Top Nantucket Day Trips: Explore Beyond the Island

Nantucket is quite the special destination all on its own, too it’s almost hard to believe that you might actually want to take a day trip somewhere else, yet there are definitely some great spots within fairly easy reach that can make for a change of scenery. Now, there are cool options nearby if you find yourself looking to broaden your horizons a bit while visiting this iconic island, for instance, nearby islands and mainland locations that each offer very unique experiences. This guide offers a peek into five standout day trip possibilities from Nantucket, really, perfect for adding extra depth to your coastal vacation.

1. Martha’s Vineyard: A Nearby Island Escape

Of course, Martha’s Vineyard is maybe the most apparent choice for a day trip from Nantucket, too it’s almost like the other half of a Massachusetts island duo, as it sits just a hop, skip, and a jump away, so to speak. What’s nice, very nice actually, is that ferries run pretty regularly between Nantucket and “the Vineyard,” which can make it very convenient to spend a day there. Unlike Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard is composed of six very different little towns, each really providing its very own special flavor and charm.

You could check out Oak Bluffs, that has the historic Flying Horses Carousel, or even Edgartown, with all its fancy, beautiful, Greek Revival homes. Alternatively, for something a bit quieter and off the beaten path, you could go to Menemsha, which is like your typical New England fishing village. In fact, Menemsha’s particularly well-known for pretty incredible sunsets, if that is up your street. Taking a day to experience the diversity of Martha’s Vineyard, really, is pretty great way to enrich your vacation in New England.

Read our full review: Martha’s Vineyard Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ferry Tickets to Martha’s Vineyard)

2. Cape Cod: Mainland Massachusetts Beckons

Going to Cape Cod for the day opens the door to exploring the Massachusetts mainland, now, there’s loads to do and see over there, actually. A ferry ride is how you would make your way over from Nantucket to Hyannis, one of the Cape’s bigger towns and very much a hub for transportation and sightseeing. Right when you come into Hyannis, there are options available like visiting the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, something many people who come to the Cape enjoy or taking a scenic harbor cruise.

What is cool, that’s for sure, is that you can make use of the Cape’s public transportation or think about grabbing a taxi or rideshare to explore places a bit farther afield, might be nice, is that right? It’s also nice to be aware, just for future reference, that towns such as Chatham, known for its classic charm, and Provincetown, with all of its art galleries and the vibrant atmosphere of it, both provide unique experiences you could consider for a short visit. A visit to Cape Cod provides you the chance to see attractive beaches, classic New England towns, as well as some historical landmarks all within easy reach of Nantucket.

Read our full review: Cape Cod Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Cape Cod)

3. Elizabeth Islands: Discovering Quiet Beauty

Something that may not spring to mind right away for a day trip can be the Elizabeth Islands, as these are a chain of islands that stretch out between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, so they are in a pretty convenient spot. Penikese, Cuttyhunk, and Nashawena are just a tiny few of the islands that are within this chain, yet only a couple of these happen to be inhabited, for real. That said, getting out to the Elizabeth Islands requires a little bit of advance planning as not all of them have consistent ferry service. Now, it’s quite often that private charters or smaller ferries offer trips, which definitely, might just add to the experience of going to see them.

What happens if you manage to plan your way onto one of the Elizabeth Islands for a day? Well, usually, expect a day of relaxation and a very generous amount of peace. There are a whole array of outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, as well as simply enjoying some undisturbed beaches available on these less traveled islands. Now, if you really would like to detach and enjoy the solitude of New England’s coastal beauty, the Elizabeth Islands are worth the extra little bit of planning.

Read our full review: Elizabeth Islands Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Charter to Elizabeth Islands)

4. Plymouth: History Just a Short Distance Away

Think about visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts, for a historical deep-dive day trip alternative. The ferry to Plymouth is an option you can use from different points on Cape Cod, thus meaning it would require getting yourself to the Cape first from Nantucket. The town of Plymouth is famous for being the location of the original Pilgrim settlement in America. So you get to see places like Plymouth Rock, which actually marks the spot where the Pilgrims first came onto land, or even Plimoth Patuxet Museums, that, by the way, are living history museums.

Those looking for history-related attractions will probably find places like the Mayflower II, that’s a full-sized replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims over, really appealing. Beyond just historical sites, Plymouth offers cool waterfront dining opportunities and plenty of stores for browsing around. Plymouth can make a pretty educational and very fascinating day trip that brings a broader dimension to your visit on Nantucket, too it’s almost a journey through history. Read our full review: Plymouth Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Plan Your Plymouth Trip)

5. Cuttyhunk Island: Serenity close By

Cuttyhunk, part of the Elizabeth Islands, does provide a very peaceful retreat, that, basically, is close to Nantucket. It’s actually the outermost of all of the Elizabeth Islands. Cuttyhunk is quite easy to access from New Bedford by way of a seasonal ferry service, meaning you’d have to connect to New Bedford from Nantucket, too it’s almost always good to take travel logistics into account. The island is famous as a location for very peaceful walks, awesome scenery, as well as for fishing, thus making it a really excellent selection for anyone who loves being in the outdoors.

Cuttyhunk is recognized to have a certain unspoiled feel since there are few cars and also a more limited number of visitors relative to other destinations, generally speaking. If you enjoy simple pleasures, such as hiking to the highest point to get ocean views or going to beaches that are less crowded, you may very well find Cuttyhunk as a perfect getaway. So Cuttyhunk offers travelers an incredibly laid-back New England island escape where you can disconnect completely and really just enjoy the sounds and sights around you.

Read our full review: Cuttyhunk Island Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Cuttyhunk Island)

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Martha’s Vineyard: Experience the diversity and charm of multiple towns just a ferry ride away.
Cape Cod: Discover historic sites, beaches, and classic New England culture on the mainland.
Elizabeth Islands: Seek tranquility and natural beauty on these less-traveled islands.
Plymouth: Immerse yourself in early American history at this important settlement.
Cuttyhunk Island: Unwind and enjoy the serenity of a quiet, unspoiled island escape.

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