The first time we stepped onto Nantucket, we finally understood why people fall in love with it. Between the endless rows of white picket fences and white, blue, and purple hydrangeas (now our favorite flower, and probably forever), it really felt like something out of another world. We immediately knew it was destined to become one of our favorite places. There’s a slowness to life there, the ocean breeze and weathered shingles (why don’t they do this everywhere?). It’s picturesque. We didn’t know places like this existed. Now that we’ve seen it, touched it, breathed it in, we can never unsee it. Once you experience it, it stays with you.

That’s why we’ve put together our guide to Nantucket - from the best spots for morning coffee and restaurants with unforgettable views; to the coziest hotels and stays, and the must-see stops and hidden corners that you need to hit along the way. Whether you're planning your first visit or already counting down the days to return, consider this your starting point.

Getting There 

Getting to Nantucket is part of the journey. We took the fast ferry from Hyannis with Hy-Line Cruises, which, in our humble opinion, is the ideal way to arrive and gets you there in under an hour. Just be careful not to miss it like we did our first time (our time management that day was not up to par). The first ferry of the day leaves from Hyannis at a bright and early 6:10am - getting you to Nantucket by 7:10am and giving you all day for an adventure. The ride itself is beautiful: ocean views the whole way and a salty breeze that sets the tone before you even step off the boat.

Once you’ve arrived, the island is easily walkable - especially around town - but if you need to venture farther, Ubers (our primary mode of transportation) and bike rentals are readily available.

Coffee

Nantucket has no shortage of charming coffee spots that are the perfect place to start your day, each with its own character and cozy atmosphere. Picking up a strong morning brew to start the day is an essential island experience. Actually, a strong morning brew is essential to any and every morning, and we will die on that hill. Here are some of our favorite spots. 

• Handlebar Nantucket

• Corner Table Cafe

• Roastd General Store

• Born & Bread

• Island Coffee

Lunch & Dinner

The restaurant scene on Nantucket is nothing short of perfection. Whether you’re after a dinner with ocean views or a casual lunch on a breezy patio, you truly can’t go wrong. The island offers an array of incredible spots, from tucked-away bistros to seaside institutions that feel pulled from another time. Our favorites tend to be anything with a view and a glass of crisp white wine. These definitely measure up: 

• CRU Nantucket

• Galley Beach

• Sister Ship

• Via Mare

• The Nautilus

• Brotherhood of Thieves

• Or, The Whale

• Millies Nantucket

• Lemonn Press

• Breeze Restaurant

Drink & Night Out

Nantucket might be known for its quiet charm, but it certainly knows how to have a good time. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back afternoon at a local brewery, live music at a dimly lit pub, or champagne cocktails with views of the harbor, the island delivers, making it more than easy to turn a casual drink into a full evening out. If you’re taking the evening ferry back to Hyannis, just make sure you watch the clock or risk missing the boat. Important to note that the last ferry leaves at 9:20pm, getting you back to Hyannis at 10:20pm. 

• Cisco Brewers

• The Chicken Box

• The Club Car

• The Gazebo

• Gaslight

• Rose & Crown

• Kitty Murtaughs

Where To Stay

Whether you're staying overnight or making a weekend of it, Nantucket offers a whole host of beautiful places to land. From charming inns and historic bed-and-breakfasts to boutique hotels just steps from the water, each stay feels like stepping into a New England postcard and is as memorable as the island itself. 

• Greydon House

• Blue Iris

• The Nantucket Hotel

• Life House

• Beachside Hotel on Nantucket

• Faraway Hotel

• The Wauwinet

Must See

If you're only on the island for a day trip or a short weekend, it’s almost impossible to see all there is, but these spots are at the top of the must-see list. All the island’s iconic lighthouses and beaches feel cinematic and unforgettable, but these are our favorites: 

• Madaket Beach

• Steps Beach

• Ladies Beach

• Sandbar at Jetties Beach

• 40th Pole

• Sconset Bluff Walk

• Sankaty Head Lighthouse

Nantucket truly is a destination that captured our hearts from the moment we arrived. With its blend of New England charm, coastal beauty, and unforgettable experiences, it left us planning our return before we’d even stepped back on the ferry. From the breathtaking beaches to the endless hydrangea-lined streets, every corner tells a story worth discovering.

Some places stay with you and Nantucket is one of them. It’s timeless, dreamy, and unlike anywhere else we’ve been. We did our best to bottle up that magic in this guide, but some things are best felt in motion. That’s why we brought our camera along for the ride. From golden hour beach walks to ferry rides and clinking glasses, our Nantucket vlog captures everything we couldn’t quite put into words.

Wherever the road (or ferry) takes us next, we’ll be chasing places that make us feel the way Nantucket did - enchanted, a little sun-kissed, and completely at home in the world. Until then, we'll be carrying its rhythm with me: slow mornings, dinner that stretches into sunset, and evenings softened by salt air. 

You can catch more of our Nantucket moments in our YouTube episode, where the island’s charm comes to life on screen.