Nantucket
Nantucket island is located off the coast of Massachusetts. It has exudes timeless charm and natural beauty. Renowned for its rich maritime history, Nantucket lures visitors with its picturesque beaches, windswept dunes, and quaint cobblestone streets. Home to iconic gray-shingled cottages and historic lighthouses, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. The island’s vibrant cultural scene thrives with art galleries, museums, and festivals that celebrate its past and present. As a premier destination for summer vacations, Nantucket offers an array of outdoor activities, from sailing and surfing to biking along scenic trails. With a captivating blend of old-world allure and coastal allure, Nantucket remains an alluring escape for those seeking an idyllic retreat.
getting to Nantucket
The ferry service operates from various ports on the Massachusetts mainland, such as Hyannis, Harwich Port, and New Bedford. Passengers can choose from high-speed ferries for a faster journey or traditional ferries that offer a more leisurely ride. We decided to take the round trip fast ferry ticket with Steamship Authority from Hyannis. If you go on Monday-Thursday you can get a roundtrip ticket for $60 per person. We booked this ticket in advance. They recommend that you arrive 1 hour in advance. If you stay in Hyannis, you can walk to the ferry terminal. If you are not spending the night there are daily parking lots to use. You can also elect to go over and spend a night or ferry between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Getting around
Walking or biking is a popular choice especially if going in for the day. Visitors can stroll the charming streets and scenic trails. Rental bikes are readily available, making it easy to cover more ground. For longer distances or to access more remote areas, Nantucket’s public shuttle system offers affordable and efficient transportation. The shuttles run on various routes, including the town, beaches, and other attractions. Taxis and rideshare services are also accessible.
We took a shuttle The Wave over to the Siasconset area. It was $3 per person each way. You can also purchase 1 day, 3 day and 7 day passes for $8, $18 and $30 respectively.
Our arrival
We walked from our hotel in Hyannis to the ferry terminal which was about a 15 minute walk. They recommended to get there an hour early which we did but since off season I think this was a little excessive. The waiting area is outside so prepare for the weather. The fast ferry left at 8:15 AM and arrived in Nantucket Harbor at 9:15 AM. On arrival, it was cold and rainy, we headed to a coffee shop to grab breakfast and warm drink and plan out our day given the weather. We went to the HandleBar Cafe.
What we did
Bus to Siasconset
We took the bus from Nantucket over the Siasconset area. This area is the eastern side of the island. The bus cost $3 per person each way. Siasconset, affectionately known as “Sconset,” is a charming village on the eastern end of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
Sconset Bluff walk
The Sconset Bluff Walk is an enchanting and scenic coastal trail that winds along the edge of picturesque clay bluffs in Siasconset, Nantucket. Stretching for about a mile, this iconic path treats visitors to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. The path is lined with classic cottages.
Sankaty Lighthouse
Sankaty Lighthouse, located on the eastern edge of Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the island’s maritime heritage. The lighthouse is 0.6 miles beyond the Sconset Bluff Walk.
Downtown Nantucket
Strolling the Streets
Wander through the historic cobblestone streets of Nantucket Town, admiring the iconic gray-shingled houses, boutiques, and art galleries.
The Whaling Museum
This tops all the lists for top things to do in Nantucket. This museum is open usually 10 AM- 5 PM but varies depending on season. It costs about $25 per adult, senior $20, Children 6-17 $5 and <6 free. It includes entry into the Hadwen House.
Brant Point Lighthouse
Brant Point Lighthouse, situated at the entrance of Nantucket Harbor, Massachusetts, is the oldest lighthouse on the island, dating back to 1746. With its classic white appearance, it stands as an iconic symbol of Nantucket. We walked over from the downtown which was about 0.6 mile one way to this awesome lighthouse.
What we ate and drank
There are several amazing restaurants in Nantucket. We ate lunch at the Lemon Press! It was a great little restaurant in the downtown area of Nantucket. The Juice Bar is an iconic place for ice cream and worth checking out! We also stopped in the Rose & Crown Pub where Thomas got to have a drink.
Our experience Nantucket
When we visited in June 2023, the weather wasn’t great. Known as a beach and summer island, it was a little unfortunate with cool weather and rain. We were lucky because the morning rain turned into sun but it still was chilly. I do think it must be a better place to visit in the shoulder season because it was less crowded everywhere. If you have flexibility on the days of going a sunny day is ideal. The accommodations on Nantucket are on the more expensive side but there are lots of cute bed and breakfasts, little hotels and resorts or if you are staying for a while you can rent out a house for your vacation.
