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Before you go
Your trip to Nantucket.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Nantucket – Massachusetts Destination Cape Cod and the Islands about 150 km from Boston
How to get there
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Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) 5 km
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Steamboat Wharf 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By ferry from Hyannis: the fast ferry takes about one hour and the regular ferry a little over two. The airport (ACK) has flights from Boston and, in summer, from other cities. Bringing a car on the ferry requires booking well in advance.
How many days
One day, leaving from Hyannis, lets you see the downtown, the museum and Brant Point Light. With two or three days you can include Siasconset, the beaches and bike rides around the island.
When to go
June to September, with days from 22 °C to 26 °C and more frequent ferry schedules; July and August are busy and expensive. Early December features Christmas decorations downtown. In winter the island becomes quiet and many businesses close; the frequent fog gave the island the nickname the Grey Lady.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Downtown is walkable, bike paths connect the town to the beaches and to Siasconset, and local buses run in summer. Bringing a car on the ferry is expensive and requires a reservation. Driving is on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Nantucket
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Morning
Whaling Museum
Disembark and go to the whaling museum, just steps from the pier.
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Afternoon
Historic downtown and Brant Point
Walk along Main Street and the streets of captains’ houses and finish at Brant Point Light.
2 days in Nantucket
Day 1
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Morning
Museum and CBD
Whaling museum and the cobblestone streets of the downtown.
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Afternoon
Brant Point
Brant Point Light and Jetties Beach, next to it.
Day 2
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Morning
Siasconset
Bike or take the bus to Siasconset and walk among the cottages up to Sankaty Light.
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Afternoon
Beach
Afternoon at one of the island’s south beaches, such as Surfside, then return to town.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is a day trip to Nantucket worth it?
Yes, with the fast ferry leaving early from Hyannis: you can see the historic downtown, the museum and Brant Point Light. For Siasconset and the beaches, stay overnight on the island.
Do you need a car in Nantucket?
No. Downtown is walkable, there are bike paths to the beaches and to Siasconset, and local buses run in summer.
Why is Nantucket called the Grey Lady?
Because of the frequent fog that covers the island and the cedar-shingled houses, which turn gray over time.
What is the best time to go to Nantucket?
June to September, for beaches and outings; September is usually quieter. In winter many businesses close.