Nantucket Airport Layover? Guide & Tips

Top 5 Layover Ideas for Nantucket Memorial Airport

Stuck with a long layover at Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK)? Don't worry, Nantucket Island has plenty to offer to make your wait time enjoyable and memorable. Here are the top 5 layover ideas for you:

1. Explore Nantucket Town

Just a few miles from the airport is the charming Nantucket Town. You can stroll around the cobblestone streets, visit the Whaling Museum, or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants. The town is also known for its boutique shops where you can buy unique souvenirs.

2. Visit Nantucket Beaches

If you're a beach lover, you're in luck. Nantucket is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Just a short drive from the airport, you can relax at Jetties Beach, Surfside Beach, or Sconset Beach. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the view, these beaches are a great way to spend your layover.

3. Take a Bike Tour

Nantucket is known for its scenic bike paths. You can rent a bike from the airport and explore the island at your own pace. The bike paths are well marked and take you through beautiful landscapes, including cranberry bogs, lighthouses, and sea cliffs.

4. Visit the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum

If you're interested in local craftsmanship, don't miss the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum. The museum showcases the island's tradition of basket making. You can also take a workshop and create your own basket to take home.

5. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Finally, make sure to enjoy Nantucket's local cuisine. The island is famous for its fresh seafood, especially the Nantucket Bay scallops. There are many restaurants near the airport where you can enjoy a delicious meal before your flight.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through ACK Airport:

Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of ACK's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Nantucket Memorial airport's internet (free!)
For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near ACK to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you have between 12 and 48 hours to spare, there's even more of Nantucket Island to explore. Here are some activities that are within reasonable proximity to Nantucket Memorial Airport:

1. Explore the Great Point Lighthouse

Located at the northernmost point of Nantucket, the Great Point Lighthouse is a must-visit. The journey to the lighthouse is an adventure in itself, requiring a 4x4 vehicle to traverse the sandy path. The reward is a stunning panoramic view of the ocean from the lighthouse.

2. Visit the Maria Mitchell Association

The Maria Mitchell Association is a complex of four museums dedicated to the advancement of science. Named after America's first female astronomer, it includes an aquarium, a natural science museum, an observatory, and the Maria Mitchell's birthplace museum. It's a perfect place for those interested in astronomy and natural science.

3. Spend a Day at the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

For nature lovers, the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is a must. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, seals, and numerous bird species. You can also explore the refuge's walking trails, go fishing, or even take a guided tour.

4. Discover the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

Learn about Nantucket's maritime history at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum. The museum exhibits artifacts from shipwrecks and rescues that took place off the coast of Nantucket, including lifesaving equipment, photographs, and personal items from shipwreck survivors.

5. Take a Ferry to Martha's Vineyard

If you have enough time, consider taking a ferry to Martha's Vineyard. The island is home to beautiful beaches, charming towns, and historic landmarks. You can spend the day exploring the island before heading back to Nantucket.

Updated on: November 22, 2023

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Layover Ideas Nantucket Memorial Airport ACK