The Grey Lady is known for many things, historically a sleepy whalers village, today it is known as the summer playground for the rich. I like many of you, have not won the lottery and therefore can not afford a house on Nantucket (dreams). But I do manage to visit a few times a year and you can too! Here is my guide to planning a trip to Nantucket for every budget! Whether you’re going for just a day or a week there is plenty to do and see.
Nantucket is my Number One favorite spot in New England! It sounds cheesy just writing this but the island is so pretty it takes your breath away. I have been for day trips, festivals, and short getaways. This guide to Nantucket will help you manage getting to and from the island. Where to stay, and what you must see!
Obviously things are a it different this year with Coronavirus so I’ve include information about restrictions that are currently in place so you can safely travel. But things change quickly so please make sure you are checking with state and local officials for the most up to date information on coronavirus restrictions. The northeast has done a good job of flattening the curve and that will only continue if we all play by the rules. As of August 1st 2020, if you are traveling to Massachusetts from any state other than Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, or Hawaii, you must quarantine for 14 days. You can get more information on Massachusetts travel restrictions here.
Getting There:
Let’s start at the beginning, Nantucket is an island so you can either take the ferry or a plane. When planning a trip to Nantucket the ferry is almost always going to be the less expensive option. But keep an eye out occasionally there are crazy deals on Jet Blue and Cape Air. With coronavirus Cape Air has been having some great deals, and has honestly been less crowded than the ferry.
Steamship Authority– Also known as the slow boat. It’s a 2+ hour ride to Nantucket from Hyannis, if you need to take a car over this is your only option. I strongly encourage you to leave your car behind, unless you’re going for an extended period of time (more than a week) you really don’t need a car. It costs about $200 to bring the car over and then you need to deal with traffic and parking once you’re on island. And parking tickets are abundant on Nantucket. Tickets for the Steamship Authority are around $37.
Hy-Line Ferry– The fast ferry, it’s about 45-50 minutes from Hyannis to Nantucket, these tickets are a bit more expensive but if you’re only going for the day it is your best option. No point wasting precious time on the ferry. This is a much smaller ferry so no cars. If you can, arrange to be dropped off at the ferry or take a ride share. Parking at the ferry can range from $20-$40 a day, most lots are $30. So if you’re going for one night it’s going to cost you $60 to leave your car parked at the ferry. The lots on Ocean Ave are closer, easier to access, and no more expensive than the Hy-Line Ferry “on-site” parking, so don’t stress if that is full when you buy your ferry ticket. A round trip ticket on the Hy-Line ferry is about $75 give or take fees.
I recently took the Hy-line Ferry over to the island and was pretty impressed with the adjustments they’ve made for Coronavirus. Masks are required at all times while in doors. They have closed the up stairs bar. There is not eating or drinking inside. You can take you mask off while eating or drinking outside, but once you’re done you must put your mask back one. They did have someone going around telling people to put their masks back on if they had removed them. They had installed hand sanitizing stations throughout the ferry that even comes equipped with a 20 second count down so you know exactly how long to scrub for! The ferry over was pretty empty but the Sunday evening ferry home was of course packed so we chose to sit on one of the outside decks.
Seastreak– The newest option out of New Bedford. I haven’t personally taken the Seastreak ferry but have been hearing great things about it! They are only operating seasonally May to October, and they only have two ferry times from each location per a day. So you’re a bit more limited than the Hy-Line which has tons of times throughout the day. A same day round trip ticket is $70, but for non-same day round trip tickets its $90.
Flying– Ever wonder why people abbreviate Nantucket to ACK? It’s the 3 letter code for the Nantucket airport, ACK! If you’re going for an extended period of time, aren’t bringing a car, and aren’t able to arrange drop off at the ferry fly will be your best option. I use Skyscanner to get notifications for sales on certain flights. One weekend JetBlue had round trip to Nantucket for $89! It’s normally stupid expensive but if you keep and eye out sometimes there are good deals. Keep in mind flying will put you at the airport mid-island where as the ferry drops you off right in the downtown area. Check to see if your accommodations offer airport pick up or be ready to pay for a cab or Uber. There have been some really good deals recently due to coronavirus.
Where To Stay:
If you’re planning a trip to Nantucket and you’re able to stay for a few nights there are tons of great options. Be sure to book early. If you’re going during peak weeks there is often a minimum night stay for a lot of rentals so be sure to plan accordingly (some places have done away with this rule this year due to coronavirus limiting tourism).
AirBnB– There are tons of options for Nantucket AirBnBs. These often book weeks if not months in advanced but occasionally there is a last minute opening. AirBnBs are available to fit everyone’s tastes from luxurious mansions to sail boats docked in the harbor. Look for AirBnbs mid-island, it may take you an extra 10-15 minutes to get places but it is much more affordable than staying down town or on the beach!
The Nantucket Hotel – Recently named the #1 Luxury Hotel in the Country by Trip Advisor, The Nantucket Hotel and Resort is a fantastic option! Located just a short walk from down town, they’re pet friendly, have a pool, and offer ferry pick up. They have a fantastic restaurant and bar, and the staff is absolutely exceptional. Anytime I am on island I always stop by The Nantucket Hotel and have a drink of their deck. They offer rooms, suites, and private cottages. Its pricey but I would say 100% worth it if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway!
76 Main by Lark Hotels – Tucked right in the center of downtown Nantucket 76 Main is an adorable boutique hotel owned by Lark Hotels. The nautical whimsy design is perfect for Nantucket. They have a fantastic courtyard with fire pits and they offer a daily breakfast for guests.
Cannonbury Lane – Looking for a more permanent oasis on Nantucket? New this year, Blue Flag Partners has built a new residential community on the east side on the island in Sconset! The beautiful homes are private and secluded and come equipped with a community garden, beach access, and a community club house dubbed “the shed”. Learn more here. 
Day Trip– Accommodations can be steep and not in everyone’s budget. But some of my favorites memories on Nantucket are from day trips. If you can’t afford to stay but are dying to go take an early ferry over and a late ferry back! I’ve done the 8AM Hy-Line ferry over and then the 7PM back and trust me you can fit a lot into one day! I normally only go over for a day on peak holiday weekends like Stroll and Daffy.
Getting Around on Island:
If you (wisely) chose not to bring a car when planning your trip to Nantucket, you’ll need to get around. Fortunately there are tons of options!
The Wave– Nantucket public transportation, the bus. It’s just $3 and is pretty easy to use. The main bus stop is on Washington street just a 5-10 minutes walk from where the Hy-Line Ferry drops off. You can head all the way out to out to Sconset, or get dropped off mid-island. Grab a map, trust me once I figured it out I never paid the $20+ for an Uber out to Sconset again.
Ride share– There is Uber and Lyft on Nantucket but it can be pricey. Especially on peak weekends like Figawi or Fourth of July. A ride from downtown to Sconset was once $75 bucks (I obviously didn’t take it). Be sure to double check prices and see if there is a way for the bus to get you a bit closer to where you want to go and then get an Uber to take you the rest of the way.
Cabs– Cabs are pretty available throughout the downtown area. If you’re staying at a hotel the front desk should always be able to call one for you. My general rule with cabs is try to negotiate a price before you get in, if they says it’s going to be about $20 bucks and then at the end of the ride the meter says $60 you know something went wrong.
Rent bikes– If you’re there when the weather is nice definitely rent bikes to get around. It’s a great workout, better for the planet, and Nantucket has great bike paths. If you’re staying mid island you can make your way downtown or out to Sconset pretty easily.
Walk– I know it sounds obviously but the island is pretty walkable. If you’re staying in the down town area really everything you need is within walking distance. In Sconset you can walk to the beaches, the bluff walk, and Sconset market. I’ve done the walk from Sconset Market to Sankaty Light, it’s long on a hot day but just bring some water and some walking shoes. You will find cobble stone and old seashell paths throughout Nantucket so bring comfy walking shoes, because you will need them!
Affordable and Free Things To Do:
Many people think if you don’t have tons of money to blow there won’t be anything for you to do on Nantucket, not true! There are tons of free and affordable things to do.
Visit a Light House– Brant Point is just a short walk from down town and Sankaty Light is just a mile and a half from Sconset Market. Both are beautiful and worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to Nantucket.
Sconset Bluff Walk– If you’re out in Sconset you have to talk a stroll along the bluff walk. You’ll feel like you’re in someone’s backyard but it’s really a public path way that takes you along the shoreline. It used to go all the way out to Sankaty Light but due to erosion the light house was moved back. Make sure you stop by Sconset Market for a the best cookie in the whole world, yes this is the hill I am willing to die on.
Go to the Beach– This seems like a no brainer. Nantucket has phenomenal beaches, lay on the sand or surf the waves. Note a few beaches were temporarily closed last year for shark sightings, never swim if you see seals near by. Steps Beach is one of my personal favorites! 
The Nantucket Whaling Museum– If you’ve never been you really have to go learn about some of Nantucket’s history. Because of COVID19 they have changed their ticket system so you have to reserve your tickets and time of your entry online. Adult tickets are just $20, masks are required. If the weather is going to be crappy on the days your planning your trip to Nantucket this is a great option!
Cisco Brewers– Open year round Cisco is a lot of fun. Typically they have a free shuttle bus that picks people up down town, will bring you to the brewery and back. In addition to beer from the brewery, they have other options. Nantucket Vineyards is also set up there serving wine, and the bar has mixed drinks so whatever you’re in the mood for they have. There are normally a couple of food trucks set up so you can get something to eat. And there is always some form of entertainment. It is so much fun, it’s always one of my favorite stops on Nantucket!
I haven’t been this year but I did ask around about the adjustments they’ve made for social distancing and here is what I know: they were having people make a reservation, and you had a 2 hour limit, but now they seem to be doing walk-ins again as of August (subject to change visit their website for the most up to date info). When not at your table you must wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Other Notes:
Nantucket is a dreamland, it is my personal happy place, and is home to so many amazing and talented people. It is definitely worth the visit, budget for a day trip this summer, trust me it is worth it! If you’re going this summer please respect the rules they’ve put in place surrounding masks and social distancing. Nantucket Cottage Hospital is a phenomenal facility with very talented people but they do not have the capacity or infrastructure to deal with a large influx of coronavirus cases.
You must wear a mask while in the downtown area or in Sconset village. And please if you have been feeling sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick reschedule. And please observe the Massachusetts mandatory 14 day quarantine for those traveling from outside the specified states. You may just be visiting Nantucket for a day or two and you don’t want to leave behind a virus to infect the hard working talented people who live there.
I hope this helped some of you plan your ideal trip to Nantucket! If it did please share and tell your friends!
