Nantucket, located just 30 miles south of mainland Massachusetts is a destination that every avid traveler needs to add to their bucket list.
The island is small but has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world. It is home to over 700 historic buildings from the pre-Civil War times.
It has stunning nature, quaint New England coastal cottages, top-notch seafood restaurants, and a unique nautical vibe.
The busiest season in Nantucket is in the summer, from June to the end of August.
If you want to arrive in Nantucket before the crowds, then the shoulder seasons in spring or fall could be the best option for you. But remember that many of the eateries, stores, and other venues are closed off-season.
So, if you want to make the most of your trip to Nantucket, enjoy the fantastic summer weather, get a chance to visit some of the top restaurants, and enjoy the various summer activities, then June can be the perfect month to plan your visit.
If you book early, you may get a chance to pick the most desirable rental residence at a better price than during the high season.
But apart from getting a better choice for accommodation in Nantucket and a head start before the biggest crowds pour in in July and August, there are various other reasons to visit The Little Grey Lady of the Sea in June.
Summer vibes in Nantucket
The summer weather on the island of Nantucket is perfect for lounging on the beach, riding bicycles, and for many other outdoor activities.
In June, you can expect the temperatures to be somewhere between mid-50 to mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plus, the last week of May and June are the months when all of the various summer activities come back to life after the cold winter.
The stores, galleries, restaurants, and various tourist attractions reopen then. This means that you can fully enjoy the summer vibes and bustle of the island in June.
Plus, chances are that you can make table reservations in the restaurants of your choice if you arrive earlier than the thousands of vacationers who set foot on the island at the peak of the summer season.
And, of course, all of the roses, hydrangeas and thousands of other beautiful flowers which can be seen on just about every window sill and corner of Nantucket are in full bloom in mid-June.
Image provided by Brie Odom-Mabey
The Nantucket Book Festival
Various annual festivals take place in Nantucket, attracting visitors and participants from around the world every year.
One of them is the Nantucket Book Festival, organized by the Nantucket Book Foundation.
This year, the festival celebrating the art of the written word, the island of Nantucket as a literary and cultural center, and the best local books and authors will be held from June 15th to June 18th, 2023.
You can check out the official reading list for this year’s festival and join in one or more of the events, which are primarily free. You can get a chance to meet some of your favorite authors, find out about new ones, and discuss your favorite books with other readers and authors.
It is a great time for photos
If you are looking forward to taking some stunning photos of your trip to Nantucket, June may be a perfect time.
In June, you can enjoy a stroll through the famous Sconset Bluff Walk to see the iconic weathered-gray cottages covered with pink and red climbing roses to the roofs.
Mid-June is the time when the popular local Excelsa Rambling Rose, the American Pillar Climbing Rose, and the New Dawn Climbing Rose once again come back to life and begin to bloom.
Since the weather in June is already sunny and warm enough, you can explore the many wildlife reserves and bird and wildlife sanctuaries to take some memorable photos.
All beaches on the island are free to access, and each one of them is beautiful and Insta-worthy. You can take photos of the clean wide beaches, the endless Atlantic Ocean views, the three historic lighthouses, and the lush nature. If you are lucky, you can spot some seals or even whales there.
Of course, the historic downtown is another place where every step you make is Instagram-worthy. The cobblestone streets, the historic captain’s mansions, and other buildings from centuries ago are preserved and restored to perfection. This will make you feel like you had stepped back in time to when the island was the whaling capital of the world.
Sconset Rose Cottage in Nantucket
All amazing restaurants are open
Nantucket has become a magnet for culinary appreciators from around the world. This is thanks to its exceptional fine-dining establishments and top eateries. The fantastic restaurants on the island offer some of the best fresh seafood and other New England coastal dishes in the country.
Some of the dishes to try while in Nantucket include the famous lobster rolls, the clam bakes, and the freshly caught local oysters.
Although some of the eateries are open year-round, many close up at the end of the season.
Usually, most local eateries open once again by mid-May, so you can book a table or visit all of the eateries of your choice.
Remember that it is advisable to make reservations well ahead of time, especially if you plan to eat at one of the top-rated fine-dining restaurants in June.
If you are into more casual dining experiences, don’t worry. There are many superb casual eateries, food trucks, markets, beach shacks, and other places where you can eat fabulous seafood and other dishes and snacks in Nantucket as well.
Perfect for taking up surfing
June and the summer in Nantucket is the perfect time to learn how to surf. The reason is that the waves are not as powerful as those that are generated during the colder seasons.
If you are a newbie, you can head to one of the excellent surf schools on the south coast beaches of Nantucket.
One is the ACK Surf School which can be found at Nobadeer Beach, and the other is Nantucket Island Surf School at Cisco Beach.
The instructors are professionals and will provide you with all of the instructions, gear, and lessons to help you learn how to surf.
Plus, the sandbars and the soft sand on the ocean bottom on the south shore beaches will make the learning experience safer, easier, and more fun.
Apart from surfing, you can enjoy a number of other watersports during your June vacation in Nantucket. You can do some kayaking in the ocean or in one of the many ponds on the island. Or enjoy some boogie boarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, fishing, sailing, and many more.
There are various watersports schools, tours, rental shops, and stores in Nantucket. And if you are lucky, you may have surfboards, kayaks, bikes, or other gear already provided as part of the amenities included in the price of your short-term rental residence on the island.
Image provided by Sacha Verheij
Have you been to Nantucket? What recommendations you have for visiting both the island and the surrounding area?
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