When planning for a vacation in eastern Massachusetts different places come to mind and what is better: Nantucket Vs Martha’s Vineyard?
The islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are some of the most popular choices that you can get in the region.
Nantucket is a popular tourist destination that is about 50 kilometers from cape cod and it is one of the pristine environments where you are going to explore the different parts of the island.
There are numerous islands in the area that contributes to the unique experience that you are going to get during your trip to the region. The name Nantucket is adapted with the Algonquian names of the islands and it came during the European settlement.
Nantucket is one of the top tourist destinations in the region and it is important to understand that numerous features make this destination one of the most visited parts of the southeastern united states.
The population of the island is usually about 13000 residents; however, this number usually increases during the summer period when tourists come from different parts of the globe to explore this location. The island is accessible via numerous means such as airplanes, ferries, and boats.
The people in the region are friendly and charming and you will have a time of your life when you explore this region.
Martha’s Vineyard or what is simply called the vineyard is one of the top tourist destinations in the northeastern united states and it is located on the southern part of cape cod in Duke’s country.
The island is part of Massachusetts and it has gained popularity in the recent past because of the number of tourists who are visiting this destination. It is important to understand that this region is diverse and it offers you the best experience that you will not find anywhere else on the planet.
Martha’s Vineyard also includes Chappaquiddick Island which is connected to this island and it is one of the regions that is mostly visited by the affluent in the society. Perhaps one of the most important features that you must understand is that there are times when the two islands are separated by storms and hurricanes hence the need to be very careful when visiting the region. Always understand the weather patterns before visiting the region.
One unique feature about Martha’s Vineyard is that it has been home to the earliest deaf communities in the region and this prompted the local people to embrace sign language. During your visit to the region, you are going to find many people using Martha’s Vineyard sign language.
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Which is better Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket?
These two islands are iconic tourist destinations and it is imperative that during your trip to the region you are going to have some of the best experiences that you are going to get in the northeastern united states.
While Nantucket can be a little far from Martha’s Vineyard and cape cod, it is essential to note that it is still accessible by boats, air, and ferries. Nantucket has become one of the best tourist destinations especially for the affluent because of the tranquility that you are going to get when you visit the region.
Here you are going to get fresh seafood, white sandy beaches, and pristine surroundings and you will have numerous activities that you can do and enjoy during your trip to the region.
Martha’s Vineyard is an island that is twice the size of Nantucket and it has three major towns oak bluffs, vineyard haven, and Edgartown. All these places are some of the exquisite places that you can explore during your visit to the region.
There are other villages and fresh places that you can visit during your trip to the region. Here are some of the distinguishing characteristics of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Family travel to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
It is important to understand that the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are both unique and it presents you with a perfect opportunity to explore this region with your family. The islands feature artsy, literary, grassy dunned, and nautical areas in the region.
The population of these islands usually increases immensely by up to 30000 and this is not just for the beaches but for the unique environment that this region presents you with when you visit. Perhaps if you want a place to visit with your kids then both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket will give you the best experience during your visit to the region.
They both bring that ancient vibe and you will see museums and towns that date back to the early 19th century.
How to get there
These islands are located off the northeastern part of the United States and it is important that you take your time to explore some of the most common features before you can choose the best place for your holiday.
Fishing is amazing on both islands and you can charter a boat or ferry to visit the islands or travel by plane. If you are traveling to Martha’s Vineyard then it will take you about one and a half hours from Quonset point.
On the other hand, if you are traveling via boat or ferry then you can move from New Bedford to Nantucket and the trip will take you two hours.
Depending on the island that you have chosen you must go from one place to another depending on the features that you want to enjoy.
Experience and vibe
Perhaps the type of experience that you are going to get in a place plays a critical role in determining the place that you will choose to spend your holiday or vacation. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are very different places and they give off different vibes.
Nantucket will give you an ancient vibe with the cobblestone streets, ancient structures, and buildings that you are going to find in the region.
Since Nantucket does not allow the major chain stores and other modern businesses, they have kept the pristine environment that you are going to enjoy in the region. There are historical buildings in the region and you will feel that you are learning the history and diversity of this region when you visit. Nantucket offers you gorgeous and pristine beaches as well as amazing hospitality.
The vibe from this island is perfect for people who want to go hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the ancient structures as well as the finer things in life. On the other hand, Martha’s Vineyard is one of the modernized islands and you will feel that you have moved up to the modern era and you will find pristine beaches, colorful homes as well as exceptional parks. Martha’s Vineyard has hillsides, fields, and some of the most amazing cliffs in the area.
It gives you the perfect environment for exploring the natural beauty as well as sampling the amazing cuisine in the region. T
he vibe that you get from Martha’s Vineyard is like any regular tourist destination on the planet. It is a perfect spot for anyone looking for a place to relax and explore the different parts of this pristine location.
Size: Nantucket Vs Martha’s Vineyard
The major difference between these two islands is their size. Martha’s Vineyard is a larger island that covers about 9 miles wide and 23 miles long and has six towns. This presents you with a perfect opportunity to explore the different parts of the island.
You are going to enjoy the time you visit Martha’s Vineyard because you have the chance to explore some of the most pristine beaches across the globe.
The unique vibe that you are going to get when you explore the region is one of the best and you will get the modern features that you are looking for on an island, especially on Martha’s Vineyard.
Nantucket on the other hand is one of the islands in the northeastern united states that you are going to check out it is about 3.5 miles wide and 14 miles long with only two towns.
Therefore, depending on the area that you want to cover, then it is imperative that you understand the features of each island before you visit.
The natural conservation areas as well as the beaches, lighthouses, and other historical locations are what make Nantucket your chosen destination.
Location
Nantucket is located 30 miles off the coast of cape cod and it is one of the most visited tourist destinations.
It is an amazing destination because it gives you the best experience that you want during your vacation. It is a crescent-shaped island and you can access it via ferry or airplane while on the island it is easy to move around and explore the different parts of the island via bikes or even shuttle buses.
Nantucket is home to two zip codes and the major restaurants are located in the downtown area of the island. On the other hand, Martha’s Vineyard is situated more closely to the mainland and it is about 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts.
The island has about 125 miles of coastline therefore you will have more time on the white sandy beaches of the region. You will enjoy the most amazing experience during your visit to the region.
Moving around is possible with different shuttle buses or even a car and you should ensure that you explore all the local transport options before arriving on the island. Ferries that move to Martha’s Vineyard from numerous locations from Massachusetts to New Bedford.
If you want to book the Nantucket car ferry then you must book in advance to avoid last minute rush.
Beaches: Nantucket Vs Martha’s Vineyard
The major attractions of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are the beaches that these two islands are giving you when you visit them. Martha’s Vineyard has about 125 miles of coastline and on the other hand, Nantucket has about 80 miles in the region.
However, it is always important that you choose a perfect destination based on what you are looking for in a tourist destination. The beaches on both islands are some of the most exceptional places that you can get in this region.
Further reading: Best beaches in California
The gamut of the spots that you are going to get in these two islands is amazing as they are characterized by calm waters which are perfect for families. It is important to note that lifeguards are available on different beaches and you should visit the areas where you are safe.
All the beaches in Nantucket are usually open to the general public.
On the other hand, Martha’s Vineyard has private as well as public beaches therefore you can choose an island based on the experience that you want to get.
Costs
Perhaps this is the most common feature that everyone considers before they choose a tourist destination. There is no doubt that both islands are usually expensive and you should be ready to check out the costs before you can visit the region.
Some of the most expensive real estate developments in the United States are found on the island. Martha’s Vineyard will give you more variety and this means that you are likely to spend less in Martha’s Vineyard when compared to Nantucket.
You will spend about $180 per day in Nantucket and $150 in Nantucket for accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is always important that you explore all the available options before traveling to the region.
Fogging
This is a feature that you should be wary of before visiting the islands of Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.
The islands usually have fog, however, on Martha’s Vineyard the fog will disappear towards midday.
If you love misty mornings then this is the perfect environment for you. There are numerous sailboats that are found in the area and you can explore the different areas of the county.
Nantucket is legendary when it comes to fogging because the fog can stick around for the entire weekend.
It is important to note that while this might create picturesque and beautiful surrounding, it is always vital that you are wary of these features to choose the perfect holiday destination for your visit.
