The Magical Journey to Amazing Nantucket: Step Back in Time

The journey from Hyannis to Nantucket is a must-experience New England adventure. The salt air, sweeping ocean views, and the promise of stepping into a place where time slows down is an attraction I didn’t want to miss during our recent trip to Cape Cod. While the ferry ride is a memorable part of the experience, it’s the destination of the amazing Nantucket island that truly captures the heart. Just 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, this historic island feels worlds away, with cobblestone streets, weathered shingle cottages, and a shoreline that seems to wrap the island in a soft, windswept embrace.

 

Getting There: The Ferry from Hyannis

Our journey began in Hyannis, a vibrant Cape Cod village known for its harbor and Kennedy family legacy. Just steps from the dock in Hyannis, a cluster of small artist and crafter shops offer handmade jewelry, paintings, pottery, and nautical-inspired gifts.

 

These colorful, tiny studios are run by local makers, giving you a chance to take home something truly unique and tied to the Cape.

 

 

And if you’re hungry and have time, order a bowl of clam chowder at The Black Cat. Apparently it’s the best chowder in the Cape.

 

We hopped on the Grey Lady of Hy-Line Cruises (make a reservation in advance!). The high-speed ferry took about an hour to reach Nantucket. The the traditional ferry that allows both people and cars on the boat takes just over two hours. Either way, the ride is scenic and invigorating, with sea breezes and the chance to spot whales or seals if you’re lucky.

 

Welcome to Amazing Nantucket

Once a global capital of the whaling industry, Nantucket now thrives as a haven of preserved history, natural beauty, and understated luxury. The entire island is a National Historic Landmark, and the charm is immediate.

As you leave the boat, you’re immediately greeted by little shops and restaurants on the wharf. Keep walking and you’re met by the charming town of Nantucket itself.

 

Cobblestone streets lead past 18th-century homes clad in silvery cedar shakes. Bicycles outnumber cars, and flower boxes overflow with pastel blooms. Nantucket isn’t just scenic—it’s steeped in story.

 

The heart of the island is amazing Nantucket Town, located just steps from the ferry terminal. This compact downtown is walkable and packed with personality. You’ll find boutiques, galleries, bookstores, ice cream parlors, and restaurants tucked into old sea captain’s homes and storefronts that date back to the 1700s.

 

Shop, Dine, and Stroll

Nantucket’s shopping scene is as refined as it is charming. Local shops carry everything from handmade jewelry to nautical decor to high-end fashion. The island’s boutiques pride themselves on curated collections, with many items inspired by coastal life or made by local artisans. But for me, the true charm of the shopping district is its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and brick sidewalks.

 

The only thing I didn’t like about this section of Nantucket Island was the amount of people. So we spent just a short portion of our day trip here before moseying over to Scionset on the southeast side of the island. I’ll soon share images from that part of the trip.

 

Preservation and Timelessness

What makes Nantucket stand out is its devotion to preservation. Modern development is tightly regulated, ensuring that the island retains its historic feel. Streetlights are rare, giving way to star-filled skies.

 

Buildings are required to conform to architectural standards that maintain the town’s historic integrity. This careful stewardship is part of why Nantucket feels like a step back in time—in the best possible way.

 

The only stores we ventured into (mostly due to crowds) were bookshops – and I spied Fifi O’Neill’s latest book, French Flair, on the shelf! There it is – second shelf, last book on the right.

 

If you’re going to visit the Cape Cod area, I highly recommend spending at least a day in amazing Nantucket. Just know that during the summer, it’s a popular place (for a reason).