Tell me a more perfect way to spend a summer day, I’ll wait. This quaint little island off the coast of Massachusetts’ Cape Cod is truly like if I bottled summer up and created the perfect oasis. And the best part is that it’s an easy day trip! One day on Nantucket is plenty of time to see all that it has to offer, and you won’t have to pay an arm and leg for a hotel in peak season! I’d highly recommend grabbing a hotel on Cape Cod (I stayed at the Bluebird Dennisport and it was lovely!) and taking a day trip out of Hyannis. Here’s how to spend one day on Nantucket!
Take the Ferry from Hyannis
The absolute best way to start your one day on Nantucket is by taking the ferry from Hyannis! Sure, there are flights to Nantucket from cities like Boston, New York, or Philadelphia, but the ferry really is the best (and cheapest!) option. Not only does it dock right in the center of town so you can get straight to exploring, you won’t have to worry about TSA, making connections, or getting to town from the airport. Plus, the ferry ride is incredibly scenic as you pull out of Hyannis and it is only an hour ride each way!
Grab Coffee at The Hub
Once you hop off the ferry in Nantucket, I’d recommend heading straight to The Hub. This quaint coffee shop right in the center of town has so many tasty drinks, and even a small gift shop! I got my standard iced mocha, but was almost sold on the Milky Way drink – until I was told it was made with coffee. Only espresso for this girlie! After I ordered a few girls behind me got frappuccinos and they looked incredibly refreshing for a summer day! While I was there, I also picked up a new souvenir – a new Tervis tumbler with a Nantucket emblem. I’m obsessed! Sip your coffee as you stroll or take a seat and rest on the benches outside.
Shop Downtown
Every street you turn down on Nantucket will be just as cute as the last. It’s hard to pick a favorite! I’d recommend first strolling up Main Street. This is where you’ll find my favorite clothing store Breezin’ Up and the cutest little bookshop, Mitchell’s Book Corner. On the next block, you’ll also find Murray’s Toggery Shop where you can shop for your iconic “Nantucket Reds”. Even though there was no practical way for me to buy anythign and bring it home with me, I was swooning over Nantucket Looms. All of their home goods are decoration goals! Coastal grandmother vibes to the max.
Don’t stop at Main Street though! Take time to stroll down the side streets like Centre St., Federal St., and Water St. Water Street was home to another one of my favorite stores, Annie & The Tees. I loved how these shops had Nantucket gear that wasn’t typical cheesy tourist getup. They were all really high quality and clothes that I would actually wear out and about!
Walk town Old North Wharf
Old North Wharf is an extension of Cambridge Street and will be one of the most beautiful streets you’ll see all day! It’s a dead end street that is situated right on the harbor. No thru traffic can go down, so it’s perfect to spread out and snap pictures of the iconic homes covered in cedar shake shingles. Just imagine living in one of these houses! I can’t!
Grab Lunch in Town
There are so many great restaurants on Nantucket, it’s hard to choose where to eat! During peak season, I highly recommend making a reservation wherever you’d like to go. I didn’t plan ahead (and also waited until I was starving to find a plce to sit), so I ate at B-ACKyard BBQ. It was the only place that I could find quickly without a wait, but it was incredibly delicious and fresh bbq! I got ribs and brisket and was happy as a clam.
Take The Wave out to Sconset
While Nantucket isn’t a huge island, some of the attractions can be pretty spread out and difficult to get to without a car. Enter: The Wave. The Wave is the name for the public busses on Nantucket and they couldn’t be easier to use. Jump on a bus right in town at the Greenhound Station and pay your driver the $3.00 cash fare. From there, sit back and enjoy the quick 20 minute ride out to the adorable town of Siasconset (or Sconset, as the locals call it). Sconset is located on the east coast of Nantucket and is picture perfect at every turn.
Stroll The Bluff Walk in Sconset
Sconset isn’t a huge town, and aside from a couple restaurants and a market, nature is going to be your friend here. The Sconset Bluff Walk is the shining star of Sconset. This path is a beautiful collaboration between the private land owners and the town. The path is about 1 mile each way and cuts through the private properties of dozens of beautiful, swoon-worthy homes. Look to your right and you’ll also find you’re sitting smack dab on the coast with the waves crashing beneath you.
The path is a pretty easy walk: sometimes it’s dirt, other times it’s stone, and sometimes it’s just following matted grass. But it’s relatively flat and makes for a perfect stroll. I’d recommend about an hour (or maybe an hour and a half if you want to stop and take a lot of pictures, as I did) for this walk. Afterwards, make your way back to the Sconset bus stop to ride The Wave back into town.
Whaling Museum
About a five minute walk from the Greenhound station is the famous Whaling Museum. This tiny museum is packed full of history on the island of Nantucket and even has a whale skeleton. There is even a roof deck where you can climb up and get views of the entire town and harbor. Unfortunately their hours are very limited and I didn’t plan well so I didn’t make it, but everyone that I spoke with said this was a star attraction and definitely worth your time. They are open 10 am – 5 pm daily, so plan ahead!
Ice Cream at The Juice Bar
Amazing ice cream, misleading name. Right across the street from the Whaling Museum, you’ll find the best ice cream on the island: The Juice Bar. While yes, they do also sell juice smoothies, but their homemade ice cream is the real start of the show. You can smell the freshly made waffle cones from down the block, which will get you drooling as you wait in line. Don’t be surprised to see a line down the street and around the corner – it moves fast! And is so worth the wait! I got a scoop of cookie dough and didn’t regret it for a second.
Children’s Beach
While you wait for your ferry, take some time to walk down to Children’s Beach. After all, you’re on an island, and your feet haven’t touched sand all day! This beach is just a few minute walk from the ferry dock and is a great way to end the day and kill a little time if you need. The water is really calm and the sand is soft to the touch. A picture-perfect ending to a perfect day on Nantucket!
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