Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket for day trip from Chatham
 

Can't decide whether to go for a day trip to Martha's vineyard or Nantucket next week. We are a family of four - 2 adults and an 18 and 14 year old. I don't think we need a car do we?Any suggestions for either greatfully received - just don't know which one to go to!
Thank you..

You won't need a car on Nantucket since the ferries arrive in the middle of things, but the Vineyard has three major towns and some wonderfully scenic areas near Gay Head that are a goodish way from town.

You can go to the Vineyard or Nantucket from Hyannis. The Steamship fast ferry takes to Nantucket an hour, The Hy-Line fast ferry is scheduled for an hour but in my moderately extensive experience is always late.

Definitely choose Nantucket! It's the perfect size for a day trip. You can visit the Whaling Museum, enjoy a delicious lunch on the patio at Dune, wander through the historic downtown and along the wharves. You can even go on a harbor sail with Endeavor or on a harbor ice cream cruise with Shearwater. Here's a terrific listing of events: http://www.yesterdaysisland.com/main...events08.php#2

Hi, Nettie.

Seeing that you'll be based in the Chatham area, the Freedom Cruise Line ferry from Harwichport to Nantucket makes much more sense. I prefer option #2 for daytrips.
http://www.nantucketislandferry.com/

I personally feel that MV offers more for a visitor vs Nantucket, BUT, Nantucket is absolutely unforgettable IF you plan your trip wisely. Cross the pond, hang out in Nantucket Town, visit such iconic spots such as the Whaling Museum, which is more interesting then it's name. Have a late lunch or early dinner, and nd catch your ferry back. Or, ferry into N-town, and catch a tour out to the more remote, beautiful spots on ACK like Sconset and Coskata/Coatue Wildlife Refuge.

MV's daytrip out of Hyannis is just a very long day from Chatham, of both driving and ferrying...not that ACK
Have fun, no matter which island you decide to visit.

meant to say that Nantucket will also be a long day, but much more lined up for those in theChatham area.

I have been to both islands and I remember when we went with my 2 sons I much preferred Martha's Vineyard because we wanted to rent bikes and get around to see a lot and go to a beach. On MV when you ride you see the ocean and beautiful scenery quite a bit along the bike trails; I remember on Nantucket we were riding and never really saw the water and it was kind of boring. If you aren't going to ride than it's a different story completely although I would say I prefer MV and think kids your age would also. The variety of little towns and the beauty make it very special!

Thanks everyone for all your really helpful tips and time you spent on this - I think Nantucket may have the edge.. looking forward to it !

Bringing this to the top in hopes Nettie has made her day trip and will let us know which day trip she chose!

Topping -- would be interested in any recent updates/thoughts on this matter!