Planning Your Time

Nantucket definitely merits consideration as a day trip—a prospect made easier by the hour-long fast ferries making the crossing from Hyannis. Day-trippers usually take in the architecture and historical sites and browse the boutiques; arrive early enough and there might be enough time for a short van tour of the island. After dining at one of the many delightful restaurants, you can hop a ferry back—or, if you're in no particular hurry, stay at one of the historic inns. Of course, several days or even a week allows you more time to discover the island and sample its many different beaches.