Nantucket is a magic island- for its beaches, its cobblestones, its sunsets, and the way it can turn $20 into $100. Thus, the words “Nantucket” and “budget” are not often used in the same sentence. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the island without breaking the bank. The island’s upscale accommodations are certainly beautiful and our fine dining delicious, but many of the island’s best attributes are free! Read on to discover some of our favorite tips and how to cut costs during your visit.

Take Your Time

If you’re willing to put in a few extra travel hours, you could end up saving big.

JetBlue’s direct flights to the island from JFK may tempt you to hop on a plane right after work and wake up on the Grey Lady. Instead, consider driving to Hyannis or New Bedford and catching the ferry to Nantucket from there. But heads up- parking fees in Hyannis can be more expensive than your boat ticket. So look into busses and other forms of public transportation to get you from point A to point B.

If you’re looking to economize even more, choose the Steamship Authority’s traditional ferry. The two-hour journey gives you time to enjoy the ride, and you could spend $30 less per ticket than high speed ferry passengers. If you are set on making the crossing in an hour and are traveling with a large group, consider purchasing a discounted Commuter Book from Hy-Line Cruises.

Explore on Foot or by Bike

Bringing a car to Nantucket on the ferry can be expensive, and getting a reservation stressful and time consuming. Not to mention our gas prices, which are notoriously high. Instead, stop by one of the island’s (many) bike rental shops in our downtown district upon your arrival. Both Young’s and Nantucket Bike Shop are located on Steamboat Wharf, so you can be outfitted right off the ferry. The island has excellent bike paths, especially in the Surfside and Cisco areas.

If you’d rather sit back and relax, try riding the NRTA WAVE, our public transportation system. At $2 a trip, this network of busses can bring you almost anywhere on the island. Or purchase a one-day pass for $7 and ride all you want. There are also plenty of taxis on the island for afterhours trips- and you’ll likely still spend much less than you would have with a car.

Find Unique Accommodations

If a private residence is a must for you, then check out our rental options. The benefits of a kitchen cannot be overstated (see below!). You also may want to think about getting a large group together. This will keep costs per person low, and you can still enjoy having your own place. Rental rates in the summer will almost always be at the peak, so consider visiting in the off-season (September through May) when most vacation rental homes will have reduced weekly rates.

Eat Smart

If your accommodations have a kitchen, take advantage of it! Stock up on groceries for the week (or weekend) at our downtown Stop & Shop. Grab some of their freshly baked muffins for breakfast. And rather than spending $12 on an (admittedly very good) sandwich, make five with a loaf of bread and something from the deli. They all taste the same when enjoyed on the beach!

If you do like to eat out, you can certainly find affordable options if you’re willing to look. Lower Broad Street features an array of take-out options, including pizza, waffle fries, ice cream, and more. If you like seafood, try Sayle’s! It’s walking distance from Main Street and you can enjoy fried fish and lobster from their picnic tables. Often, out of town locations can be more budget friendly. Crosswinds (located at Nantucket Memorial airport) has weekly specials, generous portions, and a hearty breakfast.

Born and raised on Nantucket, Lisa is incredibly excited to be back on the island as she prepares for her senior year at Dartmouth College. She feels most at home on the water and has an immense appreciation for the beauty and entertainment it provides. During the school year you may catch her taking a break from her economics studies to sail New Hampshire’s lakes. When she’s not assisting with marketing at Fisher, you can find her working on a new ceramic piece or catching the sunset on the south shore this summer!