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People who like to spend a vacation in New England are faced with plenty of destinations to choose from. With its several beautiful coastal towns, New England boasts plenty of places that are perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. From the magnificent village of Kennebunkport, marvelous Bar Harbor, and fascinating Camden in Maine, New Hampshire's picturesque New Castle, Rhode Island's Newport and New Shoreham, to Connecticut's Stonington Borough, New England is full of uniquely captivating attractions.

Moreover, the US northeastern region is also home to beguiling islands, such as Maine's Chebeague, Rhode Island's Aquidneck, Vermont's Grand Isle, and New Hampshire's Star Island. However, nothing beats the majesty and uniqueness of the Cape Cod of Massachusetts and the state's Nantucket Island.

UPDATE: 2022/07/31 07:56 EST BY GABRIEL KIRELLOS

Nantucket Vs. Cape Cod: Additional Differences

There's no doubt that both Nantucket and Cape Cod offer an unforgettable and unique beach summer vacation for anyone visiting these two gems in Massachusetts. This article was updated to include additional differences that people should know exist between Nantucket and Cape Cod, such as the cost of spending a vacation in each of these destinations.

Related: Why Nantucket Is Often Called 'The Grey Lady,' And More Maritime History To Know Before Visiting

Cape Cod: A Land Of Magical Attractions

Cape Cod is the perfect destination for art-loving and adventurous people due to its pristine sandy beaches, fun atmosphere, and delicious lobster rolls. With plenty of activities to undertake, including fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, the area welcomes more than 5.2 million visitors every year. They come to enjoy the beaches, play golf, go on scenic hike trails, and do some shopping. Additionally, people enjoy Cape Cod's galleries, museums, and art studios that showcase the area's rich culture and unique artwork. The site includes picturesque towns where people can hit the beach, such as Hyannis, Brewster, Chatham, Truro, Provincetown, Harwich, and Orleans.

Moreover, going to whale watch on Barnstable and Provincetown is a must when in Cape Cod. Additionally, people can take a bike ride on the area's rail trail, which goes through Harwich, Dennis, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, and Brewster. Walking the National Seashore, touring some of the 14 lighthouses that Cap Cod boasts, and watching a sunset in Meneshma are some activities that one can undertake in Cape Cod. It is also worth trying the Cranberry Bog and Penuche Pecan ice cream flavors that the peninsula is known for.

Related: Here's A Secret: The Best Time To Visit Nantucket Is In The Fall

The Unique Marvels Of The Island Of Nantucket

Nantucket, a small beautiful island off Cape Cod, sees its population rise every year from 11,000 to 50,000 during the summer months because it welcomes people to witness the majesty of its crystal clear pristine waters and white sandy beaches. The island is famous for once being the whaling capital of the world, and it still offers whaling tours; and people can visit its unique Whaling Museum to this day. With three iconic lighthouses, more than 80 miles of beach, and some landmark museums, the island is a top destination for swimming lovers and art enthusiasts. Visitors to Nantucket enjoy a walk in the picturesque Downtown of the island and visit some famous museums, such as the Shipwreck And Lifesaving Museum and the Lightship Basket Museum.

Additionally, tourists hit the island's most beautiful town, Siasconset, known as Sconset. The city is filled with tiny green gardens packed around its marvelous traditional houses and boasts one of Nantucket's most marvelous long beaches. People enjoy a swim at Siasconset's beach on a hot summer day. The town also has a Bluff Walk which people can take to enjoy the scenic views and go for one of the best hikes on the East Coast. During the Bluff Walk, visitors are stunned by a smooth carpet of colorful wildflowers surrounded by wild-growing bushes that meet the fine white sand of Siasconset's magical beach.

Cape Cod And Nantucket Share A Lot Of Similarities, Yet Each Has Its Own Style

While it's necessary to pass through Cape Cod to get to the island of Nantucket, the two stunning places have several differences when it comes to the unique style of each of them. While Cape Cod is a busy city and an active metropolis, the island of Nantucket is a more calm, remote summer escape. The peninsula of Cape Cod is 339 miles long and is composed of 15 towns and villages inhabited by 216,000 people. On the other hand, Nantucket is a tiny island home to only 11,000 people and is 100 miles long. Due to those facts, the beaches of Cape Cod tend to be busier and more overcrowded when compared to the serene and calm shores of Nantucket.

Moreover, Cape Cod has several chain restaurants and shops in its downtown area. On the contrary, Nantucket bans chain corporations off the island and operates only upscale chains of its own. The coastline in Nantucket is famous for its quintessential lighthouses and towering cliff-sides. Additionally, getting to Cape Cod can be done exclusively by car. However, to reach Nantucket, one must take the ferry from operating ports in Cape Cod such as Hyannis, Harwich, or New Bedford. Another option is to take the plane to Nantucket's memorial airport. People looking for long walks, biking trips, hikes, and a laid-back feel on calm, beautiful beaches will enjoy a trip to Nantucket more than busy Cape Cod. The Atlantic island offers a picturesque quiet escape that visitors will keep with them as their lifetime memory.

The Cost Of Visiting Cape Cod Vs. Nantucket

When visiting Cape Cod or Nantucket, travelers must ensure they set a budget for their trips. For instance, those traveling to Nantucket will set aside a budget amount that is approximately double that allocated for a trip to Cape Cod. This is because the average daily cost per person for a trip spent in Cape Cod amounts to around USD 150.

However, those traveling to Nantucket expect to pay around USD 290 per person per day. These numbers include accommodation costs based on double occupancy, transportation, food, and entertainment. As for flights, prices tend to fluctuate depending on travel demand and the dates of the trip. Overall, travelers looking to spend a cheaper beach vacation will find themselves heading to Cape Cod instead of Nantucket since they will be saving a lot of money.

Next: Martha's Vineyard Vs. Cape Cod: Which Is The Better Classic New England Destination?