On Nantucket Island in April
After a long winter, vacation was calling my name and there was nowhere I’d rather be than Nantucket. I know what you’re thinking, April in Massachusetts isn’t really ideal for an island getaway. Well, that’s where you’re wrong. The last few weeks of April are the perfect time to sneak in a quick vacation and experience all Nantucket has to offer before the crowds come.
Scroll on to read about my recent vacation on Nantucket in April.
Where to Eat on Nantucket in April
The first thing you should know about traveling to Nantucket in April is that many restaurants and shops are closed for the season. However, since we went the week before the Daffodil Festival – or Daffy- we had a great selection to choose from. Secondly know, restaurants close earlier than when in season and typically are closed a few days a week. Make sure to double-check both their website AND social media pages to see if the restaurant you’re looking to visit is actually open- I found that a lot of the time their websites aren’t up-to-date.

Here are some of my favorite spots that are either open year-round or are open in early April:
Lemon Press: An organic eatery and craft cocktail bar featuring healthy and wholesome breakfasts and small plates.
The Charlie Noble Restaurant: A blend of classic and progressive New England cuisine in a casual and comfortable setting.
B-ACK Yard BBQ: Authenitic Nantucket BBQ featuring different BBQ styles from around the country and a selection of Kentucky Bourbons, Tennessee whiskeys and craft beer.
Town: “Global Fusion,” including Asian & Indian dishes served in the dining room or on the patio.
Crown & Rose: Family owned pub and Nantucket’s only downtown nightclub with entertainment 7 days a week in season.
Stubbys: Nantucket’s “fast food.” Stubbys is family-owned and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night. They are open from 6 AM to 2 AM daily.
Things to do on Nantucket in April
Being on island during the off season is the perfect opportunity to explore and discover what Nantucket has to offer. From the beaches to the light houses, there is so much to see outside of town.
Depending on your hotel, you can bike around the island for free or rent a bike at one of the many places around town.
Jake and I opted to rent a Bronco for a day. Rentals were super discounted compared to in season. The car was fantastic and came with an on-sand permit which allowed us to drive miles out on the beach to the Great Point Lighthouse to see hundreds of seals…honestly one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Here are some other activities to do on the island in April:
- Cisco Brewery: At the brewery’s flagship location, enjoy delicious drinks in a casual and fun atmosphere.
- Barette Farm: Visits Nantucket Island’s oldest and largest family owned farm. Before you head to the the beach, grab something to go from their market where they served breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Trails/ Hiking: There are so many hiking and walking trails along the island. Explore the the island’s preserved wildlife and beautiful views. Find a trail guide here.
- Museums: From the Nantucket Whaling Museum to the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, the island is filled with history and passionate people to tell it.
A great resource for all things events and activities is the Nantucket Chambers website. They have a calendar with upcoming events happening throughout the island and will help plan your trip (especially if it falls inline with a major holiday like the 4th of July).
Have you been to Nantucket during the off season? If so, what are your favorite spots to visit? Let me know in the comments!
This post Nantucket in April first appeared on sophiemarini.com
One Response
Wow, I’ve never been to Nantucket but I’m saving this post for a future visit. It makes sense to travel during shoulder season to avoid the crowds and crazy pricing. 🙂
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