Nantucket Tips

Many people visit and live on Nantucket to escape noise. Those who create noise pollution, whether human or vehicular, infringe on the rights of others. So, Nantucketers voted in a noise ordinance that asks people to refrain from excessive noise between the hours of 10 PM and
7 AM.

Numerous streets in town were laid out in the 18th century. They are narrow, with high curbstones, and most of them are one-way. Watch for signs, whether you're traveling by car or bicycle.

Fewer cars on Nantucket's streets and roads will mean a more tranquil vacation experience. Seeing the island is most enjoyable by bike. Taxis and touring vans with knowledgeable and friendly guides, plus the municipal shuttle bus, are all at your service also. With this in mind, we recommend that you not bring your cars to Nantucket.

Whenever possible, use bicycle paths when biking around the island. These paths are maintained by the town and are open only to bicycles and foot traffic; mopeds must keep to the streets.

Nantucket's five bicycle paths range in length from 2.5 miles to 8 miles. The paved paths offer scenic routes along Cliff Road, Milestone Road, Surfside Road, Madaket Road and Polpis Road. Plan a day of exploration--pack a picnic, take your swimsuits, and keep your eyes open for the wild blueberries, blackberries, and beach plums that grow near some of the paths.

Just off Main Street in an area called Petticoat Row, you'll find four inns know collectively as The Roberts House. All of the buildings reflect the historical time in which they were built, and yet each has a character of its own providing guests with a wide choice of accommodations.

Whether you're thinking of staying at a historic Nantucket bed and breakfast, an inn by the sea, or a luxurious, full-service hotel, keep in mind that many of these establishments have minimum-stay requirements, particularly for weekends and in the peak season.

The best place to get a bird's-eye view of Nantucket is from the tower of the First Congregational Church at 62 Centre Street. It's a climb, but well worth it, and the 94-step journey to the top is interrupted by a display of old photographs and history of the Old North Church, as it is known. Tours begin in mid-June and continue through mid-October.

Camping is prohibited on Nantucket's beaches and in conservation lands. A fine of not more than $200 will be levied against persons pitching a tent for the purpose of sleeping or sleeping in the open.

Nantucket has something most parents really appreciate: a babysitting service. Nantucket Babysitters' Service, (508) 228-4970, sends sitters to you--to your home, cottage, hotel, even your boat. Sitters are experienced, carefully screened and do everything from caring for infants to supervising teens, so you can enjoy some adult time during your stay.

There is one minigolf course on the island and it's open year-round. The Nobadeer Mini-Golf is located at the corner of Sun Island Road and Nobadeer Farm Road and is open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM in the summer and during daylight hours in the off-season. Adults can play a round for $7; children age 12 and under pay $6, and children under 4 play free.

Back to Nantucket