The Best Nantucket Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

One of the questions I’m asked most is all about Nantucket—where to stay, how to get there, what to wear, and what not to miss. So, I decided to put everything together in one Nantucket travel guide after visiting my favorite place on earth six times.

Nantucket truly is a dream and the place that inspires so much of what I share here. From the timeless coastal style to the charming streets and beautiful beaches, it’s where I find endless inspiration for my business, and I’m so grateful I get to return year after year.

I hope this guide helps you plan your own Nantucket getaway! I’m sharing the places I’ve stayed, the restaurants I loved, some of my favorite things to do while on the island, and what to wear.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I’m always happy to help. Enjoy!

Getting to Nantucket

To be honest, getting to Nantucket can be quite the journey, but I promise it’s worth every step once you arrive.

Over the years, we’ve traveled there a few different ways. Most often, we fly into Boston, hire a Pro Limo car service to take us to Hyannis, and then hop on the Hy-Line Ferry to Nantucket. If you prefer, you can also rent a car at the airport and drive yourself to the ferry terminal, where long-term parking is available for a daily fee.

Last year, we decided to try something different and booked a connecting flight from Boston Logan directly to Nantucket on a regular-sized plane. It was a quick and convenient one hour flight! Depending on the schedule, though, you may only find flights on the smaller commuter planes. We personally try to avoid those when possible, but if you’re comfortable flying on a smaller aircraft, it’s another great option for getting to the island.

Where to Stay

The Brant

We stayed at The Brant for the first time last summer, and it was the perfect place to stay. It’s just a short walk to town and an easy bike ride to Steps Beach, making it the ideal home base for exploring Nantucket.

The rooms are absolutely dreamy, and every morning they serve a delicious complimentary breakfast before you head out for the day. They also provide complimentary bikes, which made getting around the island so much fun and convenient.

If you’re planning a trip to Nantucket, I highly recommend checking out The Brant. We loved our stay and can’t wait to go back!

Getting to The Brant

From the ferry, you can walk to the resort. My husband and I did it last summer, so it’s definitely doable, but be prepared—it’s a bit of a walk, especially with luggage. You can also grab an Uber if you’d rather not walk.

If you’re flying into Nantucket, you can take The Wave bus into town. It will drop you off at the main terminal, and from there it’s an easy walk to the resort. Just keep in mind that rolling luggage over Nantucket’s cobblestone streets can be a little cumbersome, so an Uber may be the more comfortable option.

Amenities

One of the things we loved most about staying at The Brant was all of the thoughtful amenities. Every detail has been carefully considered to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

Start your morning with their complimentary breakfast featuring a rotating selection of sweet and savory favorites, fresh yogurt parfaits, and house-made granola. During the day, unwind by the dipping pool, relax around the fire pits, or head over to The Barn, their inviting gathering space where you can enjoy everything from an iced latte to a refreshing rosé.

The Brant also offers complimentary bikes, making it easy to explore Nantucket at your own pace. If you’re heading to the beach, they’ve thought of that too, providing beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, coolers, and boogie boards for guests to use.

The rooms are beautifully appointed with custom pillow-top mattresses, lightweight summer duvets, plush robes and slippers, and luxurious bath amenities. You’ll also find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a smart TV with streaming capabilities, a hair dryer, an in-room safe, and an iron and ironing board.

Even better, The Brant is pet-friendly, so your four-legged family members are welcome to join in on your Nantucket getaway.

White Elephant

Our first trip to Nantucket was sponsored,  and we had the pleasure of staying at White Elephant, in one of their charming cottages, and it felt like a dream come true. The good news is, the entire resort has undergone a recent renovation and it’s gorgeous! We’ve been fortunate enough to stay there twice – on our first and second trips, and both experiences were absolutely splendid. Everything about it is impeccable, from the exceptional service and the cozy rooms to the inviting beds, the delightful wine hour each evening, and the wonderful restaurant, Brant Point Grill. It’s a place we truly cherish!

Another reason why the White Elephant has captured our hearts is its close proximity to the downtown historic district. We relish the ease of strolling to breakfast, lunch, and dinner during our stay. It’s precisely why, when you visit Nantucket, renting a car becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, there’s a convenient bus service known as “the Wave,” that helps you get around the island easily. The fees range from $2-$3 per person each way.

Getting to the White Elephant

When you make your reservation at the White Elephant, they will inquire about your mode of arrival. If you’re coming in by ferry, you’re in for a treat. They’ll have a van waiting just a few steps from the ferry, ready to whisk you straight to the resort, which is conveniently nearby. Although you could walk there, it’s advisable to take advantage of their complimentary pick-up service, especially considering your luggage.

However, if you’re arriving via Nantucket Memorial Airport, you’ll need to arrange for an Uber to transport you to the resort. It’s important to note that, for some reason, the pick-up service isn’t available for airport arrivals or Steamship arrivals.

Amenities

Once you’ve checked in at the resort, a plethora of amenities await you. This includes complimentary Priority bicycles for your leisurely rides, a serene spot with comfortable lounge chairs offering breathtaking harbor views, and even a relaxing spa. The spa, I must confess, is one amenity I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing yet.

The resort may also provide a complimentary car for a few hours, which can be a fantastic perk. Be sure to ask about its availability upon your arrival and consider scheduling it if it fits your plans. You’ll want to check the full list of amenities on their website.

You’ll be delighted to know that one of the most highly sought-after restaurants on the island, Brant Point Grill, is conveniently located right on the resort’s premises. This makes dining there a breeze, and we’ve even had the pleasure of ordering their room service offerings, which were nothing short of delicious.

The Wauwinet

As I began organizing our third summer getaway to Nantucket, I wanted to spice things up a bit, so I decided to try something different. I went ahead and booked a stay at The Wauwinet, an adults only iconic luxury resort, which is part of the same family of resorts as the White Elephant.

Getting to The Wauwinet & Amenities

The Wauwinet is situated a bit farther from the charming downtown historic area. When you arrive on the island via ferry, the resort offers a convenient perk – a complimentary bus that picks you up and whisks you away to the tranquil haven of The Wauwinet.

The journey to The Wauwinet takes around 20 minutes, but it’s worth it for the scenic views and the chance to explore more of the island. We found a routine that worked well for us: planning our day and hopping on the complimentary resort bus, which departs every half-hour, and takes us right into town. Once we’re there, we leisurely walk to our lunch or dinner spots. Last year, we even had the opportunity to attend mass, as the church is conveniently located on the same street as the bus stop.

This experience reaffirms our belief that having a car while staying on Nantucket isn’t a necessity. One year, we decided to take advantage of the complimentary BMW offered by the resort. We drove across the island for a delightful lunch at Millies, and it was indeed a special treat! We also took a scenic drive to Sconset to admire the picturesque Sankaty Lighthouse.

What’s truly special about The Wauwinet is its secluded setting, far removed from the bustle of town life. Additionally, the waterfront resort boasts two private beaches that are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a place where you can practically have the entire beach to yourself. And the added delight of watching seals gracefully swim by adds a touch of fun to the experience!

The Wauwinet is also proud to host their premier dining establishment, Toppers. They’re renowned for its delectable menu offerings spanning breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. We absolutely adore dining at Toppers during our stay, and it holds a special place in our hearts, particularly as we celebrated our 30th anniversary dinner there. The restaurant has become an integral part of our Nantucket traditions.

A few more things that add to our delight at The Wauwinet include their charming wine hour, savoring morning coffee on the pristine lawn, leisurely beach walks, quiet moments spent by the shoreline, the playful spectacle of seals swimming by, and the culinary delights of Toppers.

Places to Eat on Nantucket

Nantucket has some of the best food, so we always look forward to returning for our favorite spots while discovering a few new ones each trip. Here are some of the restaurants and cafés we love to visit whenever we’re on the island.

Things to Do on Nantucket

Nantucket, for us, is all about unwinding. It’s the ultimate relaxation destination. Most of our time is spent on the beautiful beaches, where we often bring along a simple picnic to savor the serene moments.

If you choose to stay at The Brant, White Elephant or Wauwinet, you’re in for a treat – complimentary bike access. During our White Elephant stay, we made the most of it. One of our favorite rides is to the scenic village of Sconset. The distance from town can be quite a stretch, and we learned this the hard way with a sunburn episode. Nowadays, we opt for a more convenient approach. We place our bikes on the front of the Wave bus, which takes us to Sconset, and we do the same for our return journey. It’s an easy way to reach more remote spots without the effort.

Nantucket also offers delightful shopping opportunities. From luxury brands to charming antiques, stylish home decor, clothing, and elegant jewelry, the island’s shops have something for everyone.

My husband and I have a simple pleasure: savoring good food. What’s great about Nantucket is that it makes it easy to find healthy and delicious options. When we’re on the island, my go-to for dinner is seafood; it’s always fresh and incredibly tasty.

We also love taking leisurely walks through town, and after dinner, a visit to The Juice Bar for their ice cream is a real treat.

While my husband enjoys watching the local fishermen at the wharf bring in their daily catch, I take a bit of time to do some shopping on my own, making the most of our island experience.

Nantucket has this incredible magic that keeps drawing us back year after year. It’s a place where you’re never short of things to do, delectable food to savor, captivating sights to explore, and simple joys to cherish. When you finally bid farewell, you can’t help but wear a big smile on your face, because every trip leaves you with a heart full of wonderful memories and an eager anticipation for the next visit.

Best Time to Book Your Trip

Here’s What I Do

I typically secure my summer trip to Nantucket in October. That’s when reservations open for the following year, and it’s an excellent opportunity to save on your stay by booking as early as possible and getting the dates you want.

Tip: I make reservations in this order: Resort, flights, ferry, car service.

Another Way to Save Money–

The ideal time to visit Nantucket is during the shoulder months of April, September, and October. During these periods, the island isn’t crowded with tourists, and you can often find savings on hotel accommodations. Our first trip was in September and it was beautiful! I would highly recommend checking out dates in these shoulder months.

What To Wear On Nantucket

There’s one thing I absolutely love to do, and that’s pack for a Nantucket summer. Filling my suitcase with blue and white pieces, timeless classics, and fun accessories is all part of the excitement. Above are just a few of the outfits I’ve worn over the years that perfectly capture timeless Nantucket style. I’ve also included a collection of looks below that I would pack if I were heading to Nantucket today, so be sure to scroll through for plenty of outfit inspiration.

Scroll through below to shop the Nantucket inspired looks.

Nantucket Lingo

Some fun Nantucket lingo to know before you go!

ACK – In the context of Nantucket, “ACK” is a three-letter code used to refer to Nantucket Memorial Airport.

Grey Lady – “The Grey Lady” is a nickname often used to refer to Nantucket Island. This nickname is derived from the island’s frequent foggy and misty weather conditions. When shrouded in fog, Nantucket’s shores and landscapes can appear gray, giving rise to the nickname “The Grey Lady.” The fog is a distinctive feature of the island’s climate, and it has contributed to the island’s unique and atmospheric charm.

Nantucket red – “Nantucket red” typically refers to a particular shade of red associated with a type of clothing, especially shorts and pants. This color is often described as a faded, sun-bleached red or a pinkish-red hue. The term is closely associated with the preppy and coastal fashion style, and it has become particularly popular in places like Nantucket.

Nantucket baskets – The story behind Nantucket baskets reveals their evolution from practical containers used by whalers to highly prized works of art, known for their unique design and intricate scrimshaw carvings, capturing the island’s maritime heritage and craftsmanship tradition.

On island – While on Nantucket, locals often describe their whereabouts as “on island,” so if you were to ask, “Where are you?” the response might be, “I’m on island.”

Hope you have the best time on Nantucket! Let me know if you have any questions.