As most of you know, I go to Nantucket for the day quite frequently from Daffy Fest through pretty much October. I get asked ALL OF THE TIME for Nantucket day trip recommendations, and I usually just throw things out at people.
I should first tell you that there is literally no way that you can do everything in this guide in one day.
When a friend or follower reaches out to me for must-do’s, I cater it to what they want most. If you want to just shop and eat, you could spend all day in town doing that. If you want to go to the beach, you could spend all day doing that.
I take a 9:30 a.m. Hyline fast ferry, and usually a 7:05 p.m. back, although sometimes I will do a 10:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Steamship Authority.
The Wave bus is a cheap and easy way to get around Nantucket. For $2 or $3 (cash only, have proper change), you can travel to many desired spots on Nantucket, like Sconset or Surfside. If you are ambitious and don’t mind getting sweaty, you can bring a bike or rent a bike or Vespa to get around. Or, if you are loaded and wants to blow over $400, you can rent a jeep for the day!
My first stop is usually the shops on Old South Wharf. They parallel the shops on Main Street, and they often get passed over by day trippers because they aren’t right in front of you. Big mistake- they include my favorite Nantucket Whaler, preppy small brand mecca Skinny Dip and Bar Yoshi!
Don’t miss the shops on Old South Wharf, especially my favorite, Nantucket Whaler.
After Old South Wharf, I usually head to Sconset, my favorite place on Earth. If you follow anything in this guide, please go to Sconset in the summer! You can take the Wave bus for $3 cash each way from Town to Sconset, or, if you are sporty, you can bike there.
Sconset deserves its own post, as it is literally my favorite place on Earth. If you read this guide and do not go to Sconset, you will break my heart.
Walk the Sconset Bluff walk. Even for a little bit. The views of the Ocean are amazing , but the views of the grounds of the homes are incredible. There are walking tours if you time it right.
Sconset Bites:
The Sandwiches at Claudette’s are my favorite. The seafood salad with dill on gluten free bread is a total go to.
For a splurge- The Chanticleer. Eating in the outdoor area surrounded by flowers on blue gingham tablecloths is paradise.
Sconset Beach is a long time favorite. Unspoiled and not nearly as crowded. You’ll walk the famous bridge and then head down. You may see a few cute little seals bopping around in the water.
Dress by Sailor-Sailor this season, hat by Peter Beaton Studio, bag available in my Amazon store
Walk down the beach to the Summer House for a bite or a drink. I love their cocktails! Portions are a bit small and pricey, but it’s a great scene.
If you have time, cab or bike to Sankaty Lighthouse.
After Sconset, I head back into town for a bit of shopping.
Where to shop (besides Old South Wharf) : Main Street, Easy Street, S. Water Street, Federal Street, Centre Street, Washington Street, all of the side streets and Old South Wharf.
Preps shopping on main street.
I get my wine, cheese, unique snacks and vintage finds from Current Vintage on Easy Street.
Nantucket Needlepoint shoes at Monelle
Unique hand-painted vintage bags at Stephanie’s on Main.
Peter Beaton, the most charming hat shop. Every lady should treat herself to one of these!
After a bit of shopping, I take the free shuttle on Federal Street in Town to Cisco Brewers, who make their own beer, spirits (blueberry vodka for the win) and wine. My favorite for summer is the frose, served in the wine bar. Also on hand: raw bar, poke, dumpings, tacos and lobster rolls. There is usually a band playing around 4.
If you have time for dinner, here are a two of my in-town dinner picks.
Dune for a more formal dinner treat.
Afterhouse for my favorite Grey Lady Oysters and tinned seafood, They also serve charcuterie and sushi.
The Grey Lady oysters, grown on Nantucket, are my favorite oysters in the United States. Aferhouse is one of just a few restaurants where you can get them.
If I have time and want to catch a Sunset close to town, I head to Galley Beach to get a glass of rose and watch the sunset. Sandbar at Jetties is down the street, and it is great for beach and something more casual (you can eat in your swimsuit) and they have buck a shuck from 3-5!
An amazing sunset at Jetties Beach.
Rose and sunsets with friends at Galley Beach is a summer must!
Places you will want to snap pictures: By the water on Easy Street, where the famous red boat is.
The compass rose by Blue Beetle.
Brandt Point Lighthouse. It’s a little bit of a walk from in town (you’ll need a stroller with kids), but it’s the lighthouse that you see from the ferries.
More tips/things to do if you want to add anything to my favorites or if you are there for more than a day.
If you want to just plunk down on a beach, go to surf side. They have giant selection of food and a taco truck! And they have real bathrooms.
Sunset at Madaket and Millie’s for dinner before or after.
Breakfast/ Brunch mid-island at Downyflake or Island Kitchen. And stop by The Happy Place if you are out there.
If you want to splurge, grab a lobster bloody at Brandt Point Grill at the White Elephant for $29. Admittedly, I still have not done this!
Cru for cocktails and nibbles right by the Hyline.
Cocktails with fellow Nantucket lovers Tad Lawton and Lisa of Saltaire.
Check out Nantucket blACKbook for their monthly hot list and updates on what is happening each day.
Another great and far-more-comprehensive-than-mine guide is Mackenzie Horan’s Nantucket Guide.
Don’t forget to throw a penny when you leave the Island!
And don’t forget- there’s always the next ferry!
Xxoo,
Jen
Preppy Francophile
