More Than Just Daffodils: A Guide to Nantucket’s Spring Blooms
3/20/2025
While Nantucket’s Daffodil Festival is the island’s most famous springtime celebration, there’s so much more to discover beyond the golden blooms. From delicate cherry blossoms to fragrant lilacs, the island is a floral wonderland throughout the season. Whether you're visiting for a festival weekend or a quiet escape, knowing when and where to find Nantucket’s hidden botanical gems will make your spring getaway even more special.
Early Spring (March – Early April)
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Snowdrops & Crocuses – These delicate white and purple blooms are among the first signs of spring, often appearing in gardens and along walking paths as early as March.
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Hellebores (Lenten Roses) – Thriving in Nantucket’s cool early spring, these elegant flowers bloom in soft shades of pink, purple, and green.
Mid-Spring (April – Early May)
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Daffodils – While daffodils steal the show in late April, with thousands of bright yellow blossoms lining streets and gardens, they are just the beginning of Nantucket’s spring transformation.
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Forsythia – These bright yellow shrubs add cheerful bursts of color along roadsides and in gardens throughout April.
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Cherry Blossoms & Magnolia Trees – By late April, downtown Nantucket’s cherry blossoms and magnolia trees create breathtaking pink and white canopies along the streets, adding even more charm to the island’s historic district.
Late Spring (May – Early June)
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Lilacs – The sweet scent of lilacs fills the air in May, with these fragrant purple and white blooms found in gardens and near historic homes.
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Tulips – A variety of vibrant tulips brighten up local landscapes and can be seen in carefully tended gardens around town.
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Beach Roses (Rosa Rugosa) – As spring transitions into early summer, these hardy, fragrant pink and white blooms begin to appear along Nantucket’s dunes and coastal paths.
Where to See the Best Blooms
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Sconset Bluff Walk – A must-visit for nature lovers, this scenic path is lined with charming gardens and ocean views.
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Downtown Nantucket – Take a leisurely stroll to see cherry blossoms, tulips, and magnolias in full bloom.
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Brant Point Lighthouse – Surrounding dunes and pathways often feature daffodils and beach roses in late spring.
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The Middle Moors – A wonderful spot to see Nantucket’s native flora, including wildflowers and emerging greenery.
The Best Places to Stay for Nantucket in Bloom
Experience the beauty of Nantucket in bloom with a stay at 21 Broad Hotel or 76 Main Ink Press Hotel. Both centrally located in downtown Nantucket, these boutique hotels offer stylish accommodations with modern comforts, putting you steps from the island’s best floral displays, dining, and shopping. Whether you prefer the crisp, contemporary design of 21 Broad or the historic charm of 76 Main, your spring getaway will be one to remember.
Plan Your Spring Getaway
Spring is one of the best times to visit Nantucket, offering spectacular floral displays and peaceful island charm. Make your stay even sweeter with our "Nantucket’s Best for Less" offer—enjoy 15% off two-night stays this spring and experience the island in full bloom!