Although your days on Cape Cod will be busy, you might find the time to check out Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, too. Ferries sail from the Cape to each island multiple times daily, giving you plenty of chances to visit.
But which one is better? Well, it all depends on how you want to spend your day.
Martha’s Vineyard is the larger of the two islands and is also far busier. Its population swells to over 200,000 in summer, so you could run into some crowds.
Nantucket is smaller and doesn’t get as busy. If you’re looking to relax and hit up a secluded trail or beach, it’s worth considering.
You can’t go wrong with either location, though, as they’re both beautiful. Here’s some information to consult when choosing between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for your day trip.
How Long It Takes to Get There
The amount of time it takes you to reach each island depends on your departure point and the type of ferry you take. If you take a boat from The Steamship Authority, you can visit Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole or Nantucket from Hyannis.
The Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard sailing takes about 45 minutes, and you can stop in either Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs. Getting to Nantucket from Hyannis is a long haul, though, as it will take about two hours and 15 minutes to complete your voyage.
If you sail with Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis, reaching either island takes an hour. This operator has high-speed ferries, helping you reach your destination quickly.
You can’t go wrong with either option, as it all depends on how much extra time you have to spend on the trip.
The Geography
The most significant difference between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket is the geography. Although the islands occupy a similar space in the ocean, they’re far different geographically, which you’ll notice as you approach.
Martha’s Vineyard is full of large cliffs and rolling hills. You’ll see the hills as you approach on the ferry, and the cliffs are best observed from the island’s southwest corner near Aquinnah. This island also has six towns – Aquinnah, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, Chilmark, Edgartown. and West Tisbury – each of which has a different atmosphere and presents unique ways to spend your day.
Nantucket, on the other hand, is almost entirely flat, although there are small hills near some of the beaches. The town of Nantucket is the only town you’ll encounter, as well, but there are fishing villages and residential neighborhoods all over the island. There are also beaches and forests with little else around, making it the perfect place to go if you want to escape for a few hours.
Things to Do
As you arrive on Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll immediately see various restaurants, bars, and beaches. You can begin your day by wandering through Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven and having a bite to eat. If you want to explore further, you can get a cab or Uber to take you to popular spots like Lambert’s Cove Beach, the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook, or the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse. You can also rent a car if you want to explore at your own pace.
Arriving on Nantucket offers a similar experience, as the port area is full of bars and restaurants. You’ll also see the Whaling Museum and the Maria Mitchell Aquarium on this part of the island. If you want to explore a little bit, you can take a cab, Uber, or rental car to Great Point Beach before walking to the Great Point Lighthouse in the Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge. Other spots worth checking out include the Sankaty Head Lighthouse, the Middle Moors, or 40th Pole Beach. All beaches on Nantucket are public, so you don’t have to worry about trespassing if you find a stretch of sand you want to investigate.
Go For Free With Kinlin Grover
Both islands are full of wonderful ways to spend your day, so don’t hesitate to visit if you have the time. You don’t have to choose between the two, either, because free ferry tickets are available with your Kinlin Grover vacation rental.
Thanks to a partnership with Xplorie, you’ll receive one free adult round-trip fare from Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket every day of your stay on Hy-Line Cruises. This promotion means you can check out islands without it costing you anything and even visit multiple times if you like what you see.
Kinlin Grover has vacation rentals for every occasion and preference, ensuring you’ll have the Cape Cod vacation of your dreams. And if you want to experience what Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have to offer, we’ve got you covered there, too.
