Yes, I know this question has been asked before, but I'm asking again because I just don't know how to decide where to go. We are looking at four nights in early August and I'm considering the Wequassett or the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod or the White Elephant or the Wauwinet on Nantucket. I know they are expensive, but I've got that covered.

How do I choose which island/area and which lodging? What are the key differences? If this help, things that sound appealing to do in the overall area are: whale watching; a day at the beach; strolling through town/shopping; other sightseeing (lighthouses or other historic things?); an excursion by ferry to one of the other islands on which we don't stay(?).

It sounds like there is a lot to do, so I'm not sure which area to choose. I've never been to the beach in the Northeast and thought it would be a different, charming, fun experience for me and my boyfriend. I assume that my previous beach trips, which have been limited to the Carribean, Bermuda, Florida and South Carolina, offer a very different experience -- more focused on scuba diving or hanging out all day on the beach -- which is why I'm not so sure what to choose for this trip.

Does this give anyone enough information to help me make up my mind?

Well, first, you really can't go wrong with any of your options so don't be stressed about it.

My preference is Nantucket. I just like it better than the Cape. It has excellent restaurants and shopping and some beautiful scenery. Great surfing too, if you're into that.

I agree that you can't go wrong with either place. I've been to Nantucket once & it is beautiful. Beaches are great, you can rent bikes, food & shoppping is great. However, I might choose the Cape if I were you since this is your first time in the area. Chatham is beautiful, with great food & shopping. I think the advantage to Chatham over Nantucket is that you can drive to other parts of the Cape, such as Provincetown, Wellfleet, Truro. You can go to the National Seashore, which is just gorgeous, go to the Atlantic beaches and/or the bay beaches which are very different from the ocean beaches. You can rent bikes & ride on the bike trail; there are lots of lighthouses. Brewster is lovely, too, known for its antigue shops. You can go on a whale watch. Wellfleet is very pretty, we love having lunch at the Bookstore Restaurant; we love Race Point Beach & Herring Cove Beaches in Provincetown. Head of the Meadow, Nauset, Coast Guard Beaches are other great beaches.
So, Chatham would be my first choice but you can't go wrong with Nantucket, either.

When faced with this choice years back we chose Nantucket simply because there were fewer worries about where to stay, how to get around, etc. There is only one town so as long as you're in it, you are in the right place!

I would agree that you really can't go wrong, especially if you appreciate fine dining.

If you choose Chatham, you can always take a day trip to Nantucket.

If it were me, however, I'd choose Nantucket. It's like a step back in time.

The Wauwinet on Nantucket would be my first choice. In August, the Cape and Islands are overrun with "summer folk" and day-trippers. But, the Wauwinet is a world away. Tremendously upscale and classy, but unpretentious.

My screen name refers to the fact that I live in Nantucket (ACK is our airport symbol), so I am prejudiced.

I agree with Kwoo that where you go depends on what you want. Obviously, there is far greater variety on the Cape. If you want to avoid the temptation of driving around but still want peace and quiet, great shopping, world-class food, and a generally upscale atmosphere, Nantucket has it.

Unfortunately, there are still choices to be made.

The Wauwinet is in a wonderful location upharbor. It is perfect if you want a romantic location with walks on the beach but it takes a long time to get to town, either by the hotel's van or its launch; the White Elephant is in town overlooking the yacht club --- and the steamship pier, including the 6:30AM ferry! Food is better at the Wauwinet, but the White Elephant is within walking distance of more high end restaurants than you can imagine in such a small place and lots of shopping.

It is very hard to get from Nantucket to Martha's Vineyard by boat, but flying is quick (ten minutes or so) and not hugely expensive.

The one thing I would say is that in either place, the time you have chosen is absolutely at the height of the season. Streets will be busy, restaurants will require reservations, beaches will be well peopled from 10AM to 5PM.

Wauwinet, definitely. We live on Nantucket and once a year we head out to this lovely spot for a "staycation." It's so relaxing! And if you want to go into town, they have a limo OR a boat to take you across the harbor! Go here to find out more about Wauwinet, their restaurant TOPPER'S, and Nantucket in general: http://www.Nantucket.net

I agree with ACKsuz and ACKIslander - In August the Wauwinet is the best choice for all of the above reasons. If you are unable to get reservations a good second choice is the White Elephant as you can walk to everything, you can dine outside overlooking the harbor, there is a wonderful brunch on Sundays and the staff is very helpful and friendly.

A other option is to split your stay. You could stay one or two nights on the Cape - take the fast ferry over from Hyannis (about one hour) and spend two or three nights on Nantucket. Both the Cape and the Island are crowded in the first 2-3 weeks of August. Both slow down a tad during the 4th week.

Have a great time!

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We haven't stayed there for just that reason - reports of pedestrians at all times going right by your windows, even peeking in!

I'm with KWoo and vote for Chatham - primarily because of teh easy access to oherr town. And they are towns with very different peronalities. The national seashore is also a beach "treasure" not to be missed! Provincetown being the prime example. Chatham Bars Inn is one of my favorite hotels in the world. The main dining room is like a trip back in time: imagine yourself as a first class passenger on an Atlantic crossing in 1910... (and the food is very good too)

Do keep in mind that the larger resort Hotels like CBI and Wequassett are very popular for family vacations in August. I know it's tempting to picture a relaxing lounge around the pool with soothing sounds of the distant ocean but that is probably not what you will find. Or perhaps a lively, family fun-filled vacation is what you are looking for. If that's the case then either of these popular resorts, with programs geared toward families with children, would be a good choice.