Day Trip to Nantucket Massachusetts, One Day Itinerary
Nantucket is the perfect Cape Cod Island to rejuvenate and have a little fun. You will find a crushed shell walkway, cobblestoned streets, bicycles with wicker baskets, shaker homes covered in roses, tall seagrass beaches, a wharf full of yachts, shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Nantucket is also known for its seafood, including fried clams, oysters, and lobster. The island is an easy ferry ride and a great day trip destination. Here is how to see the best of Nantucket in one day. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
Nantucket Massachusetts Day Trip Highlights
‘Sconset Bluff Walk | Main Street boutiques | Straight Wharf | Steps Beach | Cisco Brewers
One Day in Nantucket Massachusetts
8:00 am Ferry to Nantucket
Take the 5:30 am Plymouth & Brockton Bus from Boston to the Hyannis Transportation Center arriving at 7:20 am. Walk 2 blocks down the street to the Hy-Line parking lot for a free shuttle to the ferry. Check-in for the hour-long ferry ride from Hyannis to Nantucket arriving at 9:30. Photograph the Brant Point Lighthouse and Straight Wharf with the First Congregational Church in the background as you approach Nantucket Sound.
10:00 am Bluff Walk Through Rose-Covered Cottages
Take the city bus to ‘Sconset. Pick up a snack at ‘Sconset Market before taking a bluff walk through the shaker-shingled cottages covered with rose bushes. Make your way down the hill to the beach, relax, and enjoy your snack. Return to the bus stop and ride back to town.
12:00 pm Lunch and Shopping
Wander Main Street shopping the boutiques for an item in Nantucket red. Stop in Nantucket Looms and walk upstairs to watch the weavers in action. Have lunch on Straight Wharf and check out the yachts.
3:00 pm Beach Cocktails
Take the city bus to Steps Beach or relax with a cocktail at the Sandbar on Jetties Beach. Or grab the free shuttle to Cisco Brewers for a flight and music.
7:00 pm Return Ferry to Hyannis
Shop for last-minute souvenirs on Straight Wharf before catching the 7:05 return ferry, and arrive in Hyannis at 8:05. Take the 8:30 pm Plymouth & Brockton Bus back to Boston arriving at the South Street Station at 10:10 pm. Or, spend the night and return by morning ferry.
Looking for more options? Continue reading for additional things to do in Nantucket Massachusetts to supplement this day trip itinerary.
Things to Do in and Around Nantucket Massachusetts
It is difficult to determine how to best use 24 hours in Nantucket Massachusetts, there are so many fun things to see, do, and eat. The island is full of history and listed as a National Historic Landmark.
- Climb Brant Point Light for harbor views
- Tour Jethro Coffin House, the oldest house in Nantucket
- Visit the Whaling Museum and stop on the observation deck for the view
- Eat homemade ice cream from the Juice Bar
- Climb the steeple tower of the First Congregational Church
- Shop for something in Nantucket red on Main Street
- Watch the weavers at Nantucket Looms
- Learn how to make a Lightship Basket
- Photograph the historic homes on Union Street
- Check out the Nantucket Aquarium
- Take the historical sites tour
- Learn about the 1846 fire at the Fire Hose Cart House
- Listen to stories at the restored Old Goal
- Tour the historic Hadwen House
- Check out the oldest functioning mill in the United States
- Browse the Nantucket Shipwreck Lifesaving Museum
- Listen to music at Cisco Brewers
- Stargaze at Loines Observatory
- Go for a walk at Squam Swamp
- Walk the coastline of Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
- Photograph the Great Point Light
- ATV through the sand dunes
- Sail around Nantucket Sound
- Go offshore fishing
- Check out the view from the top of Sankaty HeadLight
- Grab a snack from the ‘Sconset Market
- Relax under an umbrella on ‘Sconset Beach
- Play in the waves at Surfside Beach or surf at Ladies Beach
- Check out the cottages at Quidnet Beach
- Watch the sunset from Madaket Beach
- Have a cocktail at the Sandbar on Jetties Beach
- Go shelling at Washing Pond Beach
Check the Nantucket Massachusetts Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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