Nantucket’s year round population of 10,000 swells to 50,000-60,000 at the height of the season and both air and water temperatures average in the mid-70’s in summer. The locals are obsessed with preserving the historical integrity of the island and building and renovation codes are strictly enforced. 40% of the island can never be built upon. There are no fast food outlets, no national chains (except 2 food stores), no neon signs, no garish architecture and no traffic lights.

You can fly from Boston or Hyannis to Nantucket anytime, and during the season from other airports like Newark. See Flights to Nantucket. Most take the ferry from Hyannis, MA. Both the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises have a regular and a fast ferry. The regular ferry takes about two hours, the fast, one hour. Steamship can also take your car over, but you need reservations well in advance, particularly in-season.

I prefer to take the regular ferry, it helps to unwind for the trip. There is a snack bar and bar aboard, ample seating both inside and outside and the top deck is ideal for soaking in the sun and curling up with your first book of the vacation. Get to Hyannis a little early and enjoy lunch at Baxter’s Fish and Chips, right on the water, next to the Steamship Authority dock.

Nantucket is also accessible by private boat with some of the finest marina and mooring facilities on the East Coast, for boats of any size.

You do not need a car on Nantucket as much of the activity is centered around the town and everything is within walking distance. Shuttle service is available and very reliable for going to other parts of the island or you could rent a bike or moped from Young’s for a day or week. Cars and jeeps are also available for rental. We found Nantucket Windmill (800-228-1227) to have the best prices for jeeps. 4-wheel drive vehicles are allowed on some beaches, so, even if for a day, a jeep rental can be fun.

I like to take my car when staying more than a few days, it allows me to explore the island, drive to my favorite beach and after about three days is less expensive (ferry is @$400 round trip) than renting on the island ($125+ per day)

There are places to stay to fit virtually any budget in Nantucket from inexpensive B&B’s to luxurious waterfront hotels. Even more modest accommodations can have unusual charm with beautiful private gardens, 4 poster beds and fireplaces. Except at the very height of the season, there is no shortage of places to stay. Most accommodations are within a short distance from the heart of town. Click here to see our Featured Properties.

Magnificent chowder, freshly caught seafood, San Francisco style cioppino, salmon from a fire-coned grill, spectacular Asian fusion and Black Angus steaks are just some of the highlights from an extensive Nantucket dining scene. You can eat beside the harbor and watch the lights dance on the water or perhaps on a flower festooned patio amidst lush gardens or maybe even in the former home of an affluent sea captain. See our Favorite Restaurants.

If you have come to relax and read a book, 82 miles of beaches will do the trick, some secluded, some more populated, all beautiful. Want to be more active? There is plenty to do. For golfers Nantucket boasts two wonderful links type courses; for tennis players, courts at many hotels/inns and for bikers, miles of bike paths crisscrossing the island. You can rent powerboats and sail boats and charter a fishing boat or simply enjoy a ride while someone else does the work. There are museums and tours extolling the rich history of the island and when all else fails there is shopping in the dozens of quaint and unique shops in town. For collectors or just browsers, there are wonderful art galleries and antique stores. Full list of Things To Do.

• Early morning at Surfside Beach
• A Turkey Terrific sandwich from Provisions
• View from the First Congregational Church
• A day at Miacomet Beach
• Lunch by the harbor
• A jeep ride among the dunes at Great Point
• Dinner at Topper's
• Show tunes at the Club Car