Once your Nantucket house rental agreement is signed and sealed, it’s time to think about the island itself. Knowing the rhythms and customs of the season will make it easier for you to enjoy your time here. Please peruse these frequently asked questions for helpful information about getting oriented to Nantucket island life in the summertime.
1. How early should I book a rental?
The peak season on Nantucket is July and August with the last part of July and the first two weeks of August being the most popular. It is wise to book a rental during peak season far in advance. It is not uncommon for folks to book their favorite home up to a year ahead of time. The shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October are also becoming more popular, so it’s a good idea to reserve at least several months ahead even in those instances.
2. What are my transportation options for getting to Nantucket?
You can get to the island by air or by sea. Commercial and charter flights are available from locations throughout New England as well as New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Ferry service from Hyannis, Massachusetts is available for both passengers and vehicles. There is also ferry service between New Bedford and Nantucket. The schedules change throughout the year so it is always a good idea to check the schedule in advance and make a reservation.
3. How do I get around the island during my stay?
Because Nantucket is only 14 miles from end to end, a lot of people choose to leave their cars behind on the mainland. Many vacation homes are within close proximity to the historic downtown area of Nantucket. You can also rent bicycles and bike gear and helmets or take advantage of the WAVE, Nantucket’s convenient shuttle bus service. There are also many taxi companies that you could call, as well as uber services. If you still would like to have the convenience of having your own vehicle on island you’ll need to make reservations on The Steamship Authority car ferry, which is the only company offering this service or rent a car or moped on island.
4. Which Nantucket neighborhoods are most popular?
Every Nantucket neighborhood hosts its own brand of charm and amenities. Brant Point and Town are popular among those who wish to be near the shops and restaurants of downtown. Sconset is prized for its famous bluff walk and proximity to the Sankaty Head Golf Club. Out on the western shore, Madaket is known for spectacular sunsets and low key beach days. Cisco is known for its great surf waves and proximity to Cisco Brewery and Bartlett’s Farm. Pocomo, Poplis, Quaise and Quidnet for their quaint and serene beach, endemic birds and acres of conservation lands.
While there are many distinct areas of Nantucket, the island’s small size allows one to make the most of what the entire island offers. Our best recommendation is to browse all Nantucket areas and get a sense of what best fits your needs or the vision you have for your vacation.
5. Which beach is right for me?
There are many beaches on Nantucket, each with its own atmosphere and conditions. Children’s Beach, Jetties Beach and the Dionis beaches are popular with families looking for calmer waters and amenities like restrooms and lifeguards. Surfers will prefer the waves of Cisco, Nobadeer, and Madaket. There are also many “hidden” beaches in Nantucket, so ask your rental agent for a recommendation.
6. What is the average temperature during peak season?
The average high temperature in July and August is about 75 degrees; the average low is about 64. The average sea temperature during peak season is about 67 degrees, though sheltered beaches near the harbor tend to have warmer water.
7. What kind of attire should I pack?
If traveling to the island peak season you will definitely need a bathing suit, sun hat, flip flops and sunglasses for the beach, plus an array of daytime and evening outfits. Nantucket is smart casual, with crisp slacks and button-down oxfords, long sleeve button-ups and cashmere pullovers being common for men. You may also see a lot of blue blazers heading into the finer dining establishments. It is recommended to visit each restaurant’s website if you are unsure of what sort of attire they may prefer.
Women will be very comfortable in a summer dress or white slacks with dressy tops or sweaters. Evenings on Nantucket can be crisp and breezy, even on the hottest of days, so a cute cardigan, cashmere wrap or scarf is an item you will definitely want to pack. As far as footwear goes, in the downtown area wedges and flats are great if you don’t want to ruin your high heeled shoes or take an embarrassing spill on the brick or cobblestone sidewalks. If ever there were a place to wear those cute flats or wedges you always mean to wear, Nantucket is that place!
8. Should I plan to make dinner reservations every night?
To experience Nantucket’s best restaurants during high season, you will definitely want to make reservations, in some cases as far as a week in advance. You may also want to take a night off to grill at home or stop by a seafood shack or faster food establishment.
9. Do you have any recommendations for kid-friendly activities?
There’s a lot to love about Nantucket for children. In addition to the playground and waves at Children’s Beach, Nantucket is a great place to ride bikes and explore nature. Be sure to check out the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce’s list of ideas for family activities.
Here are some of our top recommendations for kid-friendly activities:
10. Do you have any recommendations for babysitting and pet-sitting services?
Nantucket Babysitters Service provides sitters, tutors, and personal assistants. Another local babysitting company is NannyTucket. Als Allan offers a range of pet-sitting and dog-walking services. For contact information for babysitting and petsitting services as well as pet stores, please click here.