Nantucket is an incredible Bachelorette getaway…if you are willing to plan ahead and spend some money. This is for the bride-to-be that loves a good beach day and charming hydrangea-covered cobblestone streets during the day and a great beer and (classy) escapades in the evening.
Pros of a Bachelorette in Nantucket
- Seafood – As one might expect from a New England island, the seafood is outstanding! Chowder, lobster rolls and oysters are a home run here.
For other sustenance, The Juice Bar has great smoothies, Something Natural is the place for sandwiches and salads, Stubbys is for the morning BEC destination and all the pizza places are ideal for late-night bites. - Beaches – For a small island, it’s pretty amazing that there is 82 miles of coastline and picture-perfect beaches. If you are staying close to town, Brant Point Lighthouse and Jetties Beach are just a short walk away. Madaket is an off-the-beaten path alternative (there’s a bike path the whole way!) Or opt for a longer trek with all the rewards: Siasconset, or Sconset as the locals call it, is the epitome of Nantucket charm.
- Scenery – Picture grey shingled homes surrounded by jewel-toned hydrangeas overlooking the deep blue waters of Nantucket sound. There’s a Bachelorette photo opp everywhere you look. Sunset can be particularly outstanding if you can time it with beach cocktails or from a higher vista.
- Beer – or really, Cisco. Cisco Brewers is a must-visit during a Bachelorette. It’s an ideal lunch time destination since everyone can choose their own drinks and food. (Side note: the food is all really good!) It’s always crowded and there will be plenty of people to mingle with.
- Nightlife – There aren’t that many options in Nantucket. But for the purposes of a Bachelorette, the Gazebo or the Ventuno bar followed by the Gaslight or Club Car are the best bets in town. There’s also the mandatory visit to the Chicken Box. Get there early – a couple of minutes before 9pm on the weekend means you don’t have to pay the cover – and watch the people spill in (and stumble out). ‘The Box’ skews younger but it’s the best band and dancing spot combo on the island.
- Activities – Between eating, drinking and hanging out on the beach, here are three options for the group:
- Go on a boat ride! There are a few boats that offer 1.5hr cruises around the island. There are even more boats that you can charter.
- Explore via bike. This is my personal favorite. If the crew is feeling up for it, there are lovely bike paths all along the island. It’s the best way to see the beautiful homes away from Main Street and seek out the lessor known beaches.
- Meander main street and the marina. Grab the girls for some shopping with a nautical twist! In between, peruse the galleries, the Atheneum and gardens, and the marina with the incredible yachts.
Cons of a Bachelorette in Nantucket
- The weather – The forecast can make or break your weekend. Assuming you are planning this shindig during the warmer months, rain could be a real itinerary killer. If that does happen, there are tents at Cisco Brewery and plenty of indoor/outdoor places for more boozing.
- Expensive – With only a few airlines, flights to Nantucket can be expensive. Then once you arrive, the accommodations, f&b and activities are $$$.
- Restaurants – Again, expensive. What is even more difficult: if the ‘bride tribe’ is over 10 people. There are usually only a handful of restaurants that can accommodate for this large of a group on the island. Set reminder alerts and book as soon as you are able!
Hint: The Galley can accommodate 12 people and bookings begin via a phone reservation at 10am two weeks prior. It’s worth the 30x calls. - Getting around – Ubers and Lyfts are an option, but on the weekends it can be a 10-20 minute wait. There are car rentals and buses that traverse the island, but given the Bachelorette style getaway, I recommend calling the ride shares ahead of time, before everyone is ready to go.
- Accommodations – Airbnb owners are hesitant to offer their homes to bachelor/bachelorette parties. You will see “no parties of any kind” on many listings, as well as “families only” and “quiet hours.” It’s just a mature girls weekend…. If the owner buys it, you are one of the lucky ones. Otherwise, hotels are an option but are very pricey and book out at least a year in advance.
- Stuck on an island – Needless to say, Nantucket is not very big. There’s nowhere to escape and it’s not an easy journey home no matter where you live. Here’s to hoping you like the group you are celebrating with! I certainly did.
THE BEST BACH EVER. Shoutout to @isthisseattakenco for the unreal itinerary.
Would love if you could share your itinerary!