Nantucket is known as a refined vacation destination. And getting more posh by the year. Located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, this island has the isolation that some are looking for.
Be willing to splurge when you visit Nantucket. Room rates and dinner plates are quite pricey, but some of the most popular island activities can be experienced at reasonable prices. A visit to Nantucket is about riding through the cobblestone streets on your rental bike or lazing about on the shore with your favorite book in hand. So pack your swimsuit, and head to Nantucket. Continue reading our Nantucket Travel Guide and start planning! For a list of all the best East Coast beaches, click here.
Weather – When to Visit Nantucket
July and August are the hottest months, with an average high of 75°F. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 39°F. Nantucket is most popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but insiders prefer the shoulder season (April-June and September-November). September is ideal: the ocean is still warm, the restaurants are open, and there are fewer crowds. It’s also charming to visit in December, when the island is wrapped up like a Christmas tree in tinsel and white lights.
Know Before You Go
Nantucket’s location makes it vulnerable to unexpected changes in weather patterns. Always bring a coat, and be aware that high winds—which are more common in the winter—can cause ferry cancellations, and fog sometimes prompts flight cancellations. This island is still old-fashioned in many ways—some establishments (as well as taxis) only accept cash.
The Best Nantucket Area Beaches

Surfside Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches on Nantucket. It is very family friendly, though the surf can get heavy at times. You’ll occasionally find surfers here, and the waves are usually good for boogey boarding. Lifeguards are on duty here in-season. The wide beach is good for picnics and beach games. Surfside Beach is good for shelling in the early morning, and it’s a popular beach in the evenings for surf casting.

Fisherman’s Beach
Nobadeer to the left and Surfside to the right, Fisherman’s and Stone Beaches are quieter than either but still have the dunes, dune grass, and the surf that beach goers on the south side of Nantucket love. Little parking, so bike or walk to these beaches. Steep steps lead down to the beach. Stones Beach has a Little Free Library for trading favorites.

Brant Point Beach
Easy walk or bike ride from town. No lifeguard. Strong current and high boat traffic. Though technically a swimming beach – Brant Point is much more suited to sitting a watching the harbor traffic. Scenic beach with Brant Point Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in the US. Here is where to go to wave goodbye to friends and family departing on the Steamship. Brant Point is one of the most photographed spots on the island.

Steps Beach
Between Dionis and Jetties beaches; access from Cliff Road. No lifeguard, no facilities, very little parking. Gentle surf; sandbar. Many steep steps must be descended to get to the beach and ascended when you leave. Gentle surf. Lovely views of Nantucket Sound and Great Point. Nights during August and September, bioluminscent creatures can be seen in the water.

40th Pole
Great for families and young children, this north shore beach has warmer waters and calm surf. However, there are no lifeguards here or on adjoining beaches. This is also a popular destination for fishing. The water is shallow and clear and in the summer the beach is usually wide and flat, with soft white sand and lots of seashells along the shore. Greenhead flies and mosquitos can be bothersome on days with little wind. There are seasonal restrooms at 40th Pole, but no other amenities, so people planning to spend the day here should come prepared. This beach often ends up shoulder-to-shoulder crowded on hot weekend summer days and holidays.
Best Restaurants in Nantucket
$-Inexpensive $$-Moderate $$$-Pricey $$$$-Ultra High End
Ships Inn Restaurant $$$$
Located in a historic whaling captain’s mansion built in 1831, the dining room and lounge are below street level and have an updated colonial atmosphere. It is the perfect choice for an evening out with friends, or for a more romantic experience in one of the restaurant’s cozy alcoves. Many of the creations are “boat to table” – caught by local fishermen. Telephone: 508-228-0040 Web: Ships Inn Restaurant
The Nautilus $$ – $$$
While they are very much a New England restaurant with a coastal/seafood base, the inspiration will be well rooted in Asian flavors and ingredients of the haute street food variety, taking ideas from the traditional Japanese izakaya type establishment, and will also have a major nod to the tapas style of Spanish cuisine, with additional influences from mainland Asia and Latin America. Telephone: 508-228-0301 Web: The Nautilus
Keeper’s Restaurant $$ – $$$
Keepers menu is a collaboration of favorite dishes that they love to eat and are passionate about cooking. They offer guests the freedom to create their own dining experience with their unique “Pair & Share” philosophy. Guests can customize their meal by pairing menu selections together and sharing is highly encouraged with family-style plating options. Telephone: 508-228-0009 Web: Keeper’s Restaurant
Centre Street Bistro $$ – $$$
This true-to-the-island experience is only made better from the thoughtful menu and consistently good food. Open year-round, Centre Street Bistro serves lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekend. Favorites include their goat cheese tart appetizer and seared duck entree; for brunch, it’s a full stack of buttermilk pancakes. This local bistro is BYOB, and guests often stop at Murray’s Liquor Store on Main Street to pick up their drink of choice. Telephone: 508-228-8470 Web: Centre Street Bistro
Proprietors Bar & Table $$$$
Proprietors serves up small plates of global fare on vintage dishes. There is a variety of influences, with Middle Eastern, Asian, and Southern flavors working together on the plate. You’ll find kimchi pancakes with pork belly, peanuts, and buttermilk next to chicken liver pate tart with huckleberry jam, pickled vegetables, and cocoa nibs. This hot spot also offers a sublime brunch. Telephone: 508-228-7477 Web: Proprietors Bar & Table
Nightlife in Nantucket
Bar at Galley Beach
An island institution among the white jeans and navy cardigan set, the Galley offers some of the only on-sand drinking on the island, with an extensive list of rosés—still the island’s unofficial wine of choice—and hands down one of the very best sunset views on island. You’ll pay a bit extra for the privilege, perhaps—a $40-something glass of wine here is not unusual, and there’s one for $129. Telephone: 508-228-9641 Web: Bar at Galley Beach
The Chicken Box
An island institution for more than 50 years, The Chicken Box is where you go for your dive fix (locals call it “the Box”). Don’t expect pristine (or even clean floors)—never mind rosé. This is a tequila and Bud Light sort of place. Live music is some of the best in town, but don’t get there before 10 p.m. or everyone will know it’s your first time here. Telephone: 508-228-9717 Web: The Chicken Box
Millie’s
Millie’s has all the makings of perfection: strong and spicy Bloody Marys, panoramic ocean views, a lawn made for letting the kids run wild, and the sort of food you’ve been craving since the night before. Order up the house best: scallop tacos, lobster quesadillas, grilled Mexican corn, and the Altar Rock, a life-changing salsa, guacamole, and cheese dip. And some Bloody Marys. Lots of Bloody Marys. Telephone: 508-228-8435 Web: Millie’s
Summer House Beachside Bistro Bar
The bistro’s bar is ‘Sconset’s answer to Galley Beach, which sits on an equally alluring spot on Nantucket’s northern shore. After a leisurely walk through ‘Sconset village, stop at the bar for a glass of rosé or a cold beer in the afternoon. You can listen to the waves crashing, far away from the crowds that typically plague downtown throughout the summer. Telephone: 508-257-4542 Web: Summer House Beachside Bistro Bar
The Nautilus
Mixologist and bar manager Clint Terry stocks the shelves with Ambrosia spices and herbs, creating cocktails with unexpected seasonal twists. You’ll find roasted grapefruit with chiles, flaming rosemary, and tequila in Teq-uil-a Mockingbird. Less adventurous drinkers can opt for a Blueberry & Soda, which balances Cisco Brewer’s 888 blueberry vodka with spicy ginger and lemon. If you’re skipping the cocktails altogether, do as the bartenders do and ask for a glass of Fernet Branca. Telephone: 508-228-0301 Web: The Nautilus
I believe I should extend my long weekend to a week. Because now I found out that Nantucket which is wowza, is only 30 miles south of Cape Cod. So would it be better to start in Nantucket and continue to Cape Cod or the other way around?Also, do you maybe know if there’s a biking trail I could take to get from Nantucket to Cape Cod, avoiding main roads?
Thank you for all your help and advice,
Katya
Wow, sounds like a wonderful vacation. I don’t think it matters Katya where you start out first. I think the determining factor for me would be, where do I want to spend most of my time? Then I would make that my last destination. But, since you do have to take a ferry to Nantucket, then you will have to start in Cape Cod, take the ferry to Nantucket, and back again. There is no bike path :D, just water. If you rent a bike in Cape Cod, then you could take it on the ferry to Nantucket.
Wow this is a great article on Nantucket Travel guide. I and my family is always on the lookout for peaceful and yet beautiful place to spend the holidays and I think we will definitely take a shot at Nantucket. The information looks awesome especially with the picture attached to each paragraph of the article makes Nantucket a promising one. Thanks once more for sharing this. Cheer’s
You are so welcome Tony, and yes beautiful beaches yet must quieter and serene. You and your family will love it. Thanks for visiting!
This is nothing shirt of amazing! I mean ever since I saw the movie; ‘ In the heart of the sea’, starring Chris Hemsworth, and the ‘Greatest Showman’ Starring Hugh Jackman, and heard about the Nantucket for the first and second times, I knew I had to include it to my travel list. And I would like mostly to visit the Brand point lighthouse, the fact that the best time to visit is July – August makes it a wonderful summer experience. Cheers.
Great! I have not seen those movies ,I will have to now! Nantucket is a wonderful area and I love beaches, and light houses
Awesome!
This is an incredible post; I have never been to the east coast before and thats the more reason why i appreciate this article.
I have always dreamt of a place like nantucket, i have also been hearing about white elephant village and i wish to visit someday. my family and I will visit anytime soon and lodge in one of those lovely and beautiful hotel.
Thanks for sharing
You are very welcome, glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for this inspirational article! I didn’t even know Nantucket was a real place until I happened upon your website. I thought is was some made up town in folklore. ha ha! It’s great to see that it really exists and it looks exactly as it is supposed to in my mind. It’s charming and beautiful and magical. I’d love to visit it someday. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome Stone. Glad I could help you learn something new about a great little beach community in the East. Thanks for visiting my Nantucket Travel Guide!
I’m in constant search for isolated travel destination, when one can have a peaceful vacation. Nantucket looks like an ideal place for me. The bar at galley beach seems like a place to relax with a drink. This place is definitely on my bucket list.
Great Demi, glad you found another great vacation spot. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hi Matt,
Wow, awesome article!
Nantucket is on our bucket list for our next trip. You have given all the information needed to plan the vacation ever! The hotels look great; I like the White Elephant Village; it looks stunning! I will check this further and see the prices; maybe we can get good deals if we book in advance:)
Thank you for this excellent guide!
You are very welcome Daniella. The White Elephant village is great for families too, so I know they will all enjoy. Thanks for visiting my Nantucket Travel Guide!
Hi Leahrae,
Your post is great. I live in Mass, and me and my family are always looking for vacation spots for the summer without having to fly anywhere. I never realized Nantucket was such a great place for vacationing. Some of the hotels you feature here look very cozy, I will have to check them out. Thanks for sharing this information, i’m sure my kids will love it.
I know my kids absolutely love the beach, so your family with have a great time in Nantucket as well. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Great information. I need a vacation, and have been looking at the East Coast. I know I can fly into Boston. Then now do I get to Nantucket from there? And out of the hotels you have listed, which one would be the very best pick for you?
Great Roman! You will love Nantucket. You will take the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket which takes about an hour. My top pick for hotel is the 76 Main. I like the small size and the amenities. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
What a travel guide! And what a place Nantucket seems…. All these pictures have put me in holiday mode, shame I cannot go until April.
Very detailed site, thanks!
I’m glad you enjoyed Craig! Nantucket is a bucket list item for sure! I hope you can vacation there soon
Leahrae,
The northeast is someplace I have not been. You have given me a lot to think about as we have not planed our summer trip yet. The six states up in this area is all that I have left on my bucket list. I like the look of the clean beaches and the fact that the seafood is so fresh. This area is a little pricey, everything is around the Boston area. I wish Chris was not in school, I have to wait for summer vacation.
About how far is this from a major airport, like Boston or New York.
John
Hi John and thanks for stopping by. The best airport to fly into will be Boston for sure. Yes, a little more pricey in the summer but it will be warm
Wow! I loved reading this! Traveling is something that’s on my all time list of goals and dreams. And reading about things to do in Nantucket was very inspiring. Thank you so much for a great read!
Thank you Randi for stopping by and visiting my Nantucket Travel Guide. Come back when you are ready to plan!
Nantucket is my kind of town! I live in a small town in the north, and this probably is similar to it (except of course, Nantucket is surrounded by water, mine is surrounded by mountains).
I love the light house and the beer!!
I would like to go there sometime, thanks for sharing this review.
You bet Hanna! When you are ready to plan, just head back! All my hotel choices are the best
Thank you for visiting beach travel destinations.
Wow so much detail in your travel guide, made me wish I was there! Loved the images and the price guide also very useful as one needs to know what kind of budget is required when on holiday, thanks again
Thanks for visiting Ann! I am glad you enjoyed my Nantucket Travel Guide.
This was great. Being a Massachusetts resident, only I live on the other end of the state. I have not been to Nantucket in a few years. The Shore of Cape Cod and New England are underrated. You will find some of the most beautiful and historic locations in New England.
Usually, when people talk about the beaches and the oceans in the United States. They think California, Florida, or New Jersey. Cape Cod has some of the cleanest beaches in the states. Although the access at times may be a challenge for some. Once you are there, the memories will be unforgettable.
Thank You for the post and the great video.
You are right Ken! I agree completely. I just did a morning walk along the Tampa Bay this morning and I could not believe all the trash. Made me wish I had a bag with me to do a little clean up as I walked. Kind of sad really. Glad you enjoyed my Nantucket Travel Guide!