4 Reasons Why Nantucket is the Best New England Winter Getaway

Between the months of May and September, Nantucket is teeming with seasonal homeowners, long-term renters, and day trippers. The ferries shuttle visitors in and out to experience the island’s prominent appeal as a coastal summer retreat. 

While the hype around Nantucket summer is warranted, with stunning beaches, freshly-caught seafood, and an abundance of family-friendly activities, those who stick around past Labor Day know there’s a whole different version of the island to experience in the colder months. 

Below are just a few reasons why Nantucket is the perfect destination for a New England winter getaway.

Cozy Charm

Beyond the string lights and decorated streets, it’s the annual rituals, traditions, festivals, and small-town charm that make winter on Nantucket feel magical.

These are just a few of our favorite ways to spend the off-season on the island:

• Enjoy a fireside meal: One thing you don’t typically get to enjoy in the summer on Nantucket? Fireside dining. We love enjoying a hearty winter meal at one of the many island restaurants with cozy fireplaces, such as Nantucket Tap Room and Brotherhood of Thieves.

  
  

• Escape the cold at the Nantucket Atheneum: During the winter, there’s nothing like cozying up with a good book. One of the best places to do so is the Nantucket Atheneum: the island’s free public library with beautiful historic details and endless reading options. The library also has all sorts of programs and events throughout the year, like art shows, children’s story time, hobby clubs (like writing and chess), and trivia/game nights!

  
  

• Sip on seasonal beverages: Who wouldn’t get excited for a warm seasonal drink at cafes like Island Coffee or Handlebar? Even year-round iced coffee fanatics would have trouble saying no to a warm Caramel latte or ‘Cup of Sunshine’ from these local spots. Not into coffee or tea? Head on over to Cisco and grab a Cold Wave IPA or a spiked warm cider!

Insider Activities and Local Culture

Winter on the island comes with a certain exclusivity that seasonal visitors don’t get to take advantage of. This time of year is the best opportunity to explore iconic island exhibits without the chaos of summer crowds, such as the Nantucket Whaling Museum, a variety of island art galleries, and the many locally-owned boutiques. After all, retail therapy is the best medicine for winter blues. And as a bonus, shopping locally during the holiday season grants you a red ticket at many participating locations, with winners randomly drawn and announced at the annual Red Ticket Drawing.

Some of our favorite local spots to peruse:

• Blue Beetle: A charming boutique with women's accessories and clothing – including a great selection of cashmere

  
  

• Erica Wilson: A go-to for needlepoint essentials and classic Nantucket-inspired gifts

  
  

• Murray’s Toggery Shop: A family-owned apparel shop where Nantucket Reds were born!

  
  

• Mitchell’s Book Corner and Book Works: A historic, independent bookstore right on Main Street

  
  

• Anderson’s: A long-standing general store offering everything from gifts, to home decor, groceries, and beach gear 

• Artists Association of Nantucket Gallery: A gallery dedicated to exhibiting and promoting the work of local Nantucket artists

Water Views and Wildlife

When the seasonal visitors leave the island, the winter wildlife just starts to wake up. Winter is prime time for spotting the gray and harbor seals that make themselves comfortable on Coatue and Great Point beaches. 

It’s also peak scalloping season! Recreational scalloping runs from October 1 to March 31, on Wednesdays through Sundays. It’s the perfect winter activity to get some fresh air (and some fresh fare). Grab your waders, a push rake, and a basket, and head over to low tide areas. Remember to keep only scallops that are at least .5 inches in height and have a well-defined growth ring.             

Not into scalloping? Those who prefer land activities can take year-round guided walks with Nantucket Walkabout – whether it’s to burn off your holiday meals or simply to get outside and enjoy all the island has to offer. Below are some of their upcoming hikes on Nantucket’s protected land:

• Smith’s Point: This is the second-longest hike Nantucket Walkabout offers, at least two hours of trail time out and back. Along with spotting gray seals during the winter months and catching views of Tuckernuck Island, this is a great hike for sunset lovers!

• Gardner Farm: A relatively shorter hike, close to Cisco Beach and Cisco Brewery  (a perfect place to stop for a post-hike refreshment!). Gardner Farm runs along Hummond Pond, which is home to some impressive wildlife like painted and snapping turtles, nesting ospreys, and mute swans.

• Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge Hikes: The hike for adventurous island explorers! Hikers will be immersed in a forest of trees, coastal banks, tidal ponds, salt marshes, and some of the island’s oldest dunes.

Tranquility and Seclusion

If you’re still looking for a reason to book a trip to Nantucket this winter, let it be the pure tranquility and seclusion of the island. 

During the winter months, Nantucket is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city or mainland life. Picture yourself walking on quiet beaches, peacefully dining at some of the most sought-after restaurants, and wandering down Main Street to take in all the festive decorations. It’s easy to forget that the island is home to many year-round residents who get to experience the island in this calmer state. It’s the best of both worlds, as a place full of life in the summer months, and centered around peace and relaxation during the winter.

Whether you’re in need of a personal reset, a family getaway, or a trip with friends, this is the place.