Exploring Nantucket
Nantucket is a 48 square mile island located off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and is famous for its beautiful shorelines. The hydrangea dotted window boxes and gardens fill the landscape during peak summer (July/August) and the island’s shopping and dining scenes are not to be missed. This island is a favorite of ours!
Not e- We stayed at the Chapman House (part of the Nantucket Resort Collection) on our last visit and would highly recommend for a couple’s trip. We loved the close to town location.
Getting to Nantucket:
Commonly referred to as “ACK”, based on the airport code for the island, you can fly directly to Nantucket.
Ferries are also a very common way to access the island. We took Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis on Cape Cod for the 1-hour ferry ride directly to Nantucket. If you take a Hy-Line ferry, we highly recommend booking your parking reservation directly with them as well as upgrading to the Captain’s View seating option for added comfort (note - not all boats have this seating option).
While on Nantucket -
Check out the WAVE bus system to get around the island. Cash only onboard.
View of Brant Point Lighthouse from the ferry, June 2023.
Things to Do:
Steps Beach: During the summer, one of the best ways to spend a day on Nantucket is to head to the beach. It’s typically pretty windy, even on the warmest of summer days, so pack accordingly. Grab a sandwich lunch to-go in town and spend the day at the water’s edge.
Cisco Brewers (@ciscobrewers): Hop on the complimentary shuttle from the Visitor’s Center in town and head out to the rustic brewery. This spot is a great place to spend an afternoon listening to live music and enjoying local island food trucks. Many of the restaurants on island have a food truck that rotates to Cisco. Also, this is not just a brewery. Their wine and spirits are also available for drink purchases, offering something for everyone! You can take a 1-hour tour to learn more about the brands and production processes - sign up once you’re there.
Sconset Bluff Walk: On the eastern side of the island is the town of Siasconcet. Here you’ll find the beautiful Bluff Walk that dots the coastline through the front yards of beautiful oceanfront homes. The walk is a great way to take in the sites of the pristine coastline.
Sankaty Head Light: While the Sconset Bluff Walk won’t take you directly to the lighthouse due to erosion, its an easy 0.5 mile from the current ending of the bluff walk along the road to the lighthouse. This is a great photo op spot!
Erik on the Sconset Bluff Walk, June 2023.
Places to Eat:
Lemon Press (@lemonpressnantucket) - Our favorite meal of the trip! Open during the day as a cafe, but we recommend trying for dinner. The mussels and lamb orecchiette are must oders!
The Brotherhood of Thieves (@brotherhoodnantucket) - Casual spot for dinner with both seafood and all-American choices on the menu.
The Juice Bar (@nantucketjuicebar) - This is a must stop for ice cream! The line is line but moves quickly. Grab a waffle cone with your favorite flavor.
Handlebar Cafe (@handlebarnantucket) - Great coffee stop in town next to the WAVE bus terminal.
Provisions (@provisionsnantucket) - Casual grab n go spot in town by the ferry with limited seating. Order the famous Turkey Terrific sandwich for lunch. Great to pack for a day at the beach too.
Something Natural (@somethingnaturalack) - Perfect spot to stop on your way to/from Steps Beach. Yummy sandwiches and the best iced tea with beautiful garden picnic tables to enjoy.
Cheers, friends!
