A practical day trip from Chatham Bars Inn: Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard
Both islands are realistic day-trip options from Chatham Bars Inn: Nantucket is reachable by private boat charter from the inn in about an hour or by public ferries from nearby ports, while Martha’s Vineyard is also accessible by charter or by ferry with a slightly shorter crossing from some terminals. Choose Nantucket for compact downtown cobblestones, museums and whaling history; choose Martha’s Vineyard for varied beaches, clay cliffs (Aquinnah) and distinct village characters.
In this guide
How to get there from Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham Bars Inn operates private boat charters to both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard; ask the concierge about scheduling a charter, shore-to-shore options, and docking locations on each island. The inn also runs a seasonal fleet for excursions (whale-watching, seal cruises and barrier-beach trips) that can sometimes be adapted for private transfers.
If you prefer public ferries, the most common gateways to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard depart from Harwich Port, Hyannis and other Cape Cod terminals—these require ground transport off-island before or after your ferry. The inn includes complimentary town transportation and can advise on the best nearby ferry terminal and parking.
Booking checklist:
- Contact the concierge at the hotel to discuss private charters or coordinated transfers.
- Confirm ferry schedules and reserve seats in advance during summer peak season. (Public ferry schedules change by operator and season.) - Leave extra time for check-in/out and to reach the ferry terminal if you’re using public service.
| Option | How it leaves from Chatham Bars Inn |
|---|---|
| Private charter | Book via concierge; direct boat to island (docking varies) |
| Public ferry | Inn can advise nearest ferry terminals; requires ground transfer to terminal |
Nantucket in a day: what to prioritize
Nantucket’s compact downtown concentrates cobblestone streets, whaling-era sites, small museums, boutiques and waterfront dining—good for a walkable half- to full-day visit. Typical priorities are Main Street shopping, the Whaling Museum, and a harborfront lunch or clam shack stop.
If you have limited time, focus on two or three highlights rather than trying to see the whole island:
- Stroll Main Street and visit boutique shops and galleries.
- Visit the Whaling Museum (check museum hours and ticketing separately).
- Walk the harbor, catch views of historic Nantucket Harbor, and plan a lunch near the water.
| Good for | Best if you like |
|---|---|
| Compact downtown, shops and museums | Walkable sightseeing, history, seafood lunches |
| Harbor views and short walks | Photography and relaxed lunches by the water |
| Shopping and galleries | Antiques, crafts and small-batch boutiques |
Martha’s Vineyard in a day: what to prioritize
Martha’s Vineyard is larger and more village-driven: Oak Bluffs for its colorful gingerbread cottages and lively harbor, Edgartown for historic homes and harborfront restaurants, and Aquinnah for the clay cliffs (note that accessing the cliffs may involve additional transit). Plan your day by village rather than trying to cover the whole island.
Typical day-trip activities:
- Explore Oak Bluffs’ seaside carousel, colorful cottages and harborfront restaurants.
- Walk Edgartown’s Main Street and waterfront; consider a short harbor cruise if time allows.
- If clay cliffs are a priority, check access rules and travel connections—reaching Aquinnah can take additional time from the ferry port.
| Good for | Best if you like |
|---|---|
| Village-hopping and beaches | Varied neighborhoods, restaurants and relaxed beach time |
| Historic homes and maritime scenes | Photography and harborfront dining |
| Natural features (cliffs, beaches) | Short hikes and coastal viewpoints |
Which island should you pick for a single day
Choose based on what you want to do and how you prefer to travel. If you want an easy, walkable experience with concentrated shopping and museums, Nantucket is efficient for a compressed visit. If you want varied landscapes, village variety and different beach options, pick Martha’s Vineyard.
Other practical considerations: boat schedules, docking locations, and the amount of time you can spend on the island. Private charters from the inn let you maximize time ashore; public ferries follow fixed timetables and may require earlier starts and later returns.
- Nantucket: compact downtown, museum stops, harbor dining
- Martha’s Vineyard: multiple villages, bigger island geography, different beaches
- If you want the most time ashore, ask the concierge about private charters from Chatham Bars Inn
| Factor | Nantucket | Martha’s Vineyard |
|---|---|---|
| Island size | Smaller, more walkable | Larger, needs more transit time |
| Best for | Shopping, museums, harbor scenes | Village variety, beaches, cliffs |
| Travel time from Chatham (charter) | About an hour by private charter (charter required) | Similar charter time; varies by landing location |
Practical tips for a successful day trip
Timing: ferries and charters are seasonal and busier in June–September. Allow extra time for boarding and for any ground transfers to public ferry terminals if you’re not chartering directly from the inn. The inn’s concierge can confirm seasonal schedules and help coordinate transfers.
What to pack and wear: comfortable walking shoes, a light layer for coastal breezes, sunscreen and a small daypack. If you plan to dine at STARS for dinner after your return, note the Resort Evening Attire for STARS (collared shirts and long pants for gentlemen; resort-casual for ladies; no poolwear).
Money and tickets: bring a charged credit card and photo ID (the hotel requires photo ID and credit card at check-in). Book popular restaurants, museum tickets and ferries in advance when possible. The inn includes valet parking and offers complimentary town transportation; ask Reservations or concierge for details.
- Check ferry or charter departure and return times before you leave the inn
- Reserve STARS or other restaurants in advance if you plan dinner after your trip
- Carry a phone charger and check ferry embarkation points for luggage limits
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID & credit card | Needed at hotel check-in; useful for rentals or tickets |
| Layered clothing | Coastal weather can be breezy even in summer |
| Advance reservations | Ferries, charters and popular restaurants sell out in peak season |
Returning to Chatham Bars Inn and evening options
Plan your return so you’re off-island with enough time to shower and maybe change before dinner—STARS serves dinner (and breakfast) with a Resort Evening Attire dress expectation for dinner service. For a more casual option after a day trip, Beach House Grill and Sacred Cod Tavern both offer relaxed seaside and tavern dining, respectively.
Back at the inn you can choose rooms that suit how you want to unwind. Popular room names include Room, Ocean View (Cottage), Deluxe Room (Cottage), Suite, Ocean View (Master) and the adults-only Spa Suites (note Spa Suites have an age restriction). If you need assistance with late luggage handling or arranging a spa appointment after your day, contact Guest Services or Reservations (BookResorts agents, 24/7: +1 (888) 605-1350).
- Casual post-trip dinner: Beach House Grill or Sacred Cod Tavern
- Special-occasion dinner: STARS (reservations recommended)
- Spa appointments: The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn accepts both guests and the public; book early
| Evening option | When to pick it |
|---|---|
| STARS | Special-occasion dinner; allows reservations |
| Beach House Grill | Casual seafood, close to the beach |
| Sacred Cod Tavern | Relaxed drinks and family-friendly dining |
