Coastal Grandmother Guide to Nantucket
If you’re in the same corners of TikTok that I am, you’ve been seeing that Coastal Grandmother is the year-over-year vibe of the summer. Nancy Meyer’s kitchen’s, luxurious cream cashmeres, Hamptons and Nantucket - regardless of your generational status, you too can live out the coastal grandmother lifestyle. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out the authority on the topic (I’ve met her while she was visiting the island and she’s fab).
Whether you’re daydreaming of summer or actively planning for next year, summer being the ideal time for the entire east coast to start heading to the iconic destinations where “summering” becomes a verb. Now I can say all this with an air of irony, because I have been “summering” in Nantucket for my entire life. (No joke, my first AIM screenname was islandgal121. I wish I was kidding.)
How to live your Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic on Nantucket this Summer
It’s not hard to understand why Nantucket holds such magnetic appeal for anyone who identifies with the coastal grandmother lifestyle. This small island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod has become shorthand for everything that aesthetic represents: relaxed sophistication, timeless simplicity, and the kind of wealth that whispers rather than shouts. A Nantucket weekend trip itinerary isn’t about checking boxes or snapping selfies — it’s about slowing down, savoring, and reconnecting with the kind of calm that’s easy to forget in everyday life.
Since I am also a lover of the relaxed luxury of the Coastal Grandmother lifestyle, I thought it’d be fun to collect my recommendations for living that lifestyle on my favorite island this summer!
Host a dinner party with fresh produce from the farm
Bartlett’s Farm is the local produce supplier, bringing in local produce from the fields just nearby or other regional producers. It’s a quaint old space, tucked away off Hummock Pond road, not far from Cisco Brewers and the beach. They are famous for the unbelieveable hothouse tomatoes that come out in the later part of the summer.
If you are staying in a house, there’s no better coastal grandmother vibes than a gorgeous tablescape dinner (yes they sell flowers too!) with your friends and bottles of wine to toast to a lovely weekend or vacation on the island.
Afternoon bike rides
Much of the island other than town is most easily accessible by car but if you’re living the Coastal Grandmother life, you’re in no rush and enjoy outdoors. You’ll see bike's all over the island with baskets (a historic Nantucket tradition) so feel free to load up some snacks (and maybe a bottle of Rose) and go explore. There are gorgeous nature reserves out Cliff Road or depending on your level of fitness you can venture to some south shore beaches of main roads like Surfside.
For visitors, bikes can be rented from Young’s in town, right off the ferry!
Also the grandmother part of this needs to remind you to wear your sunscreen!
Slow island mornings
The good news about Nantucket is there’s really something for everybody. Want to go out late and sleep in late, go for it. Lots of activities and then quiet night at home, all good! Coastal grandmothers balance the two - socializing and activities in medium amounts but they still allow for slow mornings with coffee on the porch.
Nantucket is amazing East Coast summer weather in that it’s normally not too hot early in the day but warms up in time for beach in the afternoon. But regardless of where you’re staying, make sure to enjoy the morning slowness and birds chirping on the island. The stillness is gorgeous and worth noting!
Take a sunset boat cruise
What better place to wear a buttery cashmere seater and linen pants than on a classic sailboat around the harbor? Coastal grandmothers aren’t doing this every day but arranging an outing like this is perfect for when guests are in town wanting to enjoy being on an island. Most allow you to bring your own refreshments and you can choose morning, afternoon, or the much requested sunset cruise!
The views are gorgeous and it’s a great occasion to sip wine and feel the breeze. Coastal grandmother life is good when you’re with the people you love!
(This photo is from one such cruise I did with 12 friends who came to the island in 2021 - it was one of the highlights of the trip!)
Read on the beach!
Nantucket beaches are far more low key than the scenes of many other beach destinations, partially because there are so many options to choose from and most families have their personal favorite. And note only a few have any sort of facilities so to speak (bathrooms or snack bars of any kind)! Most groups will pack up their supplies, chairs, towels, food and beverage and settle into a spot for the afternoon.
If you go one or two entrances off of any main beach, you’re far more likely to end up with the quiet to be able to settle in with a sunhat and your book, in true coastal grandmother aesthetic. As always, sunscreen ladies!
Coastal Grandmother Nantucket summer style guide
Packing for Nantucket can be deceptively simple - the unnamed island’s style code is “effortless preppy,” which means polished but never fussy. The key is breathable fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and pieces that can transition easily from a day by the water to dinner downtown. Think of this Nantucket summer style guide as your go-to list for what to bring (and what to leave behind).
For daytime, lean into comfort and practicality. Sundresses in soft cotton or linen, white jeans, linen pants, and light skirts all work beautifully for morning walks, café stops, or exploring shops in town. Pair them with striped button-downs, breezy blouses, or simple tanks tucked into high-waisted shorts. The island’s weather can shift quickly, so always pack a sweater or lightweight cardigan for layering. You’ll blend right in with the locals if you carry a woven tote and a pair of sunglasses that look borrowed from your favorite 90s rom-com heroine.
For footwear, keep it flat and functional. Cobblestone streets and boardwalks make heels and wedges more hassle than they’re worth. Instead, opt for Jack Rogers sandals, ballet flats, espadrilles, or stylish sneakers like Supergas or Veja. These options are polished enough for dinner but practical for long walks. The unspoken rule on the island is this: if you can’t comfortably bike in it, it probably doesn’t belong in your suitcase.
Evenings on Nantucket call for elevated casual. Temperatures drop as the sun sets, so pack pastel sundresses, nautical patterns, or crisp white jeans paired with a silk blouse or a simple knit. A denim jacket or cashmere pullover draped over your shoulders adds warmth and polish without overcomplicating things. Accessories stay minimal — gold hoops, a simple watch, maybe a patterned scarf if the wind picks up.
It’s worth noting that despite its reputation for affluence, the island’s dress code is far more casual than its legend suggests. Us locals and frequent visitors all end up in well-worn clothes that are comfortable and don’t mind getting a bit sandy. The goal isn’t to look perfect; it’s to enjoy. When in doubt, choose comfort over couture, this isn’t the Hamptons after all ;)
The true Coastal Grandmother understands that style is about ease. It’s less about chasing trends and more about curating a wardrobe that lets you move through your weekend and your life with equal parts comfort and quiet elegance. Nantucket, with its blend of tradition and understated charm, is the perfect place to practice that art.
So what do you think? Is a coastal grandmother Nantucket summer in your future?
There is endless opportunity for the cozy, beachy, casual, luxury that we love about the coastal grandmother aesthetic and I can’t wait to hear all about what you’ve brought to life!
