Woods Hole

Woods Hole is a census-designated place in the town of Falmouth in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It lies at the extreme southwestern corner of Cape Cod, near Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands. The population was 781 at the 2010 census. Wikipedia.
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Top attractions in Woods Hole

Woods Hole Terminal
1. Woods Hole Terminal
4.4
(2830)
Ferry service
Transportation
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The harbour is currently under construction, but it was all very efficient. I was impressed. We showed up on time and they got all the cars and people on there in a timely fashion. Great experience.
The operation was run very professionally from beginning to the end, or should I say from stem to stern! We arrived in Falmouth ahead of our scheduled ferry and followed the signs to the offsite parking, and we were directed to the far reaches of the parking lots. We were headed to the Martha's Vineyard Museum to see the JAWS at 50 - a Deep Dive exhibit! Even though we were quite a walk from the entrance, there was a bus stop very close by - within 100yrds. A bus was waiting for us and we filled up just as an empty, replacement bus arrived. Soonafter, we were on our way. I had an issue with my e-tickets and an employee quickly straightened me out and we were all set. The boarding was orderly, straightforward, and directions were provided loud and clear! The cruise was brief, but again the employees shined. When I asked for a coffee, I was informed it was Cape Cod Coffee and its on the strong side. It was just what I was looking for. The same manners and professionalism was there on the return trip from Vineyard Haven. As we purchased a wine and a beer, the attendant noticed our surprise attendant price, and apologized. Of course there wasn't a discount, but we appreciated their acknowledgement. The rides each way were perfectly smooth, just like the rest of the day-trip to MV!
The staff and crew are always so personable and caring,I was able to get a boat earlier than the one I was scheduled for today, so they squeezed up on the truck boat! Water was smooth, no wind and no rain this ride,,,,let us hope that we get smooth sailing on the return trip this afternoon! Big doings going on in the woods hole parking and staging area,it's going to be real nice upon completion of the construction!
The Steamship Authority cleaned up the mess of the day that we’d made after worrying we would miss our ferry and changing the reservation, and then actually ending up on time for our ferry, but having already changed the reservation, etc. Lo and behold, L at the steam authority called *us* when an earlier spot opened - she’d probably heard our young kids in the background having a hard time in the car. I don’t think that our experience making a mess of the day is exceptional for them, I think they deal with it all the time… But I don’t know of any other place in a tourist-crazed paradise at high season that would go out of their way to be so caring.
Quick n easy. Whist going the boat was better canteen was working. Whereas on the way back therre were no eatables available. The scenic view was amazing
Excellent and well managed terminal. Very busy during the summer months. Several options for travel to different points in southern Massachusetts.
This terminal is a fantastic operation and a true gem for island travel. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful, making the process seamless. They offer many ferry options and have an incredibly easy-to-use website for booking. ​The terminal is highly convenient: there is dedicated parking, including space for taxis and rideshare, and multiple restaurants are available right around it. They also provide free, clean bathrooms. Best of all, they're improving the experience with a soon-to-be-finished brand new large-screen scheduling/waiting area! Highly recommended.
The ferry was on time. You can put your vehicle on the ferry but ensure you make a reservation. The ferry gets full for vehicles fast. Nice Scenic views of the water and landscape. Many boats in the water enjoying the beauty of the day. You will have to pay for parking, but they have a shuttle to take you to the terminal from the Palmer Parking lot. Just remember where you parked. Highly recommend taking the Ferry over to one of the Vineyards Terminal to spend the day, eating, shopping, take in the sites of the various areas. Taxi and Ubers are glad you came. They are ready to take you around. Highly Recommend!!!
Nobska Lighthouse
2. Nobska Lighthouse
4.7
(1604)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
1800s lighthouse & scenic point with views stretching from Woods Hole Harbor to Martha's Vineyard.
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Such a beautiful spot! I got there before dusk and there were only a few people milling around. Though it's not open to tours you can walk the grounds. Easy to get to and there about five parking spaces. Be careful pulling out as there's a blind turn on one side.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nobska Lighthouse – A Must-See Cape Cod Gem 📍 Location & Accessibility Nobska Lighthouse is perched atop a bluff in Woods Hole, Falmouth, offering one of the most breathtaking views of Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. It’s easily accessible by car, with a small parking area nearby. While limited, the lot turns over quickly, and roadside parking is also available. 🏞️ Scenic Views The panoramic vistas are stunning—especially at sunrise or sunset. You can see Martha’s Vineyard, the ferries passing through the Sound, and a dramatic meeting of sea and sky. It’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful place to sit, reflect, and take in the coastal beauty of Cape Cod. 🕰️ Historical Significance Originally built in 1876, Nobska Light has rich maritime history and served as a key navigational point for sailors around the Cape. The site is well-maintained, and the Friends of Nobska Light have done an amazing job preserving its legacy. The lighthouse structure itself—white with a black lantern—is classic New England. 🧭 Guided Tours (When Available) Tours inside the lighthouse are occasionally offered by the non-profit organization managing the property. If you get a chance to go inside, the spiral staircase and the lantern room offer a deeper appreciation for the role this lighthouse played in maritime history. 📸 Great for Families & Visitors Nobska is kid-friendly and an excellent stop for families looking for a quick but meaningful activity. Whether you're touring Cape Cod or doing a day trip from Boston, it’s a worthy detour. Picnicking on the grassy knoll nearby is a simple joy. 💬 Final Thoughts Nobska Lighthouse isn’t just a beautiful photo op—it's a serene, historic landmark that captures the spirit of Cape Cod. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just passing through, don’t miss it.
Possibly the most perfect place on earth. Go. Sit. Stare. Think. Bring a couple layers because it's breezy. Bring some art supplies. Bring a blanket. A great place for star gazing at night. (Photos from Easter 2023)
One of the most fascinating and peaceful places we have visited in recent times. The 360 degree view is enormous. Martha's Vineyard can be seen from here vividly. The Nobska Lighthouse is open only Teo days a week : Tuesday and Thursday from 10.00 AM to 1.30 PM. Tickets only available online. Parking is available for just 6 cars and parking is allowed for one hour only, no charges though. There is a bushy area just across the road where there is a lovely bench hidden and an excellent spot for photographers. Watching the sunset is a must. Roads are very narrow and extremely curvy. Please be careful.
Always beautiful- my favorite road! Make sure when you visit the lighthouse, you walk across the street and go to the little overlook area- if you are brave you can walk down further on the rocks to the water (just be careful of ticks and prickly bushes!)
So beautiful. We were there on a gorgeous day. It was closed because of the government shutdown so we only saw the outside. Outstanding views!
The view is a vibe!! Our girl's trip to Martha's Vineyard was a blast and seeing amazing site and views along the way made the experience 5 star!
Tranquil and beautiful. The little path to the water itself is very pretty as well. The lighthouse itself was closed, but didn’t mind the fewer people.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
3. Woods Hole Science Aquarium
4.6
(893)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Small aquarium (known as the nation's first) with exhibits & touch tanks featuring local sea life.
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Super fun free aquarium. Has a reasonable selection of different fish and sea creatures on display. They even have a shallow tank where you can gently touch some sea creatures. Apparently they have a seal too but I did not see it out when I visited. Note that there is no parking and street parking can be hard to come by. But it is fairly inexpensive at $1/hr up to 3 hrs.
Wonderful historic little aquarium for an hour or so in quant woods hole. Don't miss the tanks upstairs where you can see "behind the scenes"
Woods Hole Scientific Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the United States Established in 1875. It's a fun little aquarium for the kids. Free or make a donation
This place was awesome! I took my 2 year old and she absolutely loved it. They have fish that I’ve never seen before. It’s free admission and lots to look at!
So perfect for my almost-3-year-old twins. They really enjoyed all the fish and it was small enough to hold their attention through the whole thing. No strollers inside and parking is difficult to find since it’s all street parking but we really enjoyed the quick visit.
Nice little aquarium in the heart of Woods Hole. Took our grandchildren here and they loved it. Especially the tanks with the octopus in them. It is pretty small but they only ask for a donation rather than an admission price. Be warned, parking in Woods Hole is pretty rough and the streets are small.
Free self guided aquarium with a lot of information and a wide variety of animals. Also has a seal enclosure and behind the scenes access to learn how the aquarium runs
Last year we went no problems. This year, an older woman at the front desk ruined our experience. My mother is a diabetic and has a service animal And because the dog is small, she questioned us even rolling her eyes. I understand asking if it's a service animal but saying "don't tell me that's a service animal" and proceeding to question it even after the reason was given is a problem. By law you are not allowed to ask for more then the reason for the service animal
Woods Hole Inn
4. Woods Hole Inn
4.8
(202)
Bed & breakfast
Sights & Landmarks
Restored historic inn offering refined rooms with Cape Cod-style, plus a lively restaurant.
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We stayed in the Penzance room for ten days - a great room with its own balcony, from which we watched the comings and goings of the boats and ferries. It was a fabulous stay and all the staff were brilliant. In particular, Ladonna was really helpful in booking local taxis and providing great general advice, as well as Michelle. A big thanks to Tina for the excellent breakfasts and recipes, and to Michelle and Debbie.
I stayed at the Woods Hole Inn for 2 nights while participating in the Cape Cod Half Marathon. The location was fantastic! Less than 5 miles to get to the event, easy access to the Shining Sea bike path, and lots of great places to eat in walking distance. The staff were exceptionally friendly, helpful and welcoming. They provided very nice grab and go breakfast items early Saturday morning before the big race and a wonderful full breakfast on Sunday. It was the perfect place for my race weekend! Thank you Woods Hole Inn for making my stay so easy and fun!
We loved everything and everyone we met - Amanda, Ladonna, Debbie, the housekeeper, and the three valets. The bed and the sheets were super comfortable, the food was delicious, the place is so pretty, and the attention paid to us was lovely. Thank you also for packing us such delicious breakfasts for our early morning departure this past Sunday. We'd love to come back!
We were on a girls trip and had a wonderful stay at the Woods Hole Inn. We loved the location and the setting. The staff at the Inn went above and beyond, not only did we have a wonderful breakfast each morning but they thought of everything detail to make our stay amazing. We will be back!!!
Lovely inn with a great location! Snacks, cookies, water provided. The MV ferry pier is within site and makes for great people watching in the breakfast room. The only downside we found was that the ferry blasts when it leaves the pier and can be loud early in the morning.
Great location. Staff were super helpful, friendly, and very sociable. Really nice breakfast every morning to start the day. Would definitely stay here again on future trips to this area.
A fantastic stay and experience. The Inn is very cute and the service was excellent -- also cant beat the location...steps from the ferry to Martha's Vineyard. Only con is bathrooms which are small and a bit outdated.
Wonderful stay at the last minute! We needed a place for one night due to weather concerns for the return ferry from Martha’s Vineyard. LaDonna was very accommodating and the breakfast was quite good the next morning. Even when the storm caused a power outage mid-morning, we received special torch lights. Very friendly staff!
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Science Discovery Center and Store
5. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Science Discovery Center and Store
4.5
(78)
Non-profit organization
Museums
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My son thought this was the best place to visit. We loved it!
Wind is fine...as it is just wind and is air. Not sure what else other folks are talking about. However everyone over looked the fact that they are dumbing sodium hydroxide into the ocean to do some kind of alkalinity test for climate change. This can cause chemical burns to humans and kill marine life. It doesn't mater if it's just in one area it gets into everything else. Please do not do this. These chemicals are made by a company that has completely destroyed water ways with toxic waste dumbstruck. They should not be incharge of anything to do with the environment. It's all big oil making money. Chemical warefare.
We visited the WHOI on School St. we all absolutely loved it, my 3 and 5yo could have stayed in the sub for hours and loved the interactive activities in the display. Staff were patient and tolerant about two excited kids finding their way around and the exhibits were fascinating. Highly recommend.
As a Canadian citizen, it's unfortunate I do not have the ability to visit the WHOI at any desirable time; however, the Institution partnering with a company I enjoy very much (Cape Clasp) makes me happy to support this organization whenever I can. The Nalgene water bottles offered up by WHOI have been a welcomed and beautiful addition to the collection of conservation bottles I own. Each piece is truly an artistic piece that raises awareness just by being on my desk at work, or out on a hike. I love the glow in the dark Anglerfish bottle the most, but the Titanic Expedition and Strawberry Squid are very beautiful and durable as well. I would really like to see more from WHOI in the future. If they shipped to Canada I feel my support would reach an entirely new threshold as my values align entirely with their goals and mission in both research and conservation. This institution has taught me so much, and I am proud to be a supporter. Keep it weird!
My consultant and supervisor and fault checker on Andaman Coastal
There is zero evidence that wind energy damages whales or dolphins. In fact, wind turbines are artificial reefs that are good marine habitats. This false story is just oil company propaganda from companies that value their profits more than the survival of human beings and the ecosystem. How well do you think marine life will do in a hothouse planet? Also: go on the tour. It’s great.
If you are planning to work here, consider other places. The employees fight and bicker, playing mind games and overall being disrespectful to each other. People quit halfway through a journey on the ship, and they terminate people without telling them, forcing employees to learn of their termination through rumors and other employees. Those that are donating money may want to consider finding a new place to fund.
This place is doing great work, I'm sure, in spite of the huge complexity of coordinating among the 60-odd institutions that make use of their facilities and personnel. But it's not necessarily a good place to visit as a tourist, at least not during the summer. We signed up for the walking tour, and while the guide was patient and full of stories about the history of the local area, he knew very little about the workings of The Institute or the research that that they perform there. The really interesting ships, Alvin and Atlantis and Neil Armstrong, were all out on missions, and we weren't allowed in any of the research areas. Which is understandable.
National Marine Fisheries Services
6. National Marine Fisheries Services
5.0
(2)
Nature & Parks
Aquariums
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A tremendous organization that keeps our marine resources healthy ... when they are allowed to do their job.
Support New Bedford ⚓️🌐⚓️
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Other notable attractions

Marine Biological Laboratory
Laboratory
Non-profit organization
Woods Hole Historical Museum
Temporarily Closed
Museum
History Museums
Diorama of town circa-1895 in old captain's home, plus boat museum & recreated hobby workshop.
MBL Stony Beach
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Buzzards Bay Discovery Center
Permanently Closed
Community center
Nature & Parks
Tafts Playground
Playground
Nature & Parks
Cape Cod Harley-Davidson (Shop) (Retail Store)
Permanently Closed
Harley-Davidson dealer
Tours
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Weather in Woods Hole

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Monthly temperature highs and lows in Woods Hole
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