• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Nantucket Beaches ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Greg - Fotolia.com

2. Whaling Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples

3. Sankaty Head Light

© Courtesy of dkhydema - Fotolia.com

4. Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum

5. Nantucket Atheneum

© Nantucket Atheneum

6. Nantucket Dreamland

© Nantucket Dreamland

7. The Old Mill

© Courtesy of doncon402 - Fotolia.com

8. Cisco Brewers

Category: Nearby Food & Drink

9. Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of alwoodphoto - Fotolia.com

10. Theatre Workshop of Nantucket

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Theatre Workshop of Nantucket

11. Endeavour Sailing Excursions

© Endeavour Sailing Excursions

12. The Oldest House

© Courtesy of Ekaterina Pokrovsky - Fotolia.com

13. Moors End Farm

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors

14. Miacomet Golf Club

© Miacomet Golf Club

15. The Artists' Association of Nantucket

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Artists' Association of Nantucket

16. Brant Point Lighthouse

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Christopher Seufert/stock.adobe.com

17. Hadwen House

© Hadwen House

18. Cru

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Q: Where is Nantucket located?
  • A: Nantucket is a tiny, picture-perfect island about 16 miles from Cape Cod.
  • Q: What is the population of Nantucket?
  • A: With a permanent population of about 10,000 people, the island community grows to five times that number in the summer when part-time residents and tourists come to enjoy Nantucket’s magnificent beaches, lively art scene, unique places to stay, and great restaurants.

To reach Nantucket from Boston, drive 1 hour 45 minutes to Hyannis (71.1 miles via MA-3 S) and then take a ferry to the island. Make sure your car rental company will let you take the car on the ferry if you are renting a car in Boston.


The Steamship Authority offers two options to reach Nantucket from Hyannis: high-speed passenger ferry or the 2 hour and 15 minute ride on the traditional ferry. You can see the schedule here. You should definitely reserve tickets before you go, especially in the summer.

Here is what you need to know about fees and parking on Nantucket.

Plan Your Trip

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