Your Perfect Day Trip to Nantucket

We recently took a day trip to Nantucket and let me tell you–it’s now one of my absolute favorite places in the U.S. The moment you step off the ferry if feels like you’ve been transported to a different world, where cobblestone streets, charming cottages and ocean views seem straight out of a dream.

In this post, I’ll share the best ways to get around the island, what you absolutely can’t miss and how to fit as much adventure as possible into one day in Nantucket.

Where is Nantucket?

Nantucket is a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. It is known for its stunning beaches, charming downtown, rich maritime history and the iconic homes with weathered-gray shingle siding.

You may be wondering…is a day trip to Nantucket worth it? Our answer is absolutely! Keep reading for all you need to know to plan your get away.

Getting to Nantucket

Getting to Nantucket is half the adventure! There are a couple reliable ferry options that will drop you off right in the heart of Nantucket.

• Steamship Authority– Steamship Authority offers both traditional and high-speed ferries. The traditional ferry takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, while the high-speed ferry arrives in just 1 hour.
• Hy-Line Cruises– This high-speed ferry arrives in Nantucket in 1 hour. You also have the option to take your bike with you for a small fee.

I highly recommend taking one of the high-speed ferries (we used the Hy-Line ferry departing from Hyannis on Cape Cod). This will get you to the island as soon as possible to extend your day. The prices of each are similar, so choose the one with the times that work best for you.

How to Get Around Nantucket

There are a few different ways to explore this charming island. Whether you prefer biking, taking the WAVE shuttle or renting a car, there’s an option to suit your pace.

Biking

• Pros: Scenic, eco-friendly, and affordable. Great for covering more ground while not having to worry about parking.
• Cons: Can be tiring, especially on longer rides, and not all areas have bike paths.

Walking

• Pros: Free, great for soaking in the island’s charm, especially downtown and along the beaches. 
• Cons: Limited to certain areas, time-consuming for longer distances and tiring after a while.

WAVE shuttle

• Pros: Convenient, inexpensive and covers most major spots.
• Cons: Limited schedule and can get crowded during peak season.

Uber

• Pros: Easy and convenient, no need to worry about parking or navigation, great for short trips around town.
• Cons: Availability can vary and prices surge during peak times.

Renting a Car

• Pros: Maxiumum flexibility and comfort while quickly getting you from one place to another.
• Cons: Expensive, parking can be tricky, and often unnecessary.

My recommendation: Use the WAVE shuttle and Uber for longer distances, and simply walk the rest of the time. The eliminates the need to worry about parking or finding bike paths while letting you explore a lot in one day.

For a deeper dive, check out our full review: Do you need a car in Nantucket?

Things to Do in Nantucket for One Day

If you’re anything like me, you want to see as much as possible in your time on the island!

My recommendation is to grab an iced coffee and head straight to the WAVE shuttle that will take you to Siasconset (also known as ‘Sconset), where you will find the Bluff Walk and Sankaty Lighthouse.

You can technically bike there, but the ride isn’t the most scenic and it would take up a lot of your time. Plus, no bikes are allowed on the Bluff Walk anyway.

Bluff Walk

The WAVE shuttle drops you off just about a 2 minute walk from the start of the Bluff Walk. 

As soon as we stepped onto the beginning of the path, we were in awe of the complete beauty around us! On one side are charming New England homes, all with the quintessential gray-weathered shingle siding, while on the other side you are met with the white sand and sparkling ocean.

Even the air smells of honeysuckle. It truly couldn’t get any dreamier!

For more information, explore our complete guide to the Sconset Bluff Walk.

Of course, Austin (my husband and favorite travel partner), couldn’t help but laugh at me for stopping every two minutes to capture another photo, but how could I resist??

Keep your eyes peeled for a public path leading down to the beach along the way. It’s definitely worth the stop.

While the Bluff Walk used to end at the Sankaty Lighthouse, due to erosion that is no longer the case. But fear not, simply go back out to the main road, walk North, and you’ll walk right into it.

Sankaty Lighthouse

This might be my favorite lighthouse I’ve ever visited. The red and white stripes are iconic Nantucket and the location feels like you’re on top of the island, with a beautiful golf course on one side and the stunning ocean on the other.

We didn’t feel like walking the two miles back to the shuttle stop, so we decided to take an Uber back to town, straight to Brant Point Lighthouse.

Taking an Uber turned out to be delightful! We had an amazing driver who is a 40-year local to the island. We learned so much on our drive that it really added to the experience!

Brant Point Lighthouse

This cute lighthouse is the perfect place to take some photos and watch the sailboats go by. Surprisingly, this is the smallest lighthouse in all of New England. It was built in 1746 and is still in operation today!

From Brandt Point Lighthouse, head back to downtown Nantucket, which is just a short walk away.

Explore Downtown Nantucket

You could spend all day exploring downtown Nantucket. The cobblestone streets give it that old-world charm, and wandering in and out of the little shops is a dream. Each one feels like its own discovery, from quaint bookstores to boutiques filled with local treasures.

There’s just something about the slower pace and character of the town that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Get Ice Cream at The Juice Bar

Stopping at The Juice Bar in downtown Nantucket is a must. You can even smell the freshly-baked waffle cones from the street, so it’s impossible to resist! We tried a few flavors and cake batter was hands-down our favorite. 

Explore the Whaling Museum

Visiting the Whaling Museum was an unexpected treat! This highly-rated museum is incredibly well done, diving deep into the island’s history. There’s also an amazing rooftop that overlooks the harbor.

Since this was a day trip and we were trying to pack it all in, we only stayed about 30-45 minutes. However, you could easily spend a couple hours here if you have the time.

Nantucket Day Trip Itinerary

Steal our hour-by-hour Nantucket itinerary below! Simply adjust times as needed for your ferry arrival and departure to make it your own.

We followed this itinerary on our recent Nantucket trip and it allowed us to see so much in just one day! Simply save this itinerary to your phone for easy access on your visit.

Steal my printable itinerary!

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Other popular activities you could add into your itinerary include Jetties Beach, Cicso Brewers, the Jethro Coffin House (oldest house in Nantucket) and the Nantucket Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum.

The Best Time to Visit Nantucket

The most popular time to visit Nantucket is Memorial Day to Labor Day, however with the popularity comes crowded streets, packed restaurants and parking woes.

We took our day trip the weekend after Labor Day and all the locals told us it was the perfect time to visit. The weather couldn’t have been better and downtown wasn’t too crowded.

The only downside was that the hydrangeas had lost their color. They were still in bloom, just faded. Luckily, there were many other types of flowers still in bloom.

What to Take

You won’t want to take much with you, especially if you plan to walk or bike, but these are a few items you won’t want to go without:

• Jacket
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Phone and/or camera
• Comfortable shoes

Tips for a Nantucket Day Trip

Here are a few tips to make your getaway a success:

• Arrive on the earliest ferry possible and leave on the latest ferry possible to extend your time on the island.
• The ferry can be windy and chilly so wearing layers is a good idea.
•  Wear comfortable shoes. You probably won’t want to wear heels, since the cobblestone streets can be very uneven.
• Leave plenty of time to get in line for the ferry. You don’t want to be late and be stuck for the night!
• Make restaurant reservations ahead of time, especially if you are visiting during the peak season.

Planning Your Getaway

Nantucket is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. From the stunning coastal views to the charming streets to the unforgettable experiences such as the Bluff Walk, every moment is sure to inspire. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe it all in and savor the beauty around you. 

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be planning your return trip before you even leave the island!

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