A Timeless Getaway: Visiting Nantucket

Nestled 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is a small island with an outsized reputation for charm, history, and seaside beauty. Once a bustling whaling port, today it’s one of New England’s most treasured vacation destinations, offering a blend of natural splendor, rich heritage, and laid-back luxury.
Reaching Nantucket is part of the adventure. You can take a scenic ferry ride from Hyannis—either the traditional Steamship Authority ferry or the faster Hy-Line Cruises. For those looking to save time, Cape Air and JetBlue offer flights directly to Nantucket Memorial Airport from various Northeast cities. During the summer months Delta offers flights that connect in New York on the way.
Arriving on the island feels like stepping into a postcard. Cobblestone streets, gray-shingled cottages, and white picket fences lined with blooming hydrangeas set the tone. The entire island is a designated National Historic Landmark, and it shows. Time seems to slow down here—and that’s exactly the point.
Nantucket offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts like The Wauwinet or White Elephant, to cozy inns and charming bed-and-breakfasts. Guests can board a small boat for their journey over to the Wauwinet from the White Elephant, as they are owned by the same company.  You can also go over to Wauwinet for a nice patio lunch.  For those staying longer, vacation rentals are a popular option, offering more space and the feel of a true home-away-from-home.
What to Do
Explore the town of Nantucket: Start with a walk around the downtown area, filled with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and historical landmarks like the Whaling Museum. Be sure to stop by the Brant Point Lighthouse for one of the most iconic island views. Shopping is always fun with a selection of high-end clothing and shoe stores, as well as the popular Nantucket reddish faded colored t-shirts and sweatshirt stores. 
Hit the Beaches: Nantucket is ringed with beautiful beaches for every kind of traveler. Surfside Beach is great for families, Madaket offers stunning sunsets, and Cisco Beach draws surfers and locals alike. It is also a place to enjoy a myriad of food trucks. 
Biking & Nature Walks: With its flat terrain and scenic trails, Nantucket is perfect for biking. The island also boasts miles of walking paths through moors, marshlands, and coastal areas—ideal for deer and birdwatching.
Visit Siasconset ("Sconset"): A small village on the eastern end of the island, ‘Sconset is famous for its rose-covered cottages and cliff walk with panoramic ocean views.  Of particular interest here is the Chanticleer Restaurant and Gardens where you can enjoy a wonderful drink and lunch before beginning your cliff walk.
Tour Lighthouses: Nantucket has three—Brant Point, Great Point, and Sankaty Head—each with its own story and picturesque setting.
Food & Drink
Nantucket’s culinary scene is fabulous. Enjoy fresh seafood at CRU Oyster Bar, laid-back beach bites at Sandbar at Jetties Beach, or refined dining at Galley Beach, The Pearl, The Proprietors Bar & Table, or Straight Wharf Restaurant. Don’t forget to grab a cone at The Juice Bar, often considered the island’s best ice cream spot. Where the line to order is always very lengthy!
Craft beer lovers should check out Cisco Brewers, a beloved island hangout offering beer, wine, spirits, food trucks, and live music.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is peak season, with warm beach weather and a lively social scene. Spring and early fall offer quieter charm and lower prices, while still delivering beautiful weather and open businesses. Winter is for the hardy and the locals—but the annual Christmas Stroll in December brings holiday magic to the island.
Nantucket is more than a destination—it’s a state of mind. Whether you're watching the sun dip below the horizon at Madaket Beach, sipping a cocktail on a harbor-front deck, or simply getting lost in the island's history and tranquility, Nantucket invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the moment.