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A Nantucket day trip from Cape Cod is one of the best summer getaways in New England.

Just an hour by ferry from Hyannis, you can spend the day biking scenic trails, relaxing on beaches, and enjoying fresh seafood before catching the evening boat back.

This one-day Nantucket itinerary covers everything you need!

Including ferry details, bike rentals, food stops, and the best places to catch a sunset.

Day Trip to Nantucket from Cape Cod

Nantucket might be small, but it delivers big on character. While many people stay for a weekend or longer, you don’t need days to enjoy what makes the island special.

A well-planned day trip gives you a taste of everything — historic downtown, beach time, seafood shacks, local shops, and the laid-back island vibe.

It’s easy to reach by ferry from Cape Cod, and the ride itself is part of the fun.

One Day Nantucket Itinerary (With Bikes, Food & Beaches)

Here is everything I did on my day trip to Nantucket from Cape Cod!

How to Get from Cape Cod to Nantucket by Ferry

We took the 11:20 AM ferry from Hyannis, which gave us a full afternoon on the island without waking up at the crack of dawn.

Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early to get in line; the boarding process moves fast.

I booked my tickets in advance and had the barcode ready on my phone, which made things super smooth.

It was $90 per person for a round-trip ticket, which is the high season pricing. It’s cheaper in the fall.

Once onboard, we grabbed a seat on the middle deck and settled in for the ride.

It took about an hour, and the water was calm most of the way. The views out the window gave us a great first taste of what was ahead.

Stop 1: Pick Up Bikes at Young’s Bicycle Shop

We got off the ferry around 12:20 PM and made the quick 7-minute walk to Young’s Bicycle Shop, right near the harbor.

I had reserved our bikes in advance, which made the whole process super smooth. And, you don’t pay until you arrive.

The staff at Young’s was incredibly friendly, helping us adjust the bikes and walking us through directions to get to our first stop.

They also provided us with a very helpful map! You can review the map online, too, before you go.

Stop 2: Lunch at Millie’s in Madaket

From there, we biked the Cliff Road Path, which eventually connected to the Madaket Bike Path.

It was a hilly, scenic ride that took about 35 minutes, so be sure to pack water and take breaks along the way if it’s hot out.

Once we arrived, we locked up the bikes and headed into Millie’s for lunch.

Food & Drinks At Millie’s

We grabbed a table upstairs and kicked things off with their famous Madaket Mystery cocktail — a rum punch that’s become a local legend.

For lunch, I couldn’t resist the Muskeget Lobster Roll, and as someone from Maine, I was impressed.

It was one of the best I’ve had!

We also shared the Grilled Street Corn and the Fishers Landing Po’ Boy with blackened swordfish — both full of flavor and perfect for summer.

Stop 3: Relax at Madaket Beach

Before leaving, we popped into Millie’s Market and picked up a bag of Spicy Margarita chips for the beach.

Just a two-minute walk from Millie’s is Madaket Beach, where we kicked off our shoes, opened the chips, and dipped our feet in the ocean.

The beach wasn’t crowded at all, and there were lifeguards on duty, which made it a nice, relaxing break.

It’s definitely one of the prettiest spots on the island.

Stop 4: Cisco Brewers

Next, we got back on our bikes and followed the Madaket Path, which eventually connected to the Cisco Path.

The ride to Cisco Brewers took about 35 minutes.

Since it was a sunny Saturday in July, the brewery was packed, with a line around the corner.

We waited about 30 minutes to get in and paid a $10 cover, which might have been a special event fee.

Inside, we tried a few of their local brews — the Shark Tracker and Whale’s Pants, both perfect for a hot day.

Then we stopped by the distillery area, where I ordered a cucumber cocktail made with their gin, fresh mint, and muddled cucumber.

We enjoyed our drinks while listening to the live music near the summer stage.

I am not going to lie, Cisco Brewers was extremely packed, and you could barely move around.

It was my first time here, so I had to try it, but if it’s that busy, skip it and go somewhere else.

Stop 5: Sunset at The Sandbar at Jetties Beach

We hopped back on the Cisco Path toward town and continued up to Jetties Beach, which only took about 20 minutes.

We arrived at The Sandbar at Jetties Beach an hour before sunset.

Although the wait for a table was long, we snagged seats at the bar overlooking the beach — perfect loophole.

I ordered a Painkiller cocktail, and we shared some chicken tacos while watching the sun dip low over the water.

It was one of those golden-hour moments you never want to end.

Stop 6: Ice Cream at The Juice Bar

We made the 5-minute ride back to Young’s Bicycle Shop, which was already closed.

But you can drop off bikes after hours behind the building — just lock them up.

From there, we walked over to The Juice Bar, which already had a line stretching down the block.

We waited about 20 minutes, and it was so worth it.

Their Peanut Butter & Jelly special caught my eye, and I ordered it on a homemade waffle cone.

It was packed with cookie dough, PB&J flavor, and total nostalgia.

Stop 7: Neapolitan Pizza at Pizzeria Gemelle

With about an hour left before our ferry, we squeezed in one last bite at Pizzeria Gemelle, known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas.

We ordered a classic Margherita, and it was amazing to watch the dough tossed and fired in front of us.

A light, crispy crust and fresh basil — the perfect way to end the day.

Ferry Back to Cape Cod

We got in line for the ferry around 8:45 PM for our 9:20 departure.

The ride back was peaceful and starry, and we sat on the top deck with sweatshirts on. It gets chilly at night, even in July, so be prepared.

By 10:30 PM, we were back on the Cape, tired but happy after a full day of food, beach, bikes, and island vibes.

I really loved our day on Nantucket! As you can tell, it was more of a foodie and drink adventure than anything else.

Next time, I’d love to explore the shops or visit the Whaling Museum.

But honestly, it was a little too crowded this time to enjoy much beyond our planned stops.

Bonus: Colorful Croissants in Hyannis

Before heading back to Maine the next morning, we made a quick stop at Mariner’s Café in Hyannis. And we’re so glad we did.

Their colorful croissants are not just picture-worthy, they’re genuinely delicious.

We tried the strawberry and pistachio flavors, and both were flaky, rich, and filled with flavor. Pair one with an iced coffee for the perfect way to start your day on Cape Cod.

Tips for Visiting Nantucket in One Day

Here are some common questions so you can plan your day trip to Nantucket easily!

Is Nantucket worth a day trip from Cape Cod?

Yes! Nantucket is perfect for a day trip. You can explore the historic downtown, relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy amazing food, and bike scenic trails — all in one day. The ferry makes it easy to get there and back with plenty of time to explore.

How long is the ferry ride from Cape Cod to Nantucket?

The high-speed ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket takes about 1 hour. It’s a smooth and scenic ride. Just be sure to arrive 30 minutes early and have your barcode ticket ready to board.

Do I need a car for a day trip to Nantucket?

No, you don’t need a car. Nantucket is very walkable and bike-friendly. Many visitors rent bikes to explore the island, especially for day trips. It’s the best way to get to places like Madaket Beach, Cisco Brewery, and Jetties Beach.

What is the best ferry to take from Cape Cod to Nantucket?

The Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises both run ferries from Hyannis. We took the 11:20 AM Hy-Line Cruise high-speed ferry, which gave us a full afternoon on the island and returned on the 9:20 PM ferry. It was a great schedule for a one-day visit.

Explore More of New England

I loved visiting Nantucket; it reminded me of Maine! I would love to come back for the weekend in the fall when the crowds and prices are less than what they are.

But all in all, we had a great overnight getaway.

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