Nantucket Packing List

Essential Items

These are the must-haves for any Nantucket trip, regardless of season or length of stay. The island's unique environment calls for some specific preparations.

Layers for Island Weather

Nantucket's maritime climate brings cool mornings and evenings, even during the hottest summer days. The ocean breeze can make temperatures feel 10-15 degrees cooler than the mainland.

• Light jacket or sweater: Essential for evening walks, outdoor dining, and ferry crossings
• Windbreaker: Perfect for breezy beach days and bike rides
• Long pants: At least one pair for cooler evenings
• Light cardigan or pullover: Easy to throw on over sundresses or t-shirts

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Nantucket's historic downtown features charming cobblestone streets - beautiful to look at, challenging to walk on in the wrong footwear. Heels and thin-soled shoes are not recommended.

• Sneakers or walking shoes: Comfortable, supportive shoes for exploring town
• Boat shoes or loafers: Classic Nantucket style that works on cobblestones
• Cushioned sandals: Look for styles with arch support for all-day wear

Sandals and Flip Flops

Essential for the beach and casual summer days. Pack at least one pair you do not mind getting sandy or wet.

• Quality flip flops: For beach, pool, and casual wear
• Water-friendly sandals: Great for rocky beaches and tidal pools

Sun Protection

The island sun reflects off water and sand, intensifying UV exposure. Do not underestimate it.

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Reef-safe formulas are encouraged to protect marine life
• Sunglasses: Polarized lenses are best for water glare
• Wide-brimmed hat: Provides face and neck protection
• Lip balm with SPF: Often forgotten but important

Beach Essentials

With over 80 miles of shoreline and some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, you will want to be well-prepared for beach days.

Beach Clothing

• Swimsuits: Pack at least two so one can dry while you wear the other
• Cover-up or beach dress: For walking to and from the beach and grabbing lunch
• Rash guard: Great for extended sun protection and water activities

Beach Accessories

• Beach towels: Large, quick-dry towels are ideal (or rent them on island)
• Beach bag: A sturdy tote that can handle sand and wet items
• Hat: Baseball cap, sun hat, or visor for shade
• Beach blanket: Optional but nice for larger groups

Nice to Have

• Waterproof phone pouch: Protects your phone from sand and water
• Insulated water bottle: Stay hydrated with cold drinks
• Small cooler bag: For snacks and beverages
• Boogie board: Fun for beach days (also available for rent)

Clothing by Occasion

Nantucket has a distinct style that is best described as "relaxed elegance." Understanding the dress code for different occasions will help you feel comfortable everywhere you go.

Casual Daytime

The dress code for shopping, exploring, and casual lunches is relaxed but neat.

• Shorts: Chino or linen shorts in neutral colors
• Sundresses: The unofficial uniform of Nantucket summer
• Casual dresses: Easy, breezy styles that work for town and beach
• T-shirts and polos: Classic, well-fitting basics
• Linen pants: Comfortable and breathable for warmer days

Nice Dinner (Smart Casual)

Most Nantucket restaurants fall into the smart casual category - a step up from daywear but still relaxed.

• Sundress with sandals: Works for most dinner spots
• Button-down shirt: With nice shorts or pants for men
• Slacks or chinos: Instead of shorts for evening
• Nice blouse: Paired with pants or a skirt
• Light blazer: Optional but adds polish

Fine Dining (Dressy but Not Formal)

Nantucket's upscale restaurants have a dress code, but it is still more relaxed than big-city fine dining.

• For women: Elegant dress, dressy separates, or nice jumpsuit
• For men: Collared shirt required, pants preferred over shorts, no sneakers or flip flops
• Note: Jackets are rarely required, and ties are almost never needed
• Footwear: Dressy sandals, loafers, or boat shoes work well

What NOT to Bring

Just as important as knowing what to pack is knowing what to leave behind. Here are some common packing mistakes to avoid.

Too Much Luggage

• Keep it simple: You will carry your own bags on and off the ferry
• Plan to repeat outfits: Nobody is tracking what you wore
• Most rentals have laundry: So you can wash and rewear
• Shop on island: Nantucket has great boutiques if you forgot something

High Heels

• Skip the stilettos: Cobblestones and heels do not mix
• Wedges are tricky: Even platforms can be challenging on uneven surfaces
• Flat dressy sandals: A much better choice for island evenings

Heavy Winter Gear (Unless Visiting in Winter)

• Summer visits: A light jacket is plenty - leave the heavy coat at home
• Winter visits: Do bring warm layers, but Nantucket winters are milder than the mainland

Other Items to Skip

• Formal wear: Even the fanciest restaurants are not that formal
• Excessive jewelry: The vibe is understated elegance
• Lots of black: Bright colors and whites fit the island aesthetic better

Rental Gear Available on Island

Do not feel like you need to bring everything. Nantucket has plenty of rental options for beach and outdoor gear.

Beach Equipment

• Beach chairs: Available at beach rental shops and some hotels
• Umbrellas: Essential for shade on sunny days
• Beach tents and cabanas: For families needing more coverage
• Coolers: Various sizes available
• Boogie boards and surf equipment: Perfect for beach day fun

Transportation

• Bikes: Many rental shops in town, various styles available
• E-bikes: Great for longer distances and hilly terrain
• Mopeds and scooters: For covering more ground
• Jeeps and SUVs: For beach driving (permit required)

Water Sports

• Kayaks and paddleboards: Popular for harbor and calm water exploration
• Sailboats: Various sizes, with or without instruction
• Snorkeling gear: Available at beach shops