Nothing screams summer more than a relaxing trip to a little island. Luckily for us, Nantucket fits the bill! Nantucket is a small, isolated island located off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The island's rich history, vintage charm, and high-end shopping makes it the perfect summer destination for tourists. Here's how you can maximize your trip to Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres and plan a day trip to Nantucket!
Nantucket History
Nantucket is one of the earliest settlements in our country's history! Founded in 1628 and settled in 1659, the island has maintained its classic feel while still expanding and adding many wonderful places to visit. Nantucket is very quaint, at only 14 miles long and 3-5 miles wide--it's is a must-see destination if you're in Massachusetts! Located 30 minutes away off Cape Cod and with over 100 miles of coastline and beaches, delicious food, great fishing, and incredible shopping, it's the perfect New England summer stop for everyone.
Roadtrip
Nantucket is a little way's away from our Massachusetts camping resort, but it is well worth your while! Nantucket is located 3 hours away from our campground, and you have to take a couple means of transportation to get there. The first step is to hop on MA-3 and continue to US-6 E. You'll be cruising down US-6 for quite a few miles, then you can take exit 68 toward Iyannough Road. Here comes the fun part - you'll hit Nantucket Hyannis Ferry Ramp where you will continue to drive until you're at your first stop! Here, you can purchase ferry tickets. Make sure you bring a magazine, book, game, or something to do on the ferry, because it's a 2 hour ride to the island! The directions for the way back to our Massachusetts campground are the same - just backwards! For the full list of directions to Nantucket from Carver, click here.
Best Restaurants in Nantucket
You'll need to find the hot spots to eat when planning your Nantucket day trip itinerary, so we've found some of the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurants so you don't have to! The Corner Table Cafe is the perfect spot to make a quick stop when you get into the island. They offer delicious grab 'n go items and to-go beverages in addition to a full service menu, so you get the best of both worlds.
The Surf is another great breakfast spot, but they also offer lunch and dinner! Located right on the beach and offering outdoor seating, you can enjoy classic breakfast options, sandwiches, or salads.
If you're traveling to Nantucket, you need to have seafood for at least one meal! The Nantucket Lobster Trap is a good spot to grab lunch or dinner. Family-owned and around since 1975, they specialize in New England style seafood and delicious lobster.
If you're looking for a nice, sit-down dinner with outdoor options, live entertainment, and delicious entrees, Brant Point Grill is a great spot. This quaint restaurant has prime harbor views and is right next to the Brant Point Lighthouse! Enjoy an iconic New England feel when you enjoy a nice dinner here. These are just a few of the many incredible food options you can find during your Nantucket day trip!
Top Activities
There are a lot of fun things to do in Nantucket, like museums, beaches, sight-seeing, and more. You can't visit the island without going to the beach, so if you have young children, the Children's Beach and Playground is a great spot! Kids can play while the adults relax--it's a win-win! The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the biggest museum on the island and features exhibits about the history, art, science, and culture of all things sea-related. Learn about whales, historical societies, boating, and more when you visit. Great Point Lighthouse is located on the northernmost point of Nantucket on the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, and still stands as the tallest lighthouse on the island! Plus, from May-October, you can sign up for a tour of the 1000+ acres of land and climb to the top of the lighthouse! Want to feel like a Nantucket local? Try your hand at surfing with the Nantucket Island Surf School! Their team eagerly welcomes first-timers on the beach and are happy to give private or group lessons to people of all ages!
Nantucket is the perfect spot to have a premier New England island experience. Enjoy all the history throughout the island while you're walking down the cobblestone roads. Indulge in delicious New England cuisine with views of the Atlantic Ocean everywhere you look. Take a tour or visit a museum, but no matter what, Nantucket has a variety of fun things to fill your perfect day trip with. Next time you stay with us at Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres, consider wandering off to Nantucket to explore all that the island has to offer!