Day trip to Nantucket from Boston – One Day Itinerary
Looking into taking a day trip to Nantucket from Boston? If you’re looking for a day trip that’s full of charm, history, and natural beauty, look no further than Nantucket. Located just off the coast of Massachusetts, this small island is a popular summer destination for tourists and locals alike.
While it might be a little more difficult to fit this trip into a day, it’s possible. It just requires a bit of upfront planning.
Check out this guide that will help you figure out how you can finally take that day trip to Nantucket from Boston. You’ll find information on how to get there, what to do, and even where to stay if you decide to extend your trip.
Alright, let’s get going then, shall we?
Can you do a day trip from Boston to Nantucket?
Of course! Thankfully Nantucket isn’t really that far from Boston. Plus, depending on your mode of transportation, it’s not that difficult to get to.
Obviously if you’re looking to take public transit it does require more upfront planning. However, even with a car, you’ll still need to find parking and a way across to the island.
Is it worth it to go to Nantucket for a day?
This is a tough question to answer since it’ll be subjective depending on who is going. If you really like to travel slow and enjoy your destination thoroughly, it’ll be difficult to fit all of the things to do and places to visit in one day. Totally possible, but it’s either a lot more sped up and rushed or you forego some of the experiences while you’re there.
However, if you’re looking to escape the city for a day or want to make sure you get to visit Nantucket in a time crunch, it’s definitely a great option. And it’s totally workable.
How to Get From Boston to Nantucket
If you’re ready to plan an exciting getaway to Nantucket, your first question will most likely be “how do I actually get there?” Well, you’re in luck because you’ve got options! Let’s sort through them here.
First and foremost, what’s the distance from Boston to Nantucket anyways? It’s slightly under 100 miles apart. This is the perfect distance for a day trip, at least in my opinion.
The most popular options for a day trip would be ferry, bus or even by plane if you can afford it.
Ferry from Boston to Nantucket
The most common (and probably the easiest) way to get from Boston to Nantucket is by taking the ferry. While there are no direct ferries from Boston to Nantucket, you can take a train or bus to get to Hyannis.
- You can take the Cape Flyer weekend train to Hyannis -OR-
- Take the bus (Peter Pan) from Boston to Hyannis
From there, the ferry ride is anywhere from 1 to 2 hours long and there are a few different companies that operate.
- Hi-Speed Ferry run by the Steamship Authority – takes about 1 hour
- Traditional Ferry ride run by the Steamship Authority – takes about 2 hours 15 minutes
- High speed ferry run by Hy-Line Cruises – takes about 1 hour
Pro-tip: If you book your ferry ride in advance, you can often find deals or promotions that’ll save you a few bucks. Plus, it’ll be the peace of mind to know you have a confirmed reservation.
Boston to Nantucket by Car
Another option is to drive from Boston to Hyannis, which is about an hour and a half car ride. From there, you’ll need to park your car and take the ferry over to the island.
I’d recommend driving as it’s the fastest option to get to Hyannis and then it’s another hour or two to Nantucket on the ferry.
If you’re looking to take your car it can definitely be expensive to take on the ferry, plus you’ll have to reserve this ahead of time. Another thing to keep in mind with bringing your car is that once you’re on the island, there are very limited options for parking.
Related: Do you need a car for your trip to Boston?
Boston to Nantucket by Plane
The last option is to take a plane from Boston Logan Airport to Nantucket Memorial. This is, of course, the fastest way to the island but is also the most expensive. Some people prefer this since it’s faster and it’s direct. It’s about a 45-minute flight from start to finish. Check out pricing here.
Related: Acadia National Park from Boston Road Trip
Things to do in Nantucket for One Day
Now that you know how to get there, let’s move on to what you can do when you’re finally enjoying a day in Nantucket.
1. Have lunch at the Straight Wharf Restaurant
The Straight Wharf Restaurant is a must-go for any foodie visiting Nantucket. With stunning waterfront views, the menu is sure to have something for everyone – from fresh seafood to wood-fired pizzas. Their drinks are also rather good.
2. Shop on Main Street
After lunch, walk it off by strolling down Main Street and do some shopping. You’re sure to find something to bring home from high-end designer stores to quaint little gift shops.
3. Visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum
The Nantucket Whaling Museum is a great way to learn about the island’s rich history. From exhibits on the whaling industry to displays on the island’s Native American population, there’s a lot to see and learn here.
Fun Fact: Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick was inspired by the true story of the Essex, a whaling ship that sank off the coast of Nantucket in 1820.
4. Relax on the beach
After a day of walking and exploring, it’s time to relax on one of Nantucket’s many beaches. Grab a beach chair and soak up the sun or go for a swim in the cool water. Which beaches do I recommend?
Some of the best beaches in Nantucket include:
- Madaket Beach
- Jetties Beach
- Ladies Beach
- Cisco Beach
- Surfside Beach
5. Stroll through the Nantucket Atheneum
Take a stroll through the Nantucket Atheneum. This beautiful building is home to a Museum, Library, and Gardens. The Museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from the island’s history, while the Library is a great place to relax with a book. The Gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Bonus: If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to catch a performance at the Atheneum’s outdoor amphitheater.
6. Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewers is one of the most popular destinations on the island. They have a great beer garden with live music and games. It’s a lively spot! They also have a nice selection of food trucks.
If you’re into beer and a fun place to relax, this is a great place to spend an afternoon.
7. Visit a Lighthouse
Nantucket is home to several lighthouses, each with its own unique history. The Brant Point Lighthouse is the island’s most popular lighthouse. It’s located in the center of town and is a great place to take photos. The Sankaty Head Lighthouse is another popular option. It’s located on the island’s eastern side and offers stunning views of the coast.
8. Take a Boat Tour around the Harbor
One of the best ways to see Nantucket is from the water. There are several boat tour companies that offer harbor tours. These tours typically last around an hour and offer great views of the island. Not only can you see the beautiful island but you might even catch a whale!
9. Rent Bikes to Explore the Island
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent bikes and explore the island on your own. Nantucket is a great place to bike with plenty of scenic routes to take. Not to mention, it’s a great way to work up an appetite for seafood-filled lunches and dinners (and cocktails).
FAQs for Day Trip to Nantucket from Boston
Here are some of the most common questions we here about taking a day trip from Boston to Nantucket.
What’s the best time to visit Nantucket?
This all depends on what you’re looking for.
- If you want to enjoy the beach: late summer/early fall
- If you want to enjoy the quieter pace of the island: late fall/winter
- If you want to enjoy the festivals and events: spring/summer
Related: Day Trip to Salem from Boston
Do I need a car on Nantucket?
No, you definitely don’t need a car in Nantucket. If anything, it’ll be difficult having a car because you’ll have to worry about finding parking when you’re there. And depending on what time of year you go, it will be hard to find parking. You can still enjoy Nantucket without a car – there are plenty of Ubers and Lyfts, and you can walk or bike most places.
How Long is the Ferry Ride from Boston to Nantucket?
Depending on which speed ferry that you choose, this can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. High speed ferries take about an hour while the traditional ferry takes about 2 hours.
Tips for a Day Trip to Nantucket from Boston
I have several tips for you before you take your trip to Nantucket. Hope these are helpful in preparing for your trip and ensuring you’re ready ahead of time.
- If you’re taking the ferry, make sure to get there early because it fills up
- If you’re going in the summer, make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat
- Nantucket is a very walkable island, so be prepared to do some walking
- If you want to rent a bike, make sure to do it in advance because they fill up
- There are plenty of places to eat on the island, but if you want to eat at a specific restaurant, make sure to make a reservation
- Have fun and enjoy your day!
Where to stay in Nantucket, MA?
This won’t be relevant if you’re only interested in the day trip, but if you change your mind and want to spend more time on Nantucket, here are some awesome places to stay.
- Cute and central Boutique hotel experience – Hotel Pippa
- Beautiful hotel with shuttle service, close to town – White Elephant Hotel
- Luxury stay in a Stunning Hotel ($$$) – The Nantucket Hotel & Resort
- Another beautiful, luxury stay ($$$) – The Wauwinet
Nearby: Day trip to Newport, Rhode Island
The Wrap-Up: Day Trip to Nantucket from Boston
Nantucket is a beautiful island and a great place to spend a day. I hope this guide has helped you plan your day trip to Nantucket from Boston. It’s a quick ferry ride (or plane ride), and there’s plenty to do on the island for a day. From shopping to relaxing on the beach to exploring the history of the island, you’ll be sure to have a great time.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get you to Nantucket!
When do you plan on taking your day trip to Nantucket from Boston? Is there anything you’re really looking forward to doing while there?
