Trip Planning Guides

Essential resources for planning your Nantucket adventure

First Time Visitors Guide

New to Nantucket? Start here for everything you need to know about visiting the island for the first time.

Read the guide

Best Time to Visit

Season-by-season breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and what's happening on the island throughout the year.

Compare seasons

Weather Guide

What to expect from Nantucket's maritime climate, including fog, sea breezes, and weather patterns by month.

Check conditions

Packing List

What to bring for your Nantucket trip, including beach essentials, layered clothing, and items unique to island life.

Pack smart

Budget Planning

Realistic costs for accommodations, dining, activities, and transportation, plus tips for visiting on a budget.

Plan your budget

Cell Service & WiFi

Coverage maps, carrier performance, and where to find reliable WiFi connections around the island.

Stay connected

Medical Services

Hospital, urgent care, pharmacies, and healthcare options available on the island for visitors.

Find healthcare

Safety Tips

Beach safety, wildlife awareness, bike safety, and general precautions for a safe island visit.

Stay safe

Town Rules & Services

Local regulations visitors should know: parking, trash disposal, beach rules, permits, and emergency contacts.

Know the rules

Tipping Guide

Local norms for tipping at restaurants, hotels, tours, and services throughout Nantucket.

Know the norms

FAQ

Answers to the most common questions visitors have about Nantucket Island.

Get answers

Online Resources & Forums

Community forums, discussion boards, and helpful links for visitor questions and local advice.

Browse resources

Local Phrases & Island Lingo

Learn Nantucket slang from "ACK" to "washashore" - speak like a local on your visit.

Learn the lingo

Business Directory

Complete directory of 394 Nantucket businesses: restaurants, shops, services, and organizations with contact info.

Browse directory

Nantucket's Strategic Plan

How the town is improving beaches, transportation, and environment—and what it means for your visit.

Learn more

Town Budget Breakdown

Where Nantucket's $152 million budget comes from and goes—including your 10% contribution from rooms and meals tax.

See the numbers

Sea Level Rise & Coastal Resilience

How rising seas and erosion are reshaping Nantucket—and the $830 million plan to protect the island's future.

See the data

Nantucket Bay Scallops

The story of America's last wild commercial bay scallop fishery—from 117,000 bushel peaks to conservation efforts today.

Learn the story

Real Estate Market Guide

2024 market data, median prices ($3.78M), entry points for first-time buyers, and what it really costs to buy on Nantucket.

See the data