The New England area is highly desirable during the summer, with thousands of people from all over the world descending upon Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to enjoy its sandy beaches, seafood spots, lighthouses and numerous other attractions. With that many visitors, it’s easy to spend your vacation stuck in traffic, or having to settle for unpleasant hotels because all the good ones are booked up.
Check out these travel tips from locals to make sure your trip goes smoothly, so that you can focus on more important things, like where to get your lobster rolls.
Getting There
Leave the car at home and take the Seastreak ferry, which leaves from E. 35 St. in Manhattan and takes about five hours to get to Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard or a little over six hours to get to Nantucket. Rides are available May 27—Sept. 5 with ferries leaving Friday and returning Sunday. For more information visit www.seastreak.com.
Visitors can also fly to all three locales. JetBlue and Delta offer seasonal service direct to Martha’s Vineyard from John F. Kennedy Airport.
If you drive to Cape Cod, the route is pretty straightforward (take I-95 or I-495) and only takes about four hours depending on traffic. Once you get to the Cape, there are numerous ferry options to get to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, including the Steamship Authority which allows visitors to bring their car on board.
Getting Around
While driving is always an option, all three destinations have convenient and reliable bus lines. Locals suggest taking the bus, as finding parking and traffic can quickly become a headache with so many visitors bringing their cars to the islands. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are also extremely bicycle friendly, with designated bike paths and numerous bike dealers, rentals and repair shops to accommodate your two-wheeler needs.
Getting A Room
Whether you’re looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, hotel in the middle of town, or beach bungalow walking distance to the shore, there are plenty of lodging options to suit every need and desire.
The Captain’s House Inn in Chatham is filled with charming personal touches, including gourmet country breakfasts and English afternoon teas in the dining room that overlooks the gardens. This intimate, historic estate is perfect for a romantic getaway or peaceful retreat.
There’s a reason the Harbor View Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard has been rated one of the World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure. The beautiful stately hotel is the perfect blend of luxury and comfort, offering visitors a perfect sanctuary. Enjoy friendly, personal service and state-of-the-art accommodations on this historic estate that looks out at the Edgartown Lighthouse and Harbor. The hotel’s central location also puts it in walking distance to the elegant community of Edgartown.
The Nantucket Hotel and Resort is a paradise for visitors seeking relaxation and fun in a beautiful setting. Located in downtown Nantucket, the hotel is an easy walk to restaurants, stores, nightlife, beaches, ferry docks and more. The historic site pairs a casual atmosphere and family-friendly comforts in a world-class setting.
