Cape Cod features relatively cheaper hotel options like Chatham Bars Inn, and Inn On The Beach for a casual beachfront getaway. While in Nantucket, high-end seekers can opt for The Wauwinet and The Farway which are more luxurious accommodations.
Climate-wise, Nantucket is more humid, experiencing 35.7 humid days compared to Cape Cod. In terms of cost, Nantucket is roughly twice as expensive as Cape Cod.
There are more things you need to consider while choosing between Cape Cod and Nantucket. To learn all of them continue reading this article.
Cape Cod Vs Nantucket: A Brief Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at all the factors that will help you choose between Cape Cod and Nantucket. They are also crucial when deciding between Destin vs Myrtle Beach or Cocoa Beach vs Clearwater.
| Factor | Cape Cod | Nantucket |
| Location | Massachusetts, USA | Massachusetts, USA |
| Climate & Atmosphere | -Cold Januarys and warm July and Augusts
-Less Humid |
-Cold Januarys and warm July and Augusts
-More Humid |
| Where to stay | -Inn on the beach
-Chatham -Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham |
-The Wauwinet
-Union Street Inn -The Faraway |
| Best Beaches & Vibe | -Larger, busier, and more crowded beaches
-Coast Guard Beach in Eastham -Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet -Race Point Beach in Provincetown |
– Calmer and more remote escape
-Surfside Beach -‘Sconset Beach -Tom Nevers Beach |
| Dining & Restaurants | -Casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants
-The Regatta of Cotuit -28 Atlantic |
-Casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants
–Galley Beach -Straight Wharf -The Wauwinet |
| Activities | -Whale Watching
-Biking -Exploring Museums -Golfing |
-Fishing
-Biking -Exploring historical sites and museums |
| Best time to visit | -Summer months | -Summer months |
| Cost | Relatively cheaper | Expensive |
Cape Cod Vs Nantucket: An In-Depth Comparison
It’s time to move on to the most important part of the article. Discover which one is best for you here.
Location
Cape Cod and Nantucket, are both located in Massachusetts, USA.
Cape Cod, a hook-shaped peninsula off the Massachusetts coast, is easily accessible from the mainland. In contrast, Nantucket is a smaller island situated about 30 miles off Cape Cod’s coast.
When traveling to Nantucket, you have the option to either fly into the island’s airport or take the ferry from Cape Cod. On the other hand, Cape Cod can be reached directly from the mainland, making it more accessible.
Climate & Atmosphere
Nantucket tends to be more humid, experiencing 35.7 humid days compared to Cape Cod.
However, both share a similar climate due to their proximity, yet they exhibit disparities in temperature.
The average temperature in summer and winter is similar, as is the amount of precipitation and cloud cover. January is the coldest month while July and August are the warmest.
Where to Stay
Both Cape Cod and Nantucket offer a variety of accommodation options in their picturesque Massachusetts settings.
For the tourists staying in Cape Cod, there are multiple choices. Choosing a place to stay on Cape Cod depends on your preferences:
- Chatham Bars Inn is ideal for luxury seekers with private beach access.
- Inn On The Beach is a casual beachfront getaway with private beach access.
- Wellfleet Motel is a great budget option.
On the other hand, Nantucket offers a range of charming accommodations. The best options are:
- The Wauwinet is ideal for luxury seekers with oceanfront beauty, spa, and private beach access.
- Union Street Inn is perfect for romantic getaways.
- The Faraway is a downtown choice with an outdoor courtyard, stylish rooms, and on-site dining.
Dining & Restaurants
Cape Cod and Nantucket provide a diverse array of dining choices for visitors, spanning from laid-back seafood shacks to high-end establishments.
Several wonderful dishes are available in Cape Cod restaurants. There are several common types:
- The Regatta of Cotuit serves excellent cuisine prepared with fresh, generous.
- 28 Atlantic offers elegant dining with a panoramic view of Pleasant Bay and a menu featuring global delicacies.
- Ross’ Grill provides harbor views and delectable dishes like crispy Tuscan cod and seafood risotto.
- Falmouth Raw Bar offers superb seafood with a waterfront backdrop.
On the other hand, Nantucket is also home to a number of wonderful dishes. The most go-to options for Nantucket tourists.
- TOPPER’S offers an upscale dining experience spotlighting seafood and local ingredients.
- Galley Beach is a beachfront at the Cliffside Beach Club.
- Straight Wharf boasts accomplished chefs and a daily-changing menu crafted.
- Company of the Cauldron offers a cozy ambiance.
- The Wauwinet provides a fine dining experience with a seafood-centric menu.
- The Pearl merges Asian and American cuisine with fresh seafood offerings.
Nantucket’s bar
Activities
Cape Cod is a global whale-watching hotspot with numerous tour companies while Nantucket is a bike-friendly island that has well-marked paths and rental shops.
Cape Cod provides a diverse array of tourist activities. Some of the best things to do in Cape Cod are:
- Biking: Enjoy the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22-mile paved route from Dennis to Wellfleet.
- Exploring Museums such as the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, and the Sandwich Glass Museum.
- Golfing, the popular golf courses are Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Cape Cod National Golf Club, and Willowbend Country Club.
The island of Nantucket, however, is also home to many fun activities, such as
- Exploring Historic Sites such as Nantucket Whaling Museum, Old Mill, and the Hadwen House.
- Exploring Lighthouses such as Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Great Point Lighthouse, and Brant Point Lighthouse.
- Fishing: through various charter companies.
Best Time to Visit
The prime time to explore Cape Cod and Nantucket is in the summer when you can bask in warm and sunny weather.
Nevertheless, these destinations also draw visitors during the milder spring and fall shoulder seasons, characterized by reduced crowds and more budget-friendly prices.
Then, when winter arrives, both Cape Cod and Nantucket experience chilly conditions. However, Cape Cod tends to be comparatively milder owing to its geographical positioning.
Cost
Compared to Cape Cod, Nantucket requires roughly twice as much money.
Cape Cod typically requires an average daily expenditure of approximately $150 per person. On the contrary, Nantucket commands a higher budget, averaging around $290 per person per day.
So, Cape Cod Vs Nantucket: Which One Is Better?
If you are looking for diverse towns and attractions, Cape Cod is suitable for a variety of interests.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more secluded and charming atmosphere, Nantucket would be your perfect match. It’s often considered more exclusive and is known for its unique, postcard-like beauty.
Furthermore, travelers seeking a more budget-friendly beach vacation would be inclined to choose Cape Cod, where substantial savings can be achieved.
End Note
In conclusion, both Cape Cod and Nantucket offer spectacular experiences.
Nantucket has a postcard-like charm, whereas Cape Cod offers diverse coastlines, numerous towns, and numerous attractions. The experience of exploring both in one trip is truly spectacular, and you can’t go wrong either way.
