Nantucket Day Trip: What to Do, See & Eat in One Perfect Day

I’ve made the trip out to Nantucket several times, and a day trip — done right — can genuinely give you a taste of everything that makes this island special. Cobblestone streets, wharves lined with beautiful boats, world-class food, and beaches that stop you in your tracks. Here’s exactly how I’d spend a perfect Nantucket day trip.

Getting to Nantucket

Most day trippers take the ferry from Hyannis — either the high-speed option (about 1 hour) or the traditional ferry (around 2.25 hours). If you’re planning a same-day round trip, take the high-speed ferry. It’s more efficient and gives you significantly more time on the island.

Pro tip: Book your ferry tickets in advance during the high season. Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises both offer round-trip options.

Getting Around the Island

Once you arrive, you’ll find Nantucket is incredibly walkable, especially around the harbor, downtown, and beaches close to town. But if you want to venture farther, here are your options:

• Rent bikes — easy, fun, and one of my favorite ways to see the island
• Hop on the Wave, Nantucket’s seasonal shuttle service
• Rent a Jeep or scooter, especially if you're heading to ’Sconset or Madaket
• Use taxis or rideshares, though they can be limited during peak times

Stroll the Historic Downtown

Start your day exploring the cobblestone streets of downtown Nantucket. Browse boutiques, pop into art galleries, and admire the classic gray-shingled buildings draped in flowers. Don’t miss the Whaling Museum, a quick but genuinely impactful stop that offers a real glimpse into the island's storied past.

Downtown Nantucket

Grab a Bite to Eat

You’ll find plenty of options for breakfast, brunch, or lunch right in town:

• Born and Bread – coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches
• Lemon Press – fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy fare
• Provisions – perfect grab-and-go sandwiches (try the Turkey Terrific!)

If you have a little more time and want a sit-down lunch, Cru Oyster Bar on Straight Wharf has stunning harbor views and some of the freshest seafood on the island. It’s small and fills up fast, so if you can, call ahead — it’s well worth the effort.

Explore Brant Point Lighthouse

A short walk from downtown, Brant Point Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in the U.S. and a perfect photo op. It’s a peaceful, breezy spot to soak in the harbor views and watch ferries come and go.

Hit the Beach

If you’re visiting in summer, pack your suit and spend some time by the water:

• Children’s Beach – easy to reach from town, ideal for families, within walking distance to downtown
• Steps Beach – and it’s closer to downtown than you might think! The brambles open up right at the top of the steps, where the view stops you in your tracks — rolling dunes, beach roses, and the ocean stretching out in front of you. From there, you walk down the steps and a sandy path to the water. Worth every step (pun very much intended).
• Jetties Beach – walkable or bikeable, with calm water and amenities
• Surfside Beach – farther out, but accessible by shuttle and great for swimming

Steps Beach

Take a Bike Ride to ’Sconset

If you have the time and energy, rent a bike and follow the Milestone Road Path out to Siasconset (“’Sconset”). This quiet village on the island’s east side is exactly what you’ve read about — rose-covered cottages and a genuinely storybook feel. Walk the ’Sconset Bluff Walk along a white shell path, and while you’re out that way, make time for Sankaty Head Lighthouse. Built in 1850, with its distinctive brick-and-granite tower and red band, it sits right at the edge of the bluff with sweeping ocean views in every direction. It’s one of my favorite spots on the entire island.

Views from the Sconset Bluff Walk

Bike Out to Cisco Brewers

If biking is part of your day, Cisco Brewers is a great inland stop — live music, food trucks, and a lively island vibe that's worth working into your route if you have the time and the legs for it.

Treat Yourself Before the Ferry

Wrap up your day with a treat from The Juice Bar — don’t miss their homemade waffle cones — before making your way back to the ferry terminal. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get there!

Plan Your Day Trip with Confidence

One day in Nantucket can be just enough to fall in love with this special island. Whether you’re coming from the Cape or squeezing in a short visit, you’ll leave with sand in your shoes and that unforgettable Nantucket feeling.

Find yourself falling in love with the island and want to stay longer than a day? Find your perfect Nantucket vacation rental on WeNeedaVacation.com — enjoy a full week of island bliss, with no booking fees!