The perfect Nantucket day trip

ElizabethAugust 8, 2023

There are so many perks to living in New England and I swear we earn every single one of them by surviving grey, grouchy winters and what’s likely a universal vitamin D deficiency. At the top of that list of perks for me is ~~a Dunks on every corner~~ proximity to places like the Cape and Islands (we’ve got the mountains and valleys, too — but you know I’m partial to the coast). Whether you’re living here or passing through, day trips to the Cape, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard are kind of a must, if you ask me.

Looking for a little inspiration? Here’s my itinerary for the perfect Nantucket day trip:

Traveling to and from Nantucket

We have a few great options for getting to and from the island of Nantucket, and while I’m sure flying is perfectly lovely, I’m partial to the ferries, which dock right downtown — ideal for a day trip to the island. The length and speed of your voyage will depend on where you’re departing from, of course. Regardless of which boat you’re taking, don’t forget to go out on the deck as you approach Nantucket to get the best view of Brant Point lighthouse.

From Hyannis: The Hy-Line Cruises high speed ferry will get you from Hyannis Harbor to Nantucket in just about an hour. They provide year-round service, with upwards of 9 departure times during the summer. They own a large parking lot directly across from the ferry terminal (cash only — they do not accept cards, I am pretty sure the max fee is $28 during the peak of summer… which is great, because that’s exactly how much cash I cobbled together on my last trip over after forgetting to stop at the ATM 😅), as well as a satellite lot with shuttle service, located a mile away.
From Hyannis: The Steamship Authority operates both slow boat + high speed ferries from Hyannis Harbor (slow boat takes about 2 and 1/4 hours, fast ferry is an hour long ride).
From Harwich (lower Cape): The Freedom Ferry travels from Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port to Nantucket in 80 minutes. Parking is free for daytrippers (there is also overnight parking available).
From New Bedford, MA or New York City or Highlands, NJ: The high-speed Seastreak catamaran sails directly to Nantucket from New Bedford, and stops in Oaks Bluff, Martha’s Vineyard en route to Nantucket from NY and NJ. One major perk to the Seastreak is their dockside valet parking (I’ve sailed with them from New Bedford to MVY and was so impressed with this option).

What to do on your perfect Nantucket day trip

The ferries all dock right downtown, so you won’t have to go far to enjoy the charm of the island. I love strolling the brick and cobblestone streets, popping into shops and snapping photos of the incredible landscaping architecture and stunning window boxes along the way. I could (and have!) spent an entire day just strolling… so be sure to leave plenty of time in your schedule for exploring.

Nantucket has public restrooms located downtown at 25 Federal Street (backside of the visitors center) and 25 Commercial Street. Both locations are clean, well-maintained, and clearly marked. There are also restrooms located inside the Hy-Line offices adjacent to the dock.

A few of my favorite shops:

Space on Old South Wharf: Visit for the impeccably curated mix of new + vintage home goods and apparel/accessories, open seasonally (May through the Christmas Stroll)
Hospital Thrift: Shop for second-hand treasures, while supporting Nantucket Cottage Hospital (a win/win)
For Now: This seasonal pop-up features the best small, local brands — apparel, accessories, home goods and body care, open through Labor Day
Abigail Fox Designs: Woman-owned and run boutique located just across from the Hy-Line terminal, Abigail Fox Designs is worth stopping for beautiful dresses (they carry their own designs, along with a few of my favorite brands like Navy Bleu), jewelry, accessories, and gifts

Walk or bike to the Brant Point Lighthouse: This picturesque cutie of a lighthouse (the shortest in New England, apparently) is located at the end of Easton Street and the grounds are open year-round. It’s the perfect spot to watch the tides change and ferry boats pass. *Please note that there is no parking at the lighthouse, nor are the grounds especially accessible. Reaching the lighthouse requires an approximately 1/10 mile walk across sand.

Visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum at 13 Broad Street: The Whaling Museum features both permanent and special exhibits and covers four centuries of island history. Be sure to visit the museum’s roof deck for an unmatched view of the harbor and neighboring streets.

Cool off at Children’s Beach: Grab a lemonade or waffle cone at Juice Bar and make your way to Children’s Beach to cool off. The beach has a small playground, public restrooms, picnic tables, and very calm waters.

Cruise Nantucket harbor: Enjoy the island from a different vantage point! There are number of charter companies operating out of Nantucket harbor, but I absolutely love the charm of Nantucket By Water’s Minke, a 26′ Classic Crosby Launch with a full canopy top, in particular.

Admire the homes along Old North Wharf: You’ll likely recognize the endlessly instagrammed Constitution, Mary F. Slade, Wharf Rat Club and the other charming homes along Old North Wharf. They’re especially charming when the climbing roses and hydrangea are in bloom, but they’re worth a visit year-round. (Don’t be a creep, though, obv — these are private homes.)

Grab lunch at Provisions: Do I daydream about Provisions’ sandwiches on cold, dreary days? Yes. Have I grabbed an extra Caprese sandwich for the ferry ride home? Also, yes. It’s often busy, so I recommend avoiding peak times or simply enjoying the people watching outside by the Gazebo while you wait for your order. Provisions is located at 3 Harbor Square.

Seriously, though. Get the second sandwich.

Also On Tap for Today: