Nantucket

Introduction

Nantucket is an island off the southeast coast of Massachusetts, USA, about 30 miles (48 kilometres) from Cape Cod. The name might also refer to the town of Nantucket or the Nantucket County, formed together with the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget. The total population is about 10 to 11,000 but swells to five times as many inhabitants during the summermonths of July and August. As a foreign travellers it is really advised to visit outside of these peak times.

Geography

Cities

• Nantucket town

Sights and Activities

• Brant Point Light Station
• Jethro Coffin House
• Nantucket Historic District
• Hummock and Miacomet Ponds
• Popsquatchet Hills
• Squam Swamp
• Old Windmill and oldest house

Events and Festivals

• Daffodil Festival
• Nantucket Wine Festival
• Harborfest Celebration
• Nantucket Film Festival
• Independence Day
• Sandcastle and Sculpture Day
• Nantucket Harvest Festival
• Nantucket Arts Festival
• Christmas Stroll

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) is located on the south side of the island. Some airlines and destinations are Cape Air to Boston, Martha's Vineyard and Providence, Comut Air to Newark Liberty International Airport, Comair and Jetblue Airways to New York JFK, Air Wisconsin to Washington, D.C., andColgan Air to New York LaGuardia.

By Car

You can take your car on the slow boat from Hyannis in mainland Massachusetts, but it is very expensive (see below).

By Boat

The Steamship Authority runs ferries throughout the day between Hyannis (southern coast of Massachusetts, not far from Cape Cod) and Nantucket. The fast ferry takes an hour and costs $30 one-way, the slow ferry 2¼ hours and $15 one-way. Only the latter takes cars for not less than $360 round-trip!
Hy-Line Cruises has similar ferries plus a daily boat between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard from mid-June to mid-September (two hours) for slightly less than $30 one-way.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

NRTA Shuttle provides transport around the town and island from late May to late September, for $1-$2 a ride, or $7 for a day pass.

By Bike

Given the congestion on the island and the fact that not everything is within walking distance, renting a bike is a great alternative. Check Nantucket Bikeshop or Young's Bicycle Shop for options.
There are many two-way paved bikeroutes on the island:

• Madaket Bike Path, 6 miles (9.65 kilometres), 45 minutes one-way to the top of Madaket.
• Siaconset (or Milestone) Bike Path - 7 miles (11.25 kilometres), one-way. Approximately 1 hour to Siasconset. Water available at the rotary.
• Surfside Bike Path - 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres), one-way. Rather flat route and only 20 minutes to the beach.
• Polpis Road Bike Path - 16.5 miles (26.5 kilometres), loops from the Siasconset Bike Path to Polpis Road and back to town.
• Cliff Road Bike Path - 2.5 miles (4 kilometres), past beautiful cliff-side homes.
• Dionis Bike Path - continue on Cliff Road and explore the new Dionis Bike Path.

By Boat

Eat

Drink

Sleep