Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Nantucket?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Nantucket?

One week is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Nantucket. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so more time would allow you to experience the food, the beaches, the hiking, and the historic old town at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend a week 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.

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.

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.

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.

Shopping in Nantucket is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.

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.

This island offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 2 weeks enough time in Nantucket?

Two weeks 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 2 weeks in Nantucket

If you have more than 2 weeks in Nantucket, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the island has to offer.

After you've explored most of Nantucket, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

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.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Nantucket. Plenty of amazing options are available.

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.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

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.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Nantucket, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

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.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Nantucket. Plenty of amazing options are available.

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.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

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.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Nantucket, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

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.

More Info

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

• Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nantucket?
• Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nantucket?
• Is Nantucket Worth Visiting?
• Nantucket Travel Costs
• Hotel Prices for Nantucket