Listed as a National Historic Landmark District as being the “finest surviving architectural and environmental example of a late 18th- and early 19th-century New England seaport town”, Nantucket has become a famous vacation destination and summer colony. It’s 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, accessible only via ferry. Although known as a retreat for the rich and famous, more than 1/3 of the island is set aside as conservation land, with wonderful natural areas to explore. There’s great variety for running in Nantucket, from the cobblestoned streets of the Historic District to trails through wonderfully preserved farms and along sprawling bluffs and beaches. An added bonus is that there are good bike paths connecting many parts of the island.
We’ve put together running routes in Nantucket showcasing the island’s gorgeous variety. Favorites for conservation areas include Head of the Plains, Sanford Farm, and Middle Moors. Nantucket beaches, including Nantucket Beach and Jetties Beach, are great for running. Or, if you prefer pavement running, the Downtown Historic District, Brant Point, and the Cisco Bike Path are all great options. Another favorite is in ‘Sconset, where the run along Baxter Road to the lighthouse features coastal bluffs, magnificent views, and some of Nantucket’s most spectacular homes.
Access to Nantucket is via ferry from Hyannis, on Cape Cod. A fast ferry takes 1 hour and is more expensive than the standard ferry, which takes 2 hours. Once on island, the center is walkable, and there are bike paths along the island. The WAVE is a bus service that is a very effective form of transportation if you don’t have a car. Currently operates in-season, but year-round service is being planned.
Special thanks to Nantucket Conservation Foundation ecologist and Nantucket Triathlon athlete Danielle O’Dell for her helpful suggestions in this guide! Also, special thanks to Cary Hazelgrove for her wonderful photos. Her website, nantucketstock.com, has thousands of wonderful photos available for purchase.
Nantucket has a climate typical of southern New England, with temperatures moderated by the ocean influence. Due to its location, there can be dramatic weather there, in the form of powerful ‘noreasters. Summers, the most popular time to visit, are generally delightful, with average highs in the mid-70s (24C) and cool-ish nights. It rarely gets super hot. Fall is gorgeous, with wonderful colors, fewer visitors, and mild temps that hang on till early November. Winters are milder than interior areas of New England, but the ocean adds to the dampness, and there can be dramatic storms, many of which are in the rain-sleet-snow variety. Average January high temperatures are 38F (3C), with lows dipping into the mid-20s. Spring can be a long time coming, with chilly, overcast days influenced by northeast winds that can last well into May.