Make Restaurant Reservations
If you’re looking to dine out on Nantucket during Memorial Day weekend, you’ll want to make restaurant reservations as soon as possible. (Like, now.) In season, restaurants can book out weeks in advance, and if you wait until you’re on island to make reservations, you may already be too late.
For more recommendations, check out our guide to Nantucket restaurants.
Choose Your Mode of Transportation
You booked your hotel and reserved your favorite restaurants—now it’s time to make sure your trip to Nantucket is as smooth as possible. For most visitors, flying is the easiest way to get to the island, especially in season with direct flights from cities like NYC, Boston, and Washington D.C. For a truly seamless journey, book a direct flight through Tradewind Aviation, which runs scheduled and charter flights from Westchester County Airport (HPN) and Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK).
If you have time to spare and love a good view, traveling to Nantucket by ferry is the way to go. There are multiple high-speed passenger ferry lines to choose from departing from a variety of cities across New England.
For more information, check out our guide to Nantucket ferries.
Make a Beach Day Game Plan
If there’s one you must do on Memorial Day weekend in Nantucket, it’s have a beach day. Children’s Beach, Jetties Beach, and Steps Beach are all walking distance from town and have gentle surf, making them great for families or quick visits between other activities.
For a perfect summer afternoon, head to Cisco Beach on the South Shore for soft sand, heavy surf, and food trucks in season. Make sure to stop by Cisco Brewers before or after your visit for local craft beer and craft music.
Looking for the best beach to take in the sunset? Drive out to Madaket on the westernmost point of the island for stunning sunset views—and don’t miss the delicious tacos at Millie’s while you’re out there.
For more beach picks, check out our guide to Nantucket’s secret beaches.