While I’ve only lived in New England for two years, you learn quickly that New Englanders LOVE their summer vacations away at the Cape, the Vineyard, or on Nantucket. While these places are easily accessible to those living in the Boston area, you may find yourself ill prepared if this is your first or second rodeo to the Massachusetts coast.
With coastal temps no higher than 80 degrees and quaint villages bustling with pastel facades, budding hydrangeas, and fresh local seafood, it’s no surprise that Nantucket is one of many coastal towns that are frequented by many during the summer season.
Since Nantucket is only a whopping 105 square miles, you can really experience everything the island has to offer if you plan ahead! Below are my tips for anyone visiting Nantucket for the first time!
1. Book your rental car or car-ferry ASAP
Renting a jeep on the island would be fun way to explore some of the more remote parts of Nantucket, but rental cars or rental jeeps are not cheap and get booked very far in advance. So before you book your stay, make sure you know how you plan to get around. Depending on where you stay, you may be able to get around with a bike or moped just fine.
You can bring your own car on the ferry, but ensure to make your ferry car reservation well in advance. You can check car reservation availability on this website. Steamship Authority is the only ferry that accommodates vehicles and only occasionally offer a day-of waitlist option, which of course is never guaranteed. For peace of mind, make your reservation before warm weather approaches.
2. Book your AirBnb / hotel 6+ months before you travel
The same situation for your Airbnb applies to the car rental or car ferry reservation, book EARLY. Because Nantucket is known for return-vacationers there are a lot of places booked essentially a year out. There are options for places to stay during peak season, but the pickings are slim and not as swanky.
3. Restaurant reservations are key
Restaurant reservations are always a good idea, especially on a tiny island like Nantucket. While there are plenty of restaurant options, the hot spots will likely get fully booked during peak season. According to our local Airbnb hosts, recommendations are worth making 1-2 weeks in advance.
4. Bring cash
There is no Uber or Lyft on Nantucket, but they have a great taxi service and they only take cash. Some ice cream shops or smaller souvenir shops also only take cash, some come prepared with that cash money.
5. Summer season is sweatshirt season
While the summer on Nantucket boasts sunny beach weather days, the evenings get pretty chilly and you’ll want to make sure you have some cozy PJs, a denim jacket, or a sweatshirt so you don’t freeze your buns off come dusk.
Let me know if you have any other questions about visiting Nantucket! I’d be happy to provide any further recommendations, places to eat, stay, or things to do within the comments below!
