Nantucket Island is a charming island town 30 miles out to sea. This island encompasses picturesque beaches, gray-shingled cottages, sailboats bobbing in the harbor, and cobblestone streets lined with high-end boutiques and amazing restaurants. A favorite summer destination for people all over the world, especially from Massachusetts where I was born and raised.
The ultimate New England summer escape where blooming hydrangeas meet the salty ocean air and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Nancy Meyers movie.
To do:
Beach: Jetties Beach and Steps Beach are two of my favorite beached on the island. I highly recommend renting a moped for the day, if you want to venture beyond town and spend some time at the beaches. Once you’re back in town, everything is incredibly walkable.
Shop: Start your days by wandering along Main Street, where the cobblestone streets are lined with charming shops, cafés, and the prettiest historic homes. Be sure to stop by the Whaling Museum and make your way over to Brant Point Lighthouse, one of the most iconic little spots on the island. I also love wandering the quieter side streets around town, especially when the hydrangeas are in bloom. It feels like walking through a Nantucket postcard.
Visit Sconset: The little village feels like its own Nantucket fairytale, especially along the Bluff Walk. Think rose-covered cottages, white picket fences, hydrangeas, and sweeping ocean views.
Straight Wharf: here is where you’ll admire all the boats in the harbor before spending the afternoon exploring the island. If you’d rather skip the moped, renting bikes is another great way to get around.
Enjoy sunset and have ice cream at The Juice Bar! A must on the island.
Where to Shop
Nantucket is one of those places where I could easily spend an entire afternoon popping in and out of boutiques. Beau and Ro Shop is one of my favorites for the prettiest Nantucket-inspired dresses, bags, and accessories. For a customized Nantucket hoodie to bring home with you, stop by Bro Denim. Dairy Boy is perfect for elevated lifestyle pieces and timeless fashion, while Legit Style has the most unique styles and accessories.
And if you’re looking for something a little more special, Its For Now carries independent designer brands and dreamy finds, including the hydrangea wedges I wore around the island.
Where to Eat & Drink
If you’re arriving by ferry, start your Nantucket day with breakfast at Bagel Bar, conveniently located right by the ferry drop-off. I ordered the lox bagel and it was incredible — exactly what you want before a full day of exploring.
For lunch, head to Sandbar at Jetties Beach, where you can grab a bite with your toes practically in the sand. It’s the perfect place to linger a little longer before heading back into town.
For dinner, I loved Bar Yoshi for sushi along the waterfront. If you time it right, you can watch the sunset while you eat, which makes the whole experience feel extra special.
Another dinner spot to put on your list is Toppers. With its waterfront setting, coastal cuisine, and dreamy views, dinner here feels like pure Nantucket magic.
After dinner, grab a glass of wine at the Tree Bar for a cozy evening drink and before you catch the ferry home, make one last stop at The Gazebo for Nantucket’s famous mudslide. It’s practically a rite of passage.
Favorite Coffee Shops: Handlebar & Lemon Press
Nantucket is one of those places that I never feel quite ready to leave. Between the beaches, the little shops, the boats in the, and the roses climbing over every cottage, it’s the kind of island that makes you want to romanticize every little moment — and honestly, I think that’s the whole point.
Getting Here: If you’re from Massachusetts you know all about the ferry to Nantucket. Taking the HyLine Cruises ferry to and from the Island from Cape Cod is the typical method of transportation for travelers and takes around 2 hours. However, the airport is so close to the town and an Uber is around $10 the flight from New York City is about an hour but the flight into Boston is only 30 minutes. This option is best to me because you don’t have to deal with a car and traffic on your way home from Cape Cod.
Whether you’re coming for the day or staying all weekend, Nantucket is always a good idea. I highly recommend planning your next summer trip to Nantucket, you won’t be disappointed.
