The island of Nantucket solidified its place in history hundreds of years ago. From the mid-1700s to the late 1830s, Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world. It was home to whaleships plying the oceans of the world on three-, four-, and five-year voyages in pursuit of whales, being the primary business of the island and its economy.

Once you step off the ferry, you will feel like you have been transported back in time. Maybe it’s the cobblestone streets. Or maybe it’s the historic buildings, some of which date back to the late 1600s. With its unspoiled charm and natural beauty, it is easy to see why so many travelers flock here year after year.

We invite you to experience Nantucket for yourself, answering the most common questions about visiting below!

Where is Nantucket?

Nicknamed “The Little Grey Lady of the Sea” the quaint island of Nantucket is located thirty miles south of Cape Cod and is just a quick 1-hour trip aboard our high-speed ferries. (Check out our Nantucket ferry schedule here!) The island is simply a natural beauty and easy to navigate during your visit as it is only 14-miles long and 3 ½-miles wide.

Map of Nantucket off of the Cape

Where to Stay on Nantucket

Despite its small size, Nantucket welcomes you with many lodging opportunities. From upscale resorts to historic inns to hotels to bed and breakfasts to house rentals, the island offers a variety of options. Due to the island’s popularity, however, it is advisable to book your room on Nantucket in advance. A wonderful resource is Nantucket Visitor Services, which keeps a weekly record of lodging available (please note this is for all accommodations except house rentals). 

What to Do on Nantucket

No matter where you are on the island there are so many things to see and do! With its gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants and ice cream shops, numerous historical locations, museums, and the fun and interesting stores that line Main Street, Nantucket has a little bit for everyone! Check out our 5 Must-Dos on a Trip to Nantucket for our insider tips! 

One must-see that you must see if you have the time is a trip out to the village of Siasconset (or ‘Sconset as the locals call it). Settled as a village in the 17th Century, ‘Sconset is at the Eastern end of the Island looking out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a charming waterside village of quaint, antique cottages. According to the Nantucket Historical Association: “’Sconset is a kind of refinement, or elixir, of all that makes Nantucket beloved—a community of beauty, set against a backdrop of history, with a magic all its own.” 

Consider Nantucket Island Tours

Enjoy a fully narrated delightful historic tour of the island. This tour offers a truly interesting riding tour of America’s most scenic little island. In just over an hour, become acquainted with the “Little Grey Lady,” famous as the world’s foremost whaling port in the 18th century. Our continuous narrated tour covers close to 65% of the island including: The Old Mill, “Sconset” Village with its rose-covered cottages, Low Beach, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Cranberry bogs and Nantucket moors. 

Check out our new tour, The Westender, which will show you the more remote West side of the island as well as stops at Cisco Brewery and Bartlett Farms and favorite landmarks included in our original tour. This tour is 2.5 hours, and definitely worth the time!

Check out our Gearing Up for a Great Summer with Nantucket Island Tours for more information!

0/5 (0 Reviews)