TIPS Nantucket Travel Guide (What We Did On Our Nantucket Trip)

A lush garden with blooming hydrangeas and shaded benches frames a view of a white colonial-style house in the background. Trees and greenery create a serene and picturesque setting, under a clear blue sky.

If you look at a map of Cape Cod—it looks like a really strong person making a muscle.

If you think I’m geography joking, just look at this map. See the flex? You’re welcome. Now that I’ve told you—you’ll never be able to unsee it.

And right below the really big muscle?

There are two little islands.

Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard before, but I’ve never been to Nantucket. I’m not really sure why? It always seemed a little far and I wasn’t even sure how to get there and I never made the time.

And then?

I started reading Elin Hilderbrand books and Nantucket came to life for me. Her last book Swan Song (you can see it here) was released on June 11 and it’s our featured book for our summer reading challenge (you can see that here).

I wanted to research the places in the book, so my husband and I booked a trip to the island with the twins and now that I’ve been to Nantucket—something amazing happened. Swan Song came to LIFE.

So to get us ready for the summer reading discussion in a couple of weeks—here’s a recap of everything we did on Nantucket. It’s kind of like those slide shows your friends make you sit through because they are so excited about their trip.

Where to stay.

What to eat.

How to get there.

What to do.

And of course—where to shop.

My very own Nantucket Travel Guide (with TONS OF PICTURES).

A spacious ferry's interior with rows of maroon seats neatly aligned and a large window providing an outside view. A white hand sanitizer dispenser is attached to a beige wall near a glass door, which separates the seating area. The lighting is bright and warm.

Three women stand together smiling in front of a docked boat. The woman in the center wears a striped dress, while the women on either side are dressed casually in light-colored jeans and shirts. The atmosphere appears joyful and relaxed.

A serene harbor scene on a foggy day with numerous boats anchored on calm water. Faint outlines of buildings and a nautical structure are visible in the background, shrouded in haze. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and misty.

(total aside: FULL DISCLOSURE—I have never written a travel guide before. In all the years in all the blogs—so I’m not sure if I did it right. Please feel free to comment or add things I should have shown or things you are curious about. The twins and I probably have the answers.)

(total aside 2: I wasn’t really planning on writing this so all these pictures are just from our phones. Some are a little awkward. If we like this, next time I’ll be more prepared and the pictures will be so much better.)

How To Get There

Fast Ferry:

This was the view when we arrived in Nantucket harbor. We took the fast ferry from Hyannis (on the Cape) to Nantucket from Steamship Authority.

TEN OUT OF TEN.

Now, it is really fast. You want to stay seated most of the time because it jostles around a lot. There’s a snack bar and coffee and restrooms and it’s super comfortable to travel on. There are tables with seats. We played a new version of Catan that’s actually a dice game during the trip (totally portable and the perfect game for a trip like this).

There’s also a car ferry that takes about 2.5 hours, while the high-speed ferry takes about an hour.

If you are bringing luggage like we did—you’ll check it at the front door of the ferry and pick it up when you arrive.

(If you are reading Swan Song—this is what she does at the beginning of the book).

Quick travel tip: Ferry schedules and availability vary by season, so it’s essential to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK): Offers commercial flights from major East Coast cities, especially during the summer season.

On Island:

There are so many great options on Nantucket. You might want to think about renting a bike (there are tons of bike rental places right when you get off the ferry), taking a taxi, or using the island’s public transportation system. We took the buses (they are free) all over the island and it’s such a great option if you want to visit other towns on the island).

The image shows a charming garden pathway leading to a cottage. The path is bordered by vibrant hydrangea bushes and other flowers. A wooden bench sits on the lush, green lawn, with trees and the sea visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A woman in a blue and white floral dress stands in front of a green wooden shed. She is smiling and holding a phone while leaning on the open door. Trees are visible behind the shed. The ground is a mix of wooden and brick paths.

A quaint, narrow pathway made of gravel runs between charming, weathered grey houses with shingle siding and white trim. Lush greenery and vibrant hydrangeas line the fence along the path, leading to a calm, serene neighborhood scene under a cloudy sky.

A woman and man stand smiling next to each other in a cozy room with wooden ceiling. The woman, on the left, is wearing a striped dress, while the man, on the right, is in a dark long-sleeve shirt and glasses. The room has a blue door, white walls, and a large mirror.

A scenic view through a white archway and gate leading to a beachside resort. The resort features a pool, lounge chairs, and umbrellas facing the ocean. A black metal bench sits to the right side of a gravel path, with trees framing the scene.

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a white dress with patterns, stands by the open door of a rustic wooden building. She has a smile on her face and is holding the door knob with one hand. The building has a green door and shingle siding. Trees are in the background.

Two people are lying in a bed under white blankets, smiling and holding cups. The bed is placed under a wooden ceiling with floral decorations on the walls behind the bed. Lamps on bedside tables provide warm lighting on either side.

A family of four is standing outside near flowers and a house. Two young women in sleeveless dresses stand on either side of their parents, who are also dressed in summer attire. All are smiling and posing together in the garden, next to a DIY chalkboard menu planner for their upcoming picnic.

Where To Stay

>The Summer House

We stayed at The Summer House on the island. It’s out in Sconset (one of the towns on the island). We took the bus out to Sconset to stay at the resort. There are tons of little cottages along with a beach club right on the ocean.

Sconset is super small—but so cute. You can walk to shops or play tennis or go to the beach.

We ate dinner out in Sconcet several nights (more about that later) and we had ice cream every night (a Cape/Nantucket tradition).

The Summer House is referenced in several of Elin Hilderbrand’s books.

The Nantucket Hotel & Resort

I added The Nantucket Hotel because I read the Elin Hilderbrand book, The Hotel Nantucket (which is SO GOOD, btw—kind of a mystery mixed with romance).

You can see the book here.

The hotel is BEAUTIFUL and looks like a postcard. It’s located in the heart of Nantucket’s historic Brant Point neighborhood, super close to downtown and just a short bike ride from the beach. It also won Travel + Leisure best award for 2024.

Two smiling young women standing on a brick sidewalk in front of a building, each holding a beverage. One woman is wearing a white and red striped shirt, and the other is wearing a white shirt with a pink sweater draped over her shoulders.

A charming storefront with large windows adorned with overflowing flower boxes filled with a variety of lush, colorful flowers and greenery. The exterior is clad in weathered shingles, and the sidewalk is made of red brick, adding to the rustic, inviting atmosphere.

A blonde woman wearing a navy sweater and a long white floral skirt walks away from the camera towards a town. She carries a white tote bag with pink handles and another white bag on her shoulder. The sky is clear and blue. Trees and parked cars are in the background.A charming, weathered grey building with American and other flags displayed, and a sign advertising a sale. It has upper and lower levels with decks. A fence with blooming flowers and foliage lines the front, and a clear blue sky is above.

A wooden sign points to various Nantucket beaches including Sconset, Surfside, Fat Ladies, Cisco, Madaket, Dionis, and Jetties with distances ranging from 1 mile to 6 miles. The sign is part of a rustic display, with artistic items around it.

Two women smiling at the camera for a selfie. They both have blonde hair and are wearing blue floral-patterned dresses. A wooden shingled building and trees are visible in the background. The sky appears overcast.

A lush garden with blooming hydrangeas and shaded benches frames a view of a white colonial-style house in the background. Trees and greenery create a serene and picturesque setting, under a clear blue sky.

What To Do

You can kind of create any vacation you want on Nantucket—there’s outdoor stuff to do, or shopping and restaurants or biking or you could even charter a boat and go out on the ocean.

The best thing we found is that the bus system takes you anywhere. So you could walk or take a bus and explore the entire island.

Here are just a few of the things we did (and a few other suggestions, too).

  1. Walk through town: The town looks SO CUTE. The streets are all historic cobblestone streets, and there’s beautiful shingle-style architecture everywhere. YOu can shop (such unique shopping) or visit art galleries.
  2. Go to the beach: There are several amazing beaches, including Surfside, Jetties, and Madaket.
  3. Visit the Whaling Museum: Nantucket was originally a whaling town and the museum is top notch (and so pretty outside, too).
  4. Bike the island: Rent a bicycle and ride along the coastline—there are bike paths and you can rent a bike when you get off the ferry.
  5. Nantucket Atheneum: This historic library is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture and houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts.
  6. Sankaty Head Lighthouse: Hike to this iconic lighthouse for stunning ocean views and a glimpse into Nantucket’s maritime history.
  7. Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum: Learn about the island’s rich history of maritime rescues and explore fascinating artifacts.
  8. Loines Observatory: The Loines Observatory offers a chance to explore the night sky.
  9. Walk the Sconset Bluff: This was the small town that we stayed in that had the prettiest cliff walk.
  10. Go Whale Watching: Book a whale-watching tour to spot majestic creatures like humpback whales and fin whales.
  11. Visit Great Point Light: The Great Point Light, a historic lighthouse offering stunning views of the island.

A charming garden scene features a wooden table and chairs set on a patio, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. In the background, a quaint house with dormer windows and creeping ivy enhances the serene outdoor ambiance.

A colorful painting of a charming inn with a brick pathway, surrounded by vibrant flowers and trees. The painting is on a table set with a glass, fork, knife, and plate. The artist's signature, "William T. Welch," is visible at the bottom.

A rustic shingle-sided building with a white door, an Americana decor theme, and a prominent sign reading "Sconset Cafe" featuring a white seashell. Flower boxes with colorful blooms and small American flags adorn the entrance.

A sandwich menu board at Claudette's listing options: meatloaf, roast beef, turkey salad, smoked turkey, ham & cheddar, veggie, and PB&J. Sides and drinks include iced cold brew coffee & tea, still & sparkling water, soft drinks, Cape Cod chips, cookies, and lemon pound cake.

A charming white house with a gray roof features three dormer windows. The front porch with a railing and a sign above the entrance reads "Tucker House.” A gravel pathway leads to the porch, bordered by lush greenery and colorful flowers.

A white wooden sign hanging from a building reads "The Chanticleer, Est. 1909, Public Dining." The building has gray shingles and a dormer window. Lush green foliage partially obscures the view of the sign and building.

What To Eat

Can I sum up the entire dining experience on Nantucket?

Seafood.

The seafood is so fresh and delicious and yummy and we understood the assignment. We had lobster and scallops and shrimp and clams and halibut and swordfish and calamari.

Here are some restaurants that we ate at (and a few other suggestions, too).

Fancy dining:

The Summer House: We ate here the first night and the seafood was out of this world. There were such unique flavors and dishes and the chef was amazing.

Chanticleer: This was my favorite restaurant on Nantucket. It was out on Sconset and you could dine indoors or outdoors. The setting was so pretty and the food was next level.

Brant Point Grill: This restaurant is famous for its steak and seafood and offers stunning harbor views.

Straight Wharf: This iconic waterfront restaurant boasts fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere.

Topper’s at the Wauwinet: Experience fine dining at its finest with exquisite cuisine and impeccable service.

Casual dining:

The Nautilus: Delicious global-inspired menu with a focus on fresh seafood.

 

Millie’s: Super yummy delicious Baja-style seafood tacos.

Something Natural: This health-conscious eatery offers fresh juices, smoothies, and delicious salads.

The Juice Bar: Delicious homemade ice cream and other sweet treats (the twins’ favorite place).

Fresh Seafood:

Galley Beach: This beachfront restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes with stunning ocean views.

The Sconset Cafe: This cafe was out in Sconset where we stayed. Delicious fresh seafood and traditional New England fare.

Two women walk towards the entrance of a store named "Murray's Toggery" on a tree-lined street. An American flag hangs above the entrance. A bench is situated in front, and a tree partially obstructs the view of the store.

A bookstore interior with stacks of books displayed on a table. Prominent titles include "Husbands and Lovers," "In My Time of Dying," "Fogged In," "Winter Solstice," and "Summer Started Over." Bookshelves filled with various other books line the background.

A white sign with black letters reads "ROTARY" and features an arrow pointing to the right. It's mounted on a white post, with a garden of colorful flowers and greenery blurred in the background.

A cozy bookstore with shelves filled with books. A circular table with stacked books and a "Give Thanks" cushion on a leather chair are in the foreground. Large windows let in natural light. The ceiling features a map of constellations.

A quaint brick bookstore with the name "Mitchell's Book Corner" displayed on a large sign above the entrance. Large windows showcase books and flower boxes filled with colorful blooms. A chalkboard sign sits on the sidewalk outside the entrance.

A person with long blonde hair, wearing a red and white striped shirt and white pants, is holding a book and standing in a cozy bookstore. The wooden shelves are filled with books, and there is a rotating rack of postcards nearby.

Front of a bookstore named "Mitchell's" with a display window showcasing various books and a flower box beneath it. The door, partially open, has posters and notices attached. A dog water bowl is on the sidewalk in front of the store.

A woman standing on a brick sidewalk.

Two smiling women holding shopping bags with red handles pose in front of a storefront. The store has a large window displaying clothing and a dark green door. Flowers and greenery in planters decorate the front, and the sidewalk is made of bricks.

Where To Shop

There were so many amazing places to shop. I loved all the local artisans and the unique boutiques. Here are some of our favorite places we found—and a few other suggestions:

Murray’s Toggery Shop: I read about this in “The Five Star Weekend” one of Elin Hilderbrand’s books..

You can see the book here.

They have a type of fabric called “Nantucket Red” and there are shorts and skirts and I bought the cutest jacket.

Salt Boutique: Great shopping for fashion and home goods.

Erica Wilson: The PRETTIEST needlepoint and embroidery and they also have clothing and accessories.

Eye of the Needle: A fashion-forward boutique with a mix of designer and contemporary brands.

Remy: This charming shop features a carefully curated collection of women’s clothing and accessories.

Sunken Ship: A treasure trove of gifts, home decor, and nautical-inspired items.

Nantucket Looms: All the fabrics were woven out on Nantucket. The prettiest pillows and throws.

The White Elephant: This iconic store offers a wide range of high-end fashion, home decor, and gifts.

WHEW.

That was a lot.

My fingers kept writing and writing because there are so many wonderful things about Nantucket.

But I guess the one thing you want to know about any travel guide is the answer to the question, “Would you go back again?”

Ummm.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

It was amazing and relaxing and fancy and unique and special and wonderful. I was actually trying to figure out if Nantucket needed another resident.

But then I decided that Texas would miss me too much.

disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: August 5, 2024

Written By: KariAnne Wood

<!– Removed after blog post link 5-28-2019

The DIY Style Finder Link

–>

590 Post

homemaster

You may also like