Nantucket is one of New England’s most popular summer destinations and for good reason. Its coastline is dotted with world-class beaches, stunning vacation homes, and hydrangea-lined streets. However, with all that beauty comes the summer crowds. That’s why the local’s secret is that the Fall is really the time to visit. Here are 3 reasons why you should visit Nantucket this Fall.
1) No Crowds on Nantucket in the Fall
The first reason of course has to be that there are no crowds in the Fall. If you visit in October or November you will pretty much have the island to yourself—and you may even be able to score a car ferry ticket so you can have the convenience of your own car on the island. And this is a real perk because there will actually be parking spaces to put it in when you are on the island as well. We do not recommend bringing a car in the summer due to the traffic and general lack of parking—if you are even able to get it to the island—car ferry tickets are notoriously hard to get during peak season. So, if you are able to visit this Fall, be sure to bask in the parking availability and lack of crowds.
2) The Weather
Fall is New England’s crowning glory. The foliage and sunny crisp days only come around for a brief period so be sure you don’t miss it—and if you hit the timing just right you are in for a treat. And Nantucket is a beauty in the Fall!
3) There is plenty to do!
In many summer destinations, everything closes up after Labor Day, but not on Nantucket. Because there are many residents that call the island their permanent home, there is plenty to do in the shoulder season. Popular spots like Cisco Brewers and the Nautilus are open in October and November and beautiful hotels like the Nantucket Resort Collection are open as well for guests to enjoy. Watch this video from our stay this summer at the Nantucket Resort Collection to check out their three beautiful properties: Chapman House, the Regatta Inn, and the Veranda House.
We really think that Fall is an amazing time to visit Nantucket and in fact, it is a great first-timers’ season to visit. Summer can be stressful as dinner reservations are hard to come by, plane and ferry tickets sell out and prices for everything are generally higher. So, if you are looking to break into a Nantucket holiday routine, perhaps start this Fall to get your legs under you and once you have the island a little more figured out you will be ready to hit the ground running next summer to enjoy the beach!
For more ideas on which destinations to visit this Fall in New England read out articles on Cape Cod and Narragansett, RI.