Memorial Day weekend on Nantucket — what to know

April 13, 2026 · ACK Deals

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer on Nantucket. The island wakes up, restaurants reopen, and the energy is electric. Book everything early. Ferry reservations, hotels, and restaurant tables fill up fast. If you're bringing a car on the Steamship Authority ferry, book months in advance. Expect crowds downtown. Main Street gets busy on summer weekends. Go early in the morning for a quieter experience. Bike everywhere. Nantucket has an excellent network of bike paths. Renting bikes is the best way to get around. Weather can be unpredictable. May in Nantucket can be sunny and warm or cool and foggy. Pack layers.

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