The Comprehensive Dog-Friendly Guide to Nantucket
We spent an entire day exploring Nantucket with our dog, and it quickly became clear that this island was made for pups as much as for people. Nantucket’s laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, and charming cobblestone streets are surprisingly dog-friendly!
We discovered hotels that treat dogs like honored guests, outdoor cafes that welcome pups with a water bowl, and beaches where tails can wag freely in the surf. In this guide, we’re sharing everything we learned including where to stay, eat, and play, plus tips on navigating ferries, shuttles, and shopping with your pup in tow.
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, here’s how to enjoy Nantucket to the fullest with your dog by your side.
Getting to Nantucket with Your Dog: Ferry Options
Traveling to Nantucket with your pup is straightforward, thanks to two primary ferry services operating from Hyannis: the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises. Both welcome dogs aboard, but there are a few nuances to consider:
Steamship Authority
The Steamship Authority offers two ferry types:
- Traditional Ferry: A 2-hour 15-minute journey accommodating both passengers and vehicles.
- High-Speed Ferry: A 1-hour passenger-only service.
Dog Policy:
- Leashed dogs are permitted on both ferry types.
- Dogs must remain on the floor and are not allowed on seats or tables.
- Pets are prohibited in food service areas.
- Dogs travel free of charge.
Hy-Line Cruises
Hy-Line Cruises operates a year-round high-speed ferry between Hyannis and Nantucket, completing the trip in approximately one hour.
Dog Policy:
- Leashed dogs are welcome on all ferries, except in the Captain’s View seating area.
- Dogs must stay off seats and tables.
- Pets travel free of charge.
All in all, getting to Nantucket with your pup is pretty straightforward, whether you’re taking the Steamship Authority or Hy-Line Cruises. Both ferries let dogs onboard for free as long as they’re leashed and stay off seats and tables.
We highly recommend booking ahead of time (a few months is preferred, or longer for holidays!), especially during the summer, and arriving at least 30 minutes early so you and your dog can settle in. Make sure to pack some water, treats, and waste bags to keep your pup happy and the ferry clean.
✅ Pro Tip: On the Steamship Authority, dogs are only allowed on the 1st floor in the first 3 indoor rows or on the second floor.
Once you board the ferry, the best place to go is straight inside, upstairs, then straight out to the back deck where there’s limited seating, but some good room for your dog to sit with you outside in case they have to “go” during the ride. Plus, this area has the best views and is ideal if you get motion sick!
Car Ferry vs. The Wave
Getting around Nantucket with your dog is refreshingly simple and you don’t need to bring a car to make the most of it.
Bringing a vehicle over on the Steamship Authority ferry is possible, but it’s pricey and requires advance reservations. In peak season (May–September), a round-trip fare for a car under 17 feet runs between $220 and $320, depending on the day of the week (it’s even more if you’re vehicle is over 17′).
That’s a steep price tag, especially when the island is so walkable and offers excellent public transit. Instead, we opted to leave the car behind and rely on The Wave, Nantucket’s public shuttle system!
It’s pet-friendly and, thanks to a Massachusetts DOT initiative, completely free through the end of 2025.
The Wave connects downtown Nantucket to key destinations like Surfside Beach, Madaket, Sconset, the airport, and even brings you within a mile of the iconic Cisco Brewery (our favorite on the island!) Dogs are welcome aboard as long as they’re leashed or in a carrier and stay off the seats.
Just make sure your pup is dry before boarding. Wet dogs fresh from the beach might be asked to wait for the next bus!
If you’re driving to Hyannis, you can take advantage of the free lots on Ocean Street for the Hy-Line cruises, which also offer a free shuttle right to the boarding dock. There is no free parking option for cruises run by the Steamship Authority.
With frequent service and a pet-friendly policy, The Wave makes it simple to explore Nantucket without the hassle and cost of bringing a car.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Nantucket
1. Jetties Beach
We kicked off our island adventures with a morning stroll at Jetties Beach, which turned out to be the perfect place to start the day! Dogs are welcome on-leash which is great for our dog since she doesn’t love socializing, and there’s plenty of soft sand for digging, plus calm waters for wading.
It’s close to town, so you can grab a coffee on the way and ease into the morning with your pup happily in tow.
2. Nobadeer Beach
Nobadeer Beach is a well-known puppy playground. It’s an off-leash beach year-round, so dogs can run and play to their heart’s content!
Just be mindful if you choose to come here that your dog needs to be under immediate voice control, and you shouldn’t bring any pup that doesn’t do well with other dogs, people, and kids. If they can’t follow these requirements, it’s a better idea to find a leash-required place to bring them.
3. Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture
This expansive area is a treat for both pups and humans! The on-leash trails wind through rolling meadows and offer sweeping views of the ocean. It was the perfect low-key hike to let our pup sniff around and soak up the sunshine.
4. Tupancy Links
Formerly a golf course, Tupancy Links is now a favorite for dog walkers, with off-leash areas and some of the best sunset views on the island. Dogs can dart around the open meadows while you walk on the open trails.
Again, just be mindful that this is an off-leash area, so don’t bring your dog if they don’t come when they’re called and they aren’t good socializing with others.
5. Cisco Brewers
After a couple of hours walking the beaches and grabbing some lunch, we jumped on The Wave and walked the rest of the way to Cisco Brewers – a must-visit spot for cold drinks and good vibes! You can also take the Cisco Shuttle directly to the brewery!
Dogs are welcome on-leash in the outdoor seating area, and there are tons of shaded tent areas so they can rest at your feet while you enjoy some live music and local brews. The “Peached Whale” was my favorite beer on the menu!
6. Island Kitchen
We treated ourselves to a dog-friendly breakfast at Island Kitchen, where the patio is perfect for pups. They even have doggie ice cream, which our dog devoured in seconds! It’s a cozy spot for an early bite before heading to the beach.
7. Bartlett’s Farm
For a casual lunch, Bartlett’s Farm was our go-to. They have outdoor tables where dogs are welcome on-leash, and we loved the farm stand vibe. Our pup was more than happy to do some lounging while we sampled fresh produce picks.
8. Go Shopping in Downtown
We’re not big shoppers, but Nantucket is studded with quintessential hole-in-the-wall shops offering cute souvenirs, so we decided to popping into a few in Nantucket’s historic downtown and we were pleasantly surprised by how dog-friendly many of them were!
Most stores welcome well-behaved pups on-leash, and a few even had water bowls or treats waiting by the door. We avoided the shops that primarily were selling fragile goods, but overall, it was quite easy to look around even with a dog.
9. Sconset Bluff Walk
This scenic trail was a highlight of our trip! Dogs are welcome on-leash, and the path weaves through picturesque cottages and ends with stunning ocean views. It’s a relaxing way to see a different side of the island.
10. Madaket Beach
We saved Madaket Beach for a sunset stroll, and it did not disappoint. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and the views at golden hour are spectacular. Our pup was mesmerized by the rolling waves and the changing colors of the sky.
11. Millie’s Restaurant
Right near Madaket Beach, Millie’s has a dog-friendly patio that was perfect for a post-sunset meal. We enjoyed some delicious drinks and apps while our dog snoozed under the table, still tired out from the beach.
12. Something Natural
This charming sandwich shop is a great spot for a relaxed lunch! They have outdoor picnic tables where dogs are welcome on-leash. We loved their fresh bread and enormous portions, plus our dog got the chance to lounge in the shaded, cool grass while we enjoyed a bite.
13. Nantucket Land Bank Dog Park
We skipped the Land Bank Dog Park since our pup isn’t good in these areas, but we did stop by to take a look. It’s fully fenced with separate areas for large and small dogs, so if you’re pup needs some off-leash time, this can be a great place to go!
14. Brant Point Lighthouse
We ended our day with a walk to Brant Point Lighthouse, the island’s iconic landmark. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and the short walk is full of photo-worthy views. It was the perfect spot to pause and take in Nantucket’s maritime charm.
15. Watch the Boats at Straight Wharf
While we waited for our ferry to arrive at the end of the day, it was nice to simply sit back and watch the boats come and go at Straight Wharf.
With benches overlooking the harbor and a gentle breeze, it was the perfect spot to take a break with our pup on-leash.
Nantucket Map of Dog-Friendly Activities
Of course, this list of pup-friendly things to do in Nantucket isn’t all-inclusive, and if you have the budget to bring a car over to the island, you’ll have far more freedom and options to choose from!
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Nantucket
Finding the right place to stay makes all the difference when you’re traveling with a pup, and Nantucket has some excellent options that go out of their way to welcome dogs.
We noticed that most hotels and inns require dogs to be on-leash in common areas and have specific dog-friendly rooms set aside, so it’s always best to call ahead and confirm the pet policy.
Some of the top picks include The Nantucket Hotel & Resort, where pups are treated to complimentary dog bowls and cozy beds in designated rooms. Greydon House also stood out, with its stylish vibe and a handful of dog-friendly rooms right in the heart of downtown.
For a more homey feel, consider The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin. These waterfront cottages even have a “Woof Cottages” section complete with doggie welcome baskets!
Wherever you stay, remember that advance reservations are a must, especially in the busy summer months. Many of these spots charge a pet fee, and some have size restrictions, so double-check the details before booking.
Travel Tips for Visiting Nantucket with a Dog
- Your dog won’t be the only pup around: Nantucket is full of dog lovers, so expect to see lots of furry friends on the ferry, at restaurants, and in the parks.
If your pup is a little shy or doesn’t typically get along well with other pups, people, or children, it may be a better idea to bring your own vehicle and get takeout from most places and stick to the leash-required spots. - Ferries are bustling: The ferries can get crowded, especially in summer. We found that bringing treats and providing plenty of attention helped keep her calm with all the new sights and sounds.
- Mind the hustle on The Wave: The free shuttles are a great way to get around, but there’s a constant flow of people getting on and off. We made sure to have a secure leash and kept our pup close, especially at stops.
- Busy restaurants = patient pups: Nantucket’s dog-friendly patios are amazing, but they can be busy and lively! We always made sure our dog was settled and had something to occupy her (like a chew or toy) so she didn’t get restless.
- Cobblestones are tough on paws: Downtown Nantucket’s old cobblestone streets are charming, but they can be a little rough on sensitive paws – especially when they get too hot in the summer!
Sticking to the brick sidewalks or grassy areas will be easier on your dog, and it’s also a good idea to bring booties if you plan on being in town a lot. - Early birds get the calm island: Nantucket is magical in the early hours, with quiet streets and empty beaches – perfect if your pup gets overwhelmed by too many people.
- Mind the doggy etiquette: While Nantucket is super dog-friendly, we noticed that not everyone wants a wet nose at their table. It’s always polite to keep your dog close and ask before letting them greet someone.
- People give treats without permission: We loved how many shops had dog treats at the ready, but since our dog has some food allergies, we had to deny them and instead give her the treats we brought.
If your dog has any food sensitivities, be ready to stop people from literally putting a treat directly into their mouth without asking! - Keep an eye out for bikes: Nantucket has tons of cyclists, and they move fast on those narrow roads and paths. We made sure our dog stayed close to avoid any surprise run-ins.
- Poison ivy is everywhere: Along the roads, surrounding the beaches, through neighborhoods, and even on the bike path to Cisco Brewery- you WILL come across loads of poison ivy growing into the roads. If you’re allergic, watch you and your dog’s step!
- Both Martha’s Vineyard AND Nantucket are worth visiting: Some “islanders” love to say “their island” is better, but I’ve been visiting both since I was a kid, they’re both great for different reasons. If you’re not sure which island to visit, just read my Martha’s Vineyard vs Nantucket Comparison Guide.
Nantucket turned out to be just as fun for our pup as it was for us. From beach strolls to dog-friendly patios and hopping on The Wave, there’s plenty here to make your trip easy and enjoyable with a dog in tow!
Up next, check out our favorite 25 Top Summer Vacation Destinations on the East Coast!
