We love New England beaches Part 2: Nantucket
We love New England beaches I Part 2: Nantucket
Part 2 of the We love New England beaches will cover the second half of our trip, Nantucket. While doing a week in Cape Cod and Nantucket was doable, I wouldn’t suggest merging into one trip unless you have more time. If I could do it again (and I certainly plan to), I would have done one trip to Cape Cod and visited more beach towns beyond just Chatham, and also do a separate trip to Nantucket. I wish we spent a week in Nantucket. So pretty and a lot of things to do for the entire family. For Part 1 of our trip, visit here.
Nantucket, aka the Grey Lady (because of the thick fog that often surrounds the island), is a small (14 miles long, 3 ½ miles wide) island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. It was settled in 1659 and quickly became a center for fishing and boatbuilding. And by the 1800s, Nantucket was known as the whaling capital of the world! The island has a great whaling museum that I’d definitely suggest visiting if you take a trip there. But the first thing you’ll notice when roaming about the island are the gorgeous Nantucket style homes. These shingled houses became popular in the late 19th century and are a nod to Queen Anne and Victorian architecture. Hubby and I Zillowed a couple of 800-900 square foot cottages when on the island and well, not an option for us…ever. Read on for a rundown of our wonderful family trip to Nantucket.
How do you get there?
As mentioned earlier, this was Part 2 of our trip to Cape Cod. We did a 6 hour drive up to Cape Cod, stayed in Chatham for a few days, and then drove 30 min west to Hyannis to catch the Hy-Line ferry to Nantucket. Hy-line has a parking lot right across the street from the ferry. We pre-paid ($28/day) for parking because there are a limited number of spots, and we wanted to avoid getting there and finding out they were all gone.
We paid extra (because, kids) to take the highspeed ferry, which got us to Nantucket in an hour. Otherwise, the ferry ride is a little over 2 hours. We also paid extra to get Captain’s View seats. We were allowed to board earlier than others and had reserved seats, but I don’t think I would pay extra for this again. While crowded, there was plenty of seating on the first floor of the ferry.
Nantucket also has an airport (ACK). Flights are usually expensive because it’s a smaller airport, but I’ve heard of people getting decent tickets from NY airports. If you factor in gas, the cost of parking and ferry though, you may do better just flying into Nantucket. You don’t need a car on the island, especially if your kids are old enough to ride a bike or in a bike trailer!
Give yourself enough time to park and unload your luggage and handoff to an attendant before boarding the ferry. We got to the ferry 20 minutes before boarding and felt rushed.
Where should you stay?
If going with kids, the White Elephant Nantucket, hands down. This luxury hotel caters to families. Situated in the center of town and walking distance from everything you’d want to see and do, the White Elephant makes it easy to travel as a family. Upon check-in, the front desk asked our 3 year old son if he wanted to pick out a few toys for his stay. Guys-they have a toy box to choose from! Teddy bears, beach toys, trucks, you name it. They upgraded us to a 2-bedroom cottage with a king-size bed in each, two full bathrooms, a living room with electric fireplace, den, and kitchenette. Our daughter was only 8 months at the time so they also set up a crib in the kids’ room. There was also baby-friendly shampoo, conditioner, and lotion set out in their bathroom.
Although it’s difficult to identify what my favorite thing about the resort was (because everything was perfect), I think the pool topped everything. It’s heated and there’s always a lifeguard on duty. There are swim diapers and adult and children’s sunscreen available for guest use when you check in. The pool bar has an attendant that comes by frequently to bring cocktails and kid-friendly food. The majority of the chairs were covered by umbrellas so sun exposure also wasn’t a problem. The best part? The super friendly staff brings complimentary ice cream for the kids (and adults) throughout the afternoon. Needless to say, our son had a blast.
If the White Elephant isn’t your scene, there are also lots of cottage rentals throughout the island. Check Airbnb or VRBO for short term rentals. Longer term rentals can be booked via local property management companies. Many places book up fast though-Nantucket is a popular vacation spot.
When should you go?
We were in Nantucket in mid-June, which is still considered shoulder/off season. The weather can be unpredictable during this time, but we benefited because hotel prices weren’t at their peaks yet. We got perfect though—high 70s, low 80s and sunny everyday.
High season is July to late August, and Nantucket gets pricey! September and October can also be nice if you’re not trying to swim, but some places close down so check before you go.
What should you do?
Beaches
Nantucket has a collection of some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. Try Steps Beach (you have to go down quite a few steep steps to get to the ocean) for an Instagram-worthy view. We spent several hours at Jetties Beach, which was an easy, 25 min walk from the White Elephant. Jetties is frequented by families because there’s a playground and the Sandbar, a casual beach bar/restaurant overlooking the ocean. Tables are set up right on the sand. We didn’t get to visit Cisco Beach, but this is the island’s surfer beach. My husband has this on his list for next time. We also spent a great deal of time at Children’s Beach, which is a small beach connected to the White Elephant with a nice playground. We spent mornings and evenings here.
Oh my gosh, this was seriously fun. My son and I rook this cruise while my husband stayed with our daughter at a coffee shop. The cruise is about an hour and takes you around Nantucket waters to pick up and get a closer look at crabs, lobsters, and other critters. My very-shy son really came out of his shell (see what I did there?) and had a great time learning about lobsters, picking up crabs, and fishing (fish were thrown back into the ocean after being caught)! The staff was so sweet and great with the kids. I recommend this again and again for anyone visiting Nantucket with kids.
Explore town
So.many.adorable.spots! We roamed the streets, stopped for snacks, and wandered different shops. My first stop was the goop store! Also, if looking for your Nantucket red tees, be sure to visit 3 Girls and a Dog and Annie and the Tees.
Sconset
We didn’t get to venture out to Sconset because we were traveling with a baby, but we’ll surely visit next time around. Make sure you walk the Sconset Bluff Walk and go through the lawns of gorgeous homes along sea views.
Fun, kid-friendly spot where adults can have beer or cocktails, and kids can run around and snack on food truck fare. There are also often live music and games. Dogs are allowed!
Where should you eat?
Provisions Nantucket: we picked up sandwiches from here when we first got to the island. My husband and I split the Turkey Terrific! Felt like we were having a day after Thanksgiving sandwich on the beach, if Thanksgiving was in the summer. That’s a long way of saying it’s a delightful sandwich. Get it!
Brant Point Grill: this restaurant is at White Elephant Hotel. We did breakfast here every morning (complimentary pastries and coffee every morning), and the view of the lawns is so quaint. Lunch was so tasty. I was bummed we didn’t try dinner, but it’s definitely a hot a ticket on the island so make reservations!
Cru Oyster Bar: This waterfront restaurant is a must-do when visiting! We made a night of it and used Nanytucket to hire a vetted sitter to come to our hotel and watch the kids. Make sure you order oysters (SO fresh). Easily the best meal we had on the island, and the ambience was perfect for a parents’ night out.
Tree Bar Nantucket: We had a few pre-dinner drinks here before eating at Cru. The outdoor bar is so cute-there’s literally a tree growing in the middle of it.! Highly recommend. We smelled the food coming out (their restaurant is called Town) as we were sipping on drinks, and I wish we’d made time to have lunch or dinner here. The family behind us were raving about the food. We almost considered staying and cancelling our reservation at Cru.
For lobster rolls, there’s a hole in the wall spot to the left of the Juice Bar that I cannot find the name of. The lobster rolls were so good!
The Juice Bar: this is the ice cream hot spot. Our son got a cone after a slice of pizza one afternoon. Be ready to wait in a very long line, especially during the summer months. This place gets very crowded after dinner.
The Soda Fountain at Nantucket Pharmacy: I had to run to this pharmacy for an emergency Rx refill and felt like I stepped into the 1960s. This place looks like it hasn’t been updated in years, and I mean that as a compliment. The pharmacist was super nice and accommodated my last minute refill (again, felt like I was in the 60s), and they have a lunch counter that serves sandwiches and ice cream sodas. This place is off the beaten path. I’m so glad I stumbled upon it.
Sconset Market: charming little coffee and pastry stop to fill up before heading on the Bluff Walk
Millie’s: I wish we had the time to visit Millie’s! This is a well known restaurant for fish tacos and lobster quesadillas in Madaket. They also have a food truck at Cisco’s brewery.
What should I pack?
You’re in New England so plan for chillier nights. Make sure you pack a light sweater or sweatshirt in the summer. Also, have a pair of comfortable shoes on hand as you’ll be walking a lot.
People really dress up at night, especially at dinner. Don’t be shy about wearing fancy island dresses or a linen suit.
Tips
Give yourself enough time to park and unload your luggage and handoff to an attendant before boarding the ferry. We got to the ferry 20 minutes before boarding and felt rushed.
Nantucket is expensive. The lodging, food, and activities really add up. Plan accordingly.
A lot of restaurants and shops in Nantucket close in the off season. While a winter in ACK sounds lovely, be sure to check on what’s open before you book if you want the full experience.
