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Road Trip: Nantucket

Nantucket
(credit: Ara Charder)

How about head to a beautiful island where the beaches are plentiful, towns are filled with charming homes and unique stores line pristine streets filled with centuries of history. This destination sounds far away, but it is only a few miles off the coast of Massachusetts. Welcome to Nantucket Island.

This island provides breathtaking scenery to all its visitors and a vacation experience that will not be forgotten!

nantucketMap
credit: www.nantucketchamber.org

Getting There

Miles from Boston (roundtrip): 143 miles
Travel Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Ferry Prices (roundtrip):
Traditional Ferry - 2 hours 15 minutes
Adult: $35
Children (5-12 years old): $18
Children under 5: Free
High-Speed Ferry - 1 hour
Adult: $67
Children (5-12 years old): $34
Children under 5: Free

You will need to take a ferry on your trip to Nantucket. Travelers can pick up the ferry in Hyannis, and for a small fee, bikes, surf boards and wind surfers are also allowed on board the boat. Note: the ferry ride will take two-and-a-half hours, but if you want to get there sooner, a high-speed ferry is available at a higher price.

Nantucket is a spectacular island that is considered one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the region. People from all over the world make their way to Nantucket, so what are you waiting for?

nantucketBeachMap
credit: www.nantucketchamber.org

Visit The Beaches

Beaches are such a wonderful spot to hang out and just relax on your vacation. There are several beautiful beaches on Nantucket that will simply take your breath away. Whether you are looking to spend the day, or just a few hours, these beaches are a great way to sit back, grab a good book and soak up some sun.

If you have kids in tow, Nantucket has a fabulous beach that will entertain your entire family. At Harbor Beach, children can hang out in a nearby park and even spend some time on the playground. And most importantly, there are bathrooms, showers and food services nearby. Parking at Harbor Beach is very limited, so make sure you get there early!

If you love great sunsets, Madaket Beach on the west end of Nantucket should be a scheduled stop on your trip. There are several ways to get to the beach, but jumping on a bike and cycling down a beautiful – and paved -- six-mile bike path will provide many fantastic site-seeing opportunities.

The beach is known for its heavy surf, so it is advised to keep a good eye on your kids while they are in the water. The beach is staffed with lifeguards and restaurants, food and parking are also available.

Nantucket
(credit: NantucketAdventures.com)

Seal Cruises

How about a seal cruise while you are on vacation? Several tour companies offer boat rides to Muskeget Island -- one of the island's most remote areas -- where you can watch seals frolic, hang out and play!

A Yankee Magazine pick for Best Seal Cruises on Nantucket, Explore Nantucket offers a 2.5 hour cruise at $95 for adults and $75 for kids 12 & under. Get up close and personal to hundreds of seals in their natural habitat.

Great Point nantucket
(credit: Ara Charder)

Take a Tour

Ara's Tours is a very intimate one-and-a-half hour tour of the island. See some of the island's historical sights and breathtaking scenery – including waterfront homes, the Brant Point Light, the cranberry bog and the rose covered cottages of Sconset.

The tour does stop for pictures, so bring your camera! It is a good idea to book in advance so you are guaranteed a spot on the popular adventure.

Here are some more adventures you can take while on your tip to Nantucket:

Learn how to surf with Nantucket Surfari

Sport Fishing with Captain Eldridge

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