A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Mystic vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Beaches

Should you visit Mystic or Nantucket?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mystic and Nantucket. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mystic and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Mystic and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Mystic is known for its museums. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Mystic different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantucket and Mystic. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mystic or Nantucket?

Mystic is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Mystic specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Is the Food Better in Mystic or Nantucket? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Both Mystic and Nantucket have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Nantucket has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Mystic and Nantucket both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Mystic does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Nantucket?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Mystic and Nantucket.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for Families?

Both Mystic and Nantucket are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly town. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Nantucket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantucket is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Nantucket has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Mystic or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

Families should spend more time in Nantucket than Mystic. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nantucket, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nantucket than Mystic. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantucket that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket than Mystic if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Nantucket.

One day in Mystic or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mystic. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back town of Mystic. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Nantucket?

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mystic and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Mystic much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mystic would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mystic and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Mystic.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mystic Expensive? and Is Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic and Nantucket, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Mystic or Nantucket?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mystic or Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mystic is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In July, Mystic usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mystic or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Nantucket. Many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Mystic is around the same temperature as Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mystic in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Mystic usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Nantucket in the Winter?

Both Nantucket and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. Mystic can be very cold during winter. In January, Mystic is generally much colder than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 28°F (-2°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In January, Mystic usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mystic or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Mystic during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

Mystic is a little warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mystic usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Mystic