Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nantucket?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Nantucket?

Three days for Nantucket is often considered ideal, as many people spend two to four days for a beach trip to the area. This would usually give you enough time to sample the delicious cuisine, lounge on the beach, get out into nature, and browse around the old town. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.

How to spend 3 days 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.

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.

Known for it's hiking, Nantucket sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.

This island is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. 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 4 days enough time in Nantucket?

Four days is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Nantucket. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Nantucket as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.

Nantucket, MA

How to spend 4 days in Nantucket

If you have more than 4 days in Nantucket, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the island has to offer.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. 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.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Nantucket.

Is 5 days enough time in Nantucket?

Five days provides ample opportunity in Nantucket to enjoy the food, the beaches, the hiking, and the historic old town. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Families and couples enjoy the area for its activities, too.

How to spend 5 days in Nantucket

Having 5 days in Nantucket will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the island.

The small-town atmosphere of Nantucket is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a small island with a charming New England town that's filled with upscale boutiques and cobblestone streets.

More Info

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