Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nantucket?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Nantucket?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the charming island of Nantucket, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the food, the beaches, the hiking, and the historic old town. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to four days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nantucket?

Many visitors spend two to four days in Nantucket during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The island offers the chance to sample the delicious cuisine, lounge on the beach, get out into nature, and browse around the old town.

Nantucket is a small New England island that is filled with charm and personality. It fills up in the summer months with tourists who enjoy the local shopping and beautiful beaches. There are cobblestone streets and luxurious inns that have manicured lawns and waterfront settings.

Do you have one or two days to visit Nantucket? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Nantucket?

The popular island of Nantucket has many activities and attractions for visitors. One day is probably not enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities. You will likely feel rushed to see the food, the beaches, the hiking, and the historic old town. To thoroughly enjoy your trip, you'd need more time, as most vacationers schedule two to four days to fully experience the charming island. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Nantucket

Don't miss Great Point Lighthouse during your trip to Nantucket, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The delicious food of Nantucket is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this island's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. 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.

Nantucket is a very walkable city. With only a day in the island, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Nantucket?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the charming island of Nantucket, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the food, the beaches, the hiking, and the historic old town. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to four days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Nantucket, MA

How to spend 2 days in Nantucket

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Nantucket, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the island has to offer.

The beautiful beaches await you in Nantucket, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.

Nantucket is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Public transit in Nantucket is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the island quite easily. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Nantucket, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.