtown and Mid-Island
        Hatch’s Package Store - This is typically the cheapest place to get beer and liquor on the island
        Nantucket Wine and Spirits - This is attached to the Stop and Shop mid island
        Murry’s Beverage Store - Located downtown
        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
        Force 5 Watersports – Wetsuits and clothes
        Indian Summer Surf Shop – Surfboards, wetsuits and clothes
        Computer Solutions – Get your iPhone or computer fixed here; various computer supplies available as well
        Shipping - Need to send a package off island? FedExUPS, and USPS services are available.

         

        Activities - What to do (when you are not kiting on Nantucket!)

        Drinks at Cisco Brewery + listen to music
        Drive out to Great Point with your 4x4 for a picnic + sunset
        Dinner at Millie’s – Have to go at Sunset
        Dinner at Nautilus – Really good cocktails
        Altar Rock – Take your 4x4 to the highest point on the island and enjoy the view 
        Whaling Museum – Great rainy day activity
        Nantucket Culinary – Sign up for a cooking class
        Loines Observatory
        Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum
        Nantucket Walking Tours
        Town + historical whaling
        All around the island with bus
        Walk to Brant Point Lighthouse and watch the sunset
        Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum
        Bartlett’s Farm Check out the market's fresh veggies, pies, flowers + more
        Catch a movie at the Dreamland
        Play a round of golf at MiacometSiasconset Golf Course, or Nantucket Golf Club
        Take a surf lesson with Nantucket Island Surf school or ACK Surf School
        Check out the Surf Gear at Nantucket Surf CoIndian Summer, and Force Five Watersports
        Go off-roading! Rent a 4x4 Jeep from Young's Bicycle Shop and drive out the beach to Great Point or ride through the dirt trails in the Moors.
        Rent a paddle board or kayak from Sea Nantucket Paddle Sports and cruise around the harbor.

           
          Looking for more Nantucket intel? Check out some of the best activities on island100 Things to Do on Nantucket, and some of the Must Sees!  

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