Nantucket

Nantucket Island Travel Guide

Thirty miles out to sea, Nantucket has its own rhythm. Rosa rugosa blooms pink against grey-shingled cottages, and the air smells salty-sweet with flowers in summer. The ferry crossing is a big part of the attraction. The mainland recedes until only water and sky remain, and by the time the lighthouse comes into view, you've already started to slow down.

The whaling captains who built grand houses here left behind an architectural legacy that remains remarkably preserved. The entire town looks much as it did 150 years ago: cedar shingles silvered to the same shade, rose-covered fences lining every lane. This is an island that rewards the unhurried.

Two boys playing on a sandy beach in Nantucket, MA

Paddleboarders and small boats in Nantucket, MA

A grey shingle house overlooking the ocean on a grassy hill in Nantucket, MA

Church steeple rising above trees in Nantucket, MA

Lighthouse on the edge of Nantucket Island over a calm sea

Quick Facts

Getting Here	Ferry from Hyannis (1 hour high-speed, 2.25 hours traditional); flights from Boston, New York, and regional airports
Getting Around	Bikes and NRTA shuttles; car optional and not recommended
Best Time	Late April–early December; June and September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Lark Property	Life House Nantucket (14 rooms); open late April through early December

Things to Do on Nantucket Island

Main Street anchors the town, with cobblestones worn smooth by centuries and grand houses converted to boutiques and galleries. The Whaling Museum tells the story of how this small sandbar became one of the wealthiest places in America with its collections of scrimshaw, logbooks, and a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. From there, quiet lanes unfold in every direction, lined with the cottages and gardens that make wandering here a pleasure.

The beaches circle the island, each with its own character. Jetties and Children's Beach are walking distance from town, calm and family-friendly. For bigger waves and more space, bike to Surfside or Cisco on the south shore. The paths are flat and the ride is part of the pleasure. At Madaket, on the western tip, the sunsets are the best on the island, and Millie's serves fish tacos right on the beach.

Dining matches the setting. Cru serves oysters and seafood on the harbor, boats bobbing practically at your feet. The Company of the Cauldron offers a prix-fixe menu in a candlelit room the size of a living room. Or if in the mood for casual, grab a sandwich from Something Natural and enjoy it on the beach.

Our Favorites

1

STEPS BEACH

In our opinion, the quaintest and most beautiful beach on Nantucket Island.
2

NANTUCKET BIKE SHOP

Ride around Nantucket in style! Take the trail towards Siasconset Beach, where you'll ride past one of the island's more peculiar and beautiful landmarks – The Serengeti.
3

BARTLETT'S FARM

Offering a farm stand, garden center, gift shop, and restaurant, Bartlett's Farm is the oldest and largest family-owned farm on the island and is set in the gorgeous Nantucket countryside.
4

LEMON PRESS

An organic eatery, café, and craft cocktail bar focusing on local, organic ingredients—and it's a 2 minute walk from our front door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car on Nantucket?
No. Bikes and the NRTA shuttle cover the island easily. Cars are expensive to ferry over, parking is limited in town, and a bike is more enjoyable anyway. Bike rentals are available near the ferry terminal.
How do I get to Nantucket?
The Steamship Authority runs year-round ferry service from Hyannis. The traditional ferry takes about 2 hours 15 minutes; the high-speed ferry takes 1 hour. Flights operate from Boston, New York, and regional airports to Nantucket Memorial Airport.
How many days do you need on Nantucket?
Two to three nights is ideal. One day for town, the Whaling Museum, and a harbor-side dinner. One day for beaches and biking. A third day for exploring the far ends of the island or repeating what you enjoyed. Day trips work but feel rushed; the island reveals itself after the ferries leave.
What are the best beaches on Nantucket?
Jetties Beach is closest to town, calm and family-friendly. Children's Beach is right on the harbor. For bigger waves, bike to Surfside or Cisco on the south shore. Madaket on the western tip has the best sunsets. The harbor-side beaches are warmest; ocean-facing beaches have more wave action.
What is the best time to visit Nantucket?
June through September for beaches and full island activity. May and early October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Life House Nantucket operates seasonally from late April (Daffodil Festival) through early December (Christmas Stroll).
What is there to do on Nantucket?
Nantucket is 14 miles long with beaches circling the island. Main Street's cobblestones are lined with shops and restaurants in preserved whaling-era buildings. The Whaling Museum tells the island's history. Biking is the best way to explore, with flat paths to Surfside, Cisco, and Madaket beaches. The entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark with strict preservation codes keeping the island looking as it did 150 years ago.
What Lark Hotels property is on Nantucket?
Life House Nantucket, with 14 rooms in a restored sea captain's house that has operated as an inn since the 1830s. Continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and daily happy hour are included. The property is a 10-minute walk from Main Street.