On Nantucket Island in April
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Nantucket without the summer crowds, the $40 cocktails, or the three-week wait for a dinner reservation — April is your answer. The island is quieter, the prices are lower, and honestly? It might be the most charming version of Nantucket there is. Cobblestone streets, hydrangeas just starting to wake up, and a town that still feels like it belongs to the people who actually live there. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Getting to Nantucket in April
There are two ways to get to Nantucket — by ferry or by plane — and both are significantly more affordable and less chaotic in April than during peak season.
By Ferry The ferry is the classic way in, and most people depart from Hyannis on Cape Cod. Two companies run the route:
Steamship Authority operates both a traditional ferry (about 2 hours and 15 minutes) and a high-speed option (about 1 hour). The traditional ferry accommodates cars — useful if you’re planning to explore beyond town, though most visitors do fine without one in the off-season.
Hy-Line Cruises runs a high-speed passenger ferry from Hyannis in about an hour. No car transport, but perfectly fine for a long weekend.
One heads up — April schedules are reduced from peak season, so check departure times before you book your trip around them.
By Plane Cape Air offers small-plane service from Boston, Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard, and Providence directly into Nantucket Memorial Airport. Flights are short (under 30 minutes from most departure points) and surprisingly affordable in the off-season. Worth checking if you’re coming from farther away.
Where to Stay in Nantucket in April
April is a great time to stay somewhere you genuinely couldn’t afford in July. Several of the island’s best properties are either just opening for the season or running off-season rates that make them actually accessible.
The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is one of the few full-service properties open year-round. It’s central, well-appointed, and has a pool and spa — which you’ll appreciate after a windy afternoon on the beach.
The Greydon House is a boutique hotel in a restored 1850s mansion in the heart of town. Beautifully designed, intimate, and the kind of place that makes you feel like a local. Their restaurant is excellent too.
76 Main is a smaller, more affordable option that’s well-located and consistently well-reviewed. A solid pick if you’re watching the budget without wanting to sacrifice style.
Vacation rentals are also worth exploring in April — you’ll find cottages and apartments at a fraction of the summer price, and having a kitchen makes the “half the restaurants are closed” situation a non-issue.
Where to Eat on Nantucket in April
The first thing to know about eating on Nantucket in April is that many restaurants are still closed for the season — or running limited hours. Always double-check both the restaurant’s website AND their social media before you go. Websites are often outdated; Instagram stories will tell you if they’re actually open that week.
The good news is that the week before the Daffodil Festival in late April, a solid number of great spots are up and running. Here are the ones worth seeking out:
Lemon Press — An organic eatery and craft cocktail bar with healthy, wholesome breakfasts and small plates. Great for a slow morning start.
The Charlie Noble Restaurant — Classic and progressive New England cuisine in a relaxed, comfortable setting. One of the better dinner options open in early April.
B-ACK Yard BBQ— Authentic BBQ featuring regional styles from around the country, plus a solid selection of bourbons and craft beer. A fun, casual option when you want something hearty.
Town — Global fusion including Asian and Indian dishes, served in the dining room or on the patio. One of the more interesting menus on the island.
Crown & Rose — A family-owned pub and Nantucket’s only downtown nightclub with live entertainment. Great for a late night out if you want one.
Stubbys — Think of it as Nantucket’s version of fast food, but make it charming. Open from 6 AM to 2 AM daily, serving breakfast through late night. A staple.
Things to Do on Nantucket in April
The off-season is genuinely the best time to actually explore the island — no crowds, no traffic, and you can get to places that are completely inaccessible in the summer.
Rent a car or a Bronco and drive the beach. This was one of the highlights of the trip — renting a Bronco for the day (significantly cheaper than in-season) and driving out on the sand with an on-beach permit all the way to the Great Point Lighthouse to see hundreds of seals. It’s one of those experiences that doesn’t feel real while you’re doing it. Rentals are available through AFF Rentals and others in town.
Bike the island. Depending on your hotel, bikes may be included or available for rental nearby. The island is flat and incredibly bikeable — a full loop is a perfect afternoon.
Cisco Brewery. Drinks in a casual, open-air atmosphere. A Nantucket institution and well worth a stop even in the off-season.
Bartlett’s Farm. Nantucket Island’s oldest and largest family-owned farm. Stop in at their market for breakfast or lunch before a beach day — they do everything well.
Hike the trails. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation maintains miles of walking and hiking trails across the island’s preserved wildlife areas. The views are stunning, especially in April when everything is just starting to turn green. Find a trail guide at nantucketconservation.org.
Museums. The Nantucket Whaling Museum and the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum are both worth a few hours, especially if the weather turns. The island’s history is genuinely fascinating.
The Daffodil Festival. If your trip falls in late April, plan around Daffy. The entire island celebrates the arrival of spring with decorated antique cars, a tailgate picnic on Main Street, and daffodils literally everywhere. It’s one of the most charming events in New England and completely worth timing your trip around.
What to Wear on Nantucket in April
April on Nantucket is not sandals weather. The island sits in the Atlantic and the wind makes it feel colder than the actual temperature — which is typically in the low to mid 50s during the day, dropping into the 40s at night. Pack accordingly.
The essentials:
- A good windbreaker or waxed canvas jacket — this is the most important thing you’ll bring
- Layers, layers, layers — a base layer, a sweater, and an outer layer will get you through almost any April day
- Waterproof or water-resistant boots — the cobblestones are beautiful but unforgiving in the rain
- A warm scarf and hat for morning and evening walks
- One nicer outfit for dinner — Nantucket restaurants are casual but the island has an effortlessly dressed energy worth matching
The good news is that classic New England prep is both the most practical and most appropriate dress code for April on Nantucket. Treat it as a reason to wear all your favorite layers at once.
Nantucket in April FAQs
Is Nantucket worth visiting in April? Absolutely — and in some ways it’s the best time to go. You’ll get the full Nantucket experience without the summer crowds or prices, and the island has a quieter, more authentic feel in the off-season.
What is the weather like on Nantucket in April? Expect daytime highs in the low to mid 50s with wind off the water making it feel cooler. Rain is possible. Pack layers and a windbreaker — you’ll use both.
Are restaurants open in Nantucket in April? Many are, but not all — and hours are reduced. Always check a restaurant’s social media (not just their website) before making plans. The week before the Daffodil Festival in late April tends to have the widest selection open.
When is the Nantucket Daffodil Festival? The Daffodil Festival — known locally as “Daffy” — takes place in late April each year. It’s one of the island’s most beloved events, featuring antique cars, tailgate picnics on Main Street, and daffodils everywhere. Check the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce website for the exact dates each year.
How do you get to Nantucket? By ferry from Hyannis (Steamship Authority or Hy-Line Cruises) or by small plane via Cape Air from Boston, Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard, or Providence. The high-speed ferry takes about an hour.
Is Nantucket expensive in April? Significantly less expensive than summer. Hotels, rentals, and even ferry tickets are cheaper in the off-season, making April one of the most accessible times to visit.
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
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. :)