Cape Cod Vacation / Nantucket

Once a home to wealthy whaling captains who hunted for oil with harpoons, Nantucket is now a getaway for CEOs, executives, lawyers, bankers, surgeons, and regular folks who want to spend time by the sea. 3.5 miles wide and 14 miles long Nantucket offers more than three dozen public beaches along its 84 mile perimeter of sand. Nantucket tourists have a choice of many fine restaurants, first class accomodations, great golfing, fishing, bike riding, surfing, sailing, kayaking and more. While the year round popultion is just 12,000 hardy residents, the island's population swells to 55,000 during the summer months.

Nantucket is located 25 miles south of Cape Cod. Ferry service from Hyannis or Harwich Port takes approximately 2 hours. Flights from Barnstable airport take 15 minutes. Nantucket is a great place for kids. Car traffic is minimal and everyone is respectful of bike riders. Ocean beaches facing east and south give surfers great opportunities to find waves. North shore beaches along Nantucket Sound are great for kids – they have warmer water and are protected from waves. Ownership of the shoreline is split between private property owners, the town and a variety of conservation organizations. Unless posted with no-trespassing signs, all beaches are open to the public, subject to town bylaws and rules set by private beach owners.

The best way to access Nantucket beaches is by Jeep. Rental Jeeps come with town and Trustee permits (extra fee). If you’re willing to walk a little bit the Nantucket Regional Transport Authority (NRTA) will take you most of the way. The NRTA provides seasonal shuttle service to many destinations including Surfside Beach, Sconset and the Airport.