A Romantic Escape to Nantucket for Couples

Are you planning a romantic trip to the quaint island of Nantucket? This charming small island is located south of Cape Cod and near Martha's Vineyard. It has become a leading destination for returning and new vacationers and a preferred venue for weddings, engagements, and anniversaries. There are so many ways to spend romantic moments with your loved one in Nantucket that some people may get overwhelmed when planning a getaway there. Compiled here are some tips and ideas to make your stay on the island unforgettable.

Getting to Nantucket

While Nantucket is only 30 miles south of Cape Cod, it is still an isolated island and can be reached only via ferry or plane. So, going on a road trip there is not as simple as it would be to any mainland destination. The least expensive and possibly most romantic way to reach Nantucket is via the traditional Steamship Authority ferry. It departs from the port of Hyannis and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach the island. If you want to get there faster, you can hop on the HyLine Cruises high-speed ferry which will take you there for an hour. Other ferry lines are available during the summer including from New Bedford and Harwich Port in Massachusetts and from NYC. It is recommended to book your tickets for the ferry as early as possible, especially if you are planning a trip during the peak summer season. Taking your car with you can be pretty expensive, and you will need to make reservations for the traditional car ferry quite early on. A plane trip from Boston will take only 45 minutes. There are several flights available to and from the Nantucket Memorial Airport including services from Delta, JetBlue, American, Tradewind Aviation, Cape Air, Southern Airways Express, and Rectrix Shuttle.

Explore Nantucket by Bike

One of the most accessible, fun, cheapest, and eco-friendly ways to explore this charming island is by bike. You and your partner can take your own electric bikes with you via the traditional ferry, or you can rent city bikes as soon as you set foot on the island. For an even more fun bonding experience, you can rent a tandem bicycle for two and cycle around the island in sync. In fact, some of the short-term rental houses, lofts, and other accommodations offer bicycles for free for their guests, so you can check what is included in the price for the local place or dwelling of your choice. The entire island is only 14 miles long and 3 to 5 miles wide, and it is almost completely covered with more than 35 miles of excellent bike and walking paths. Some of the top destinations to reach by bike include Jetties Beach, Surfside Beach, Madaket Beach, and Dionis Beach. The best way to explore the historic downtown is by walking. You can take a romantic stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire the superbly preserved historic houses and buildings. Or visit some of the most exclusive restaurants and boutiques, and take some stunning pictures to share with family and friends.

Local Annual Events

When planning a romantic getaway to Nantucket, you may want to check out the schedule for the top-preferred romantic events there every year. You can plan your trip during the Nantucket Film Festival where you can watch movies, see famous movie stars and celebrities, and participate in the festivities during this glamorous event. Another excellent idea is to buy tickets for the Nantucket Wine Festival where you can taste some of the best wines from around the world paired with dishes prepared by the leading chefs. If you prefer a quieter and more private romantic trip, you and your loved one can book a sailing excursion there. Various cruises and tours are offered on the island throughout the entire summer season. You can even book a boat just for you and your partner and pack a picnic basket with some wine to enjoy the ocean view and the sunset, do some whale spotting, and have a great time on the romantic cruise in the waters by the island.

Fun Things to Do

You can walk the famous Sconset Bluff Walk with your loved one. It is one of the most picturesque, charming, and romantic walking paths in the country. Although the path is only about a mile long, you will love passing by and admiring the iconic cottages of the village of Sconset with their light gray shingles and the blooming red and pink roses covering their facades. Among these stunning cottages, you and your partner will pass through some of the most beautiful gardens with colorful flowers, then pass through the market of Siasconset, and end up on the beach. There you can have a picnic and watch the sunset over the ocean and the Sankaty Head Light. Those who like parties and fun will enjoy spending a day at Cisco Brewers. It is the only outdoor brewery in the USA and is right next to the local Nantucket Vineyard and the Triple Eight Distillery. You and your loved one can enjoy tasting the best craft beers, local wines, and spirits in the spacious beer garden. There are food trucks where you can buy snacks, and there is also live music there every day during the summer season. Those who are not afraid to get wet and like to stay active, can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters along the coast of the island with a romantic partner.

Romantic Places to Eat

Nantucket is a preferred destination for the affluent and for celebrities, and it comes as no surprise that some of the top world chefs have decided to open restaurants there. You can make reservations for a table for two directly on the beach at the fine-dining restaurant Galley Beach. There you can enjoy some of the most refined dishes with the best wines from around the globe while admiring the sunset and dipping your toes in the soft sand. Make sure to visit the iconic Club Car, a restaurant partially set in a historic train car. You and your loved one can drink some finely crafted cocktails, eat fresh local seafood, and produce in a unique atmosphere. At Fifty Six Union, you can choose from an impressive wine list of more than 150 different wines, including an in-house private label. The restaurant has a covered patio to enjoy your meals and fine wine even if there is a summer storm. CRU is one of the top-rated restaurants in Nantucket. It is located on the harbor, where you and your partner can have a leisurely brunch, lunch, or dinner while watching the yachts and sailboats leaving and approaching the island. For the ultimate top-of-the-line romantic dinner, you may wish to book a table at TOPPER'S located at the Wauwinet Hotel. This award-winning restaurant boasts one of the best wine lists, and you can even get on a water shuttle that will take you through the Nantucket bay from the historic downtown to your awaiting table and dinner.