Hydrangea Season on Nantucket

Late June is Nantucket at its painterly peak: daylight lingers past eight, the air is warm and salty during the day and crisp at night, and almost every grey‑shingled cottage is draped in blooms. Billowy hydrangeas—blues, pinks, and the occasional vivid purple—spill over picket fences, while climbing roses tumble up trellises and porch rails, perfuming lanes that lead straight to the sea. It’s that brief, magical window when the June gloom has lifted and island feels freshly awakened yet hasn't hit high season just yet: ferries are full but not frantic, restaurants hum with happy staff. Arriving now means catching Nantucket’s gardens—and its spirit—in full bloom.

We were fortunate to pop down for a few flower-filled days at the end of June - perhaps our favorite time of year to visit. Here are a few highlights from our stay, and an insane number of photos of the Gray Lady looking lovely.

STAY

Tucked at the end of Old South Wharf, the Nantucket Boat Basin Cottages are a hidden gem amidst a little town bursting with hotel options. The cottages are literally on the docks suspended over the water, sharing views with fishing boats, Hinkleys, and antique schooners. Our two bedroom cottage, Lower Mermansion, felt less like a hotel room and more like our own floating pied‑à‑terre. Morning coffee came with seagulls hunting for breakfast off our dock, and every time we stepped outside we were greeted by masts swaying in the breeze. The open‑plan living space—complete with a cozy kitchenette and farmhouse table—made lingering over morning pastries from Born and Bred or a quick rosé‑and‑cheese spread from Epernay effortless. Staying quite literally on the docks immersed us in Nantucket’s maritime rhythm; the gentle slap of water against hulls became the soundtrack to the trip and we woke to sunlight reflecting off the water and dancing on our ceiling. The Boat Basin cottages are perhaps the most unique and fun accommodations you can find anywhere on the island, and many cottages have multiple bedrooms, perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

EAT

Black Eyed Susan's - Our first night began at this tiny, candlelit gem on India Street. Black‑Eyed Susan’s has only a handful of tables and an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs plate their seasonal American dishes with almost theatrical flair. We inhaled their before sharing the sautéed scallops—sweet, just‑caught, and perfectly caramelized—followed by sirloin with béarnaise that rivaled any fine‑dining steakhouse. It’s BYOB, which kept things convivial (and affordable) as we uncorked a favorite Pinot Noir and toasted to island life.

Brant Point Grille - Few brunches come with a better view than the terrace at Brant Point Grill, overlooking Children's Beach and the Harbour where ferries glide in and out. Their famed Lobster Bloody Mary is practically a meal in itself (yes, a claw as garnish!), but we still found room for lemon‑ricotta pancakes and a decadent lobster eggs Benedict. Guests almost always opt to eat out on the terrace, which was newly renovated for the summer season. Service is relaxed yet polished—ideal for lingering while watching kids play cornhole and run around the lawn.

Galley Beach - is the definition of barefoot luxury: tables nestled right in the sand, umbrellas fluttering in the salt air. We arrived just before noon to stake claim our favorite seats. I got their iconic lobster roll and the truffle fries disappeared in seconds. After lunch we changed into swimwear and wandered down the shoreline, letting the warm water wash over us as we poked in the sand for shells. Another beachcomber found an enormous live conch in the water - just incredible!

Born & Bread - For something quick between bike rides, Born & Bread delivered. The bakery‑café’s sourdough is legendary—chewy, tangy, with that perfect crackly crust. We split a turkey‑avocado sandwich layered with house‑made pickles and snagged an oversized chocolate chip cookie for later.

Sunset sail to Toppers - The journey is half the magic: TOPPER’S runs a complimentary “Wauwinet Lady” launch from the docks at The White Elephant hotel, skimming across Nantucket Bay as the sun drops in watercolor streaks. Docking at the Wauwinet feels like arriving at a grand country house by sea. The nightly prix‑fixe marries farm‑fresh produce with seafood pulled from surrounding waters—think butter‑poached lobster with pea tendrils, followed by halibut in lemon‑thyme sauce. Dessert was a cloud‑light Nantucket honey soufflé, and the return boat ride under starlight felt almost cinematic. (Note: they run a tight shop and leave promptly so do not get to the dock a minute late!)

Keep scrolling for loads of photos from this dreamy time of year on the island!

PACKING LIST: