Nantucket, Massachusets
The best spec of sand is the Far Away Island.
- More about your Oliver Guide: Cynthia Pillsbury
- Trip type: Family, Group getaway, Beach
- Activity level: easy
- Ideal length of trip: 10 DAYS-TWO WEEKS (OR A SUMMER!)
to & from
- Depends on how long you are going… either way fly into NY/JFK and take Jet Blue or fly into Boston Logan Airport and rent a car and drive to Hyannis and take the car ferry (** which books in January/February for the summer).
- Rental cars are very expensive on island, so smart to rent a car on mainland and take car ferry over. Another option is to fly Cape Air from Boston, but be aware that the planes are small (8 seats) and delays are very common, especially getting OFF island, which equals missed connections if you are heading west.
Where to Stay
- Best to VRBO or work with a local real estate company to rent a house. The island doesn’t have a “bad” area. Quindnet and S’conset are great for a quieter escape (20 is Plenty!), Madaket has the best sunsets and Millie's, Miacomet & Cisco ares are close to waves, Cisco Brewery and Bartlett's Farm (best tomatoes and bacon broccoli slaw) and Town is charming, with a big perk being able to walk a few minutes for coffee and a morning bun in the am and into dinner (Brant Point also affords these same perks and houses usually have more outdoor space). Older kids will love the freedom to walk to pizza on the Wharf and Force 5 candy room at night.
- For the hotel enthusiast:
- White Elephant is a high-end hotel, right in town that is super for families with harbor views.
- 21 Broad is a great, modern take on the B&B that has an ample breakfast and is located in the heart of Nantucket Town (not ideal for families with more than 1 child or older kids).
- Greydon House is a brand new (opened Fall 2016) high-end boutique hotel (18 rooms) that also offers a restaurant led by a Michelin star chef and a cozy, chic bar. Can't wait to check-out!
- Another spot with a perfect location in town with water views is the Harborview Nantucket- gives you a great hybrid of a hotel and a fresh, new cottage--one to four bedrooms, complete with kitchens. This is unusual on Nantucket and worth checking-out.