Dream escape: Nantucket
Dazzling turquoise waters, baby-soft sand and lush landscapes are what you’ll find on this quaint island
Located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod lies the charming and quaint island of Nantucket. Visitors to this 50-square-mile destination (which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark) will find chowder shacks, seaside cottages, laid-back beaches and friendly locals—all the makings of a perfect close-to-home getaway.
Start your day by soaking up the golden sun on Surfside Beach, a local favorite. “The beach is very clean with plenty of room to spread out, and the waves are big enough to keep anyone entertained,” says a reviewer from Illinois. “Don’t miss the loaded cheeseburgers at the Snack Shack— they’re easily the best on the island.”
To catch a glimpse of some of the island’s beautiful wildlife, book a thrilling 3-hour Jeep tour ($40 per adult) to explore the wonders of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.
Raves NanC120 on TripAdvisor.com, “We saw many herons, egrets, swans, seals and lots of other flora and fauna along our trip—it was wonderful!”
Next, head to The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
($10 per adult, $5 per child) to learn about the island’s history and the 700 shipwrecks that have taken place off its shores. “The museum itself is easy to navigate, with many fascinating exhibits and real-life rescue boats, lifelines and unique artwork,” says Vralitigator on TripAdvisor.com. “But our learned guide made it an experience we will not forget.”
End your day with a stroll down Main Street, where you can satisfy your sweet tooth at a fudge shop, peruse through a bookstore, grab a souvenir from quirky boutiques and head to the docks to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous sunset.
Great day trip: Martha’s Vineyard
Hop on the ferry (round-trip $65 per adult, $45 per child) for an hourlong ride to the neighboring island of Martha’s Vineyard. Once there, explore the trails of the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, visit 50-plus alpacas on an alpaca farm, dine on classic New England lobster and ride the Flying Horses, the oldest running carousel in the United States.
Don’t miss: Aquarium feeding
Head to the Maria Mitchell Aquarium for the popular “Feeding Frenzy” program ($15 per person). Guests of this daily morning event learn about the resident fish and crabs while watching staff feed the hungry animals before the building opens to the public.