Guides

An Insiders Guide to the Best Time to Visit Nantucket

Between the great winter freeze and the hoards of tourists when is the best time to visit Nantucket? We’ve done the research and found out when you’ll earn the best deals, avoid the masses, and enjoy a relaxing island trip. Follow our guide and start planning your best New England vacation yet!

For additional information on where to eat and what to do during your stay on our cozy Atlantic island, be sure to access our exclusive Vacation Guide.

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Discover the Best Time to Visit Nantucket

The verdict is in—the best time to visit Nantucket is during early fall. The island is free of the pre-Labor Day crowds, and the temperatures are pleasantly mild. Plan your greatest adventure yet on our tiny Atlantic island.

  • Watch the Leaves Change in Nantucket

The colors of New England begin to change between the end of September and the beginning of October. Travel to the furthest tip of the island and hike along the grassy coastline at ‘Sconset Bluff Walk and up to the Sankaty Head Lighthouse. Watch the lush seagrass fade to golden yellows with the gentle sea breeze at your back.

Local Tip: Temperatures this time of year can fluctuate from the mid-60s to the high-40s, so be sure to dress in layers, especially during your evening outings.

  • Follow the Bike Path

Autumn is the perfect time of year to travel by bike. The streets are less crowded, the weather is perfect, and the beach is waiting. The island boasts over 35 miles of trails starting from the downtown streets and expanding through Nantucket’s pristine terrain.

Bike to Dionis and check out Nantucket’s tallest dunes. Travel west to the fishing village of Madaket to enjoy the lazy beach scene. Beat the tourist-scene at Cisco Beach with a fall bike ride down Milk Street.

  • Find Your Favorite Fall Event
    • Nantucket Restaurant Week

Sample a little bit of all of the top restaurants in town at the annual Nantucket Restaurant Week. Throughout the week, local restaurants offer three-course dining options for a fraction of their regular prices. You’ll want to bring your eating pants to this culinary masterpiece.

  • Cranberry Festival

Every year in mid-October the Milestone Cranberry Bog holds their annual Cranberry Festival. Guests can become a part of Nantucket’s rich cranberry history by throwing on a set of waders, hopping into a bog, and assisting in a traditional wet harvest. Other activities include live music, harvest demonstrations, hayrides, tours, and of course, tasty cranberry treats.

Come Back to the Anchor Inn

After a care-free day of exploring all that the island has to offer, you’ll be ready to kick off your shoes at the Anchor Inn. Book your stay in the first-floor Wanderer suite and enjoy classic Nantucket flair with all of the comfort of modern-day amenities. The room includes a queen-size bed, flat-screen TV, Malin and Goetz Bath Products, complimentary WiFi, and a chef-inspired breakfast each morning of your stay.

Learn more about getting to Nantucket with our easy-to-access instructions. The island can be reached via ferry or airplane year-round. Find the most up-to-date ferry schedules and airline information right here on our site. We can’t wait to welcome you to our one-of-a-kind North Atlantic hideaway!


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