Located about 30 miles off of Cape Cod, Nantucket feels like a world apart from the rest of New England. In fact, in the
Wampanoag language Nantucket means “far-away land.” The heart of the whaling industry in the 18
th century, the island today is known as a favorite vacation destination famous for its cobbled streets, sea captains' mansions, and pristine beaches. Here are three tips to help you find the perfect
Nantucket vacation rental. 
1. Nantucket has 82 miles of shoreline, so if you want to enjoy the surf and sun, look for a vacation home near the beach. All of the island's beaches are a bit different. On the island's north side, Jetties Beach is calm and tranquil with water warmed by the Nantucket Sound. The westernmost beach,
Madakat is famous for its striking sunsets and heavy surf. Fringed by dunes, Dionis Beach on the north side is long and strewn with shells. For more about Nantucket's beaches, see our
guide.
2. Nantucket is 4.5 miles wide and 15 miles long. The island is accessible by ferry year-round from Hyannis and seasonally from Harwich, both on Cape Cod. Commercial and charter air lines fly into Nantucket Memorial Airport from Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Boston, New Bedford, Providence, New York, Newark, and Washington, D.C. There are designated bikes paths and an
island shuttle bus. In other words, it's easy to get around without a car. Nantucket doesn't have a Starbucks or McDonalds, and that's part of the island's charm. Leaving the car at home helps keep that charm intact.
3. For a small island, Nantucket has a lot going on in the summer. The summer calendar is filled with concerts, festivals, and walking tours. Consider matching your vacation dates to one of Nantucket's
special summer events.
If the sky is overcast, it's the perfect day to immerse the family in Nantucket history by visiting a historic site or exhibit. One not to miss is the Nantucket Whaling Museum's "Stove by a Whale: 20 Men, 3 Boats, 96 Days," which tells the story of the whaleship
Essex, attacked by a sperm whale in 1820 and recently the subject of the film
In the Heart of the Sea. And then there's the food. Toppers Seafood restaurant and Brotherhood of Thieves are just two of the local favorites.
To find out more about a
Nantucket summer rental, please
contact us today.