Woods Hole Travel Guide

Discover Woods Hole, a hidden gem in Cape Cod, through our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best places to visit, stay, eat, and more!


Introduction to Woods Hole

Nestled in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Woods Hole is a quaint village that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Known for its world-renowned scientific institutions, like the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole is also a hub of outdoor activities, including beach walks, biking trails, and kayaking tours.

In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey to explore the best places to visit, the must-try dishes, the ideal itinerary, and other important information to help you plan your trip to Woods Hole.

List of Places to Visit in Woods Hole

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Woods Hole Historical Museum
  • Woods Hole Science Aquarium
  • Nobska Light
  • Woods Hole Drawbridge
  • Marine Biological Laboratory

Natural Attractions of Woods Hole: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Woods Hole Passage
  • Stoney Beach
  • Nobska Beach
  • Quissett Harbor
  • Nobska Lighthouse trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of Woods Hole

  • Shining Sea Bikeway
  • Knob Trail
  • Beebe Woods Trail

Best Things to Do in Woods Hole: Activities and Tours

  • Whale Watching Tours
  • Quicks Hole Taqueria
  • The Landfall Restaurant
  • Woods Hole Market
  • Coffee Obsession

Week-Long Itinerary for Woods Hole

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Woods Hole Historical Museum, Stoney Beach, and Knob Trail
Day 2 Visit Woods Hole Science Aquarium, Quissett Harbor, and Shining Sea Bikeway
Day 3 Experience Whale Watching Tours, Nobska Beach, and Nobska Lighthouse Trail
Day 4 Enjoy Quicks Hole Taqueria, Marine Biological Laboratory, and Coffee Obsession
Day 5 Try The Landfall Restaurant, Woods Hole Drawbridge, and Beebe Woods Trail
Day 6 Relax on Woods Hole Passage and Nobska Light
Day 7 Shop at Woods Hole Market and pack for departure

Food and Drink Scene of Woods Hole

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll
  • Quahog Chowder
  • Fried Clams
  • Fried Sea Scallops
  • Blueberry Pie

Local Beverages

  • Nobska Light Ale
  • Cape Cod Beer
  • Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale
  • Cape Cod Cranberry Harvest

Where to Stay in Woods Hole: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Sands of Time Motor Inn & Harbor House
  • Woods Hole Inn
  • Woods Hole Passage Inn
  • Quicks Hole Tavern & Inn
  • Admiralty Inn & Suites

What to Buy in Woods Hole: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Jewelry
  • Lobster- and Ocean-themed souvenirs
  • Saltwater Taffy
  • Kennedy Memorabilia
  • Cape Cod-themed T-shirts

Local Culture and Customs of Woods Hole

  • Drive politely and use your turn signals.
  • Respect the environment, wildlife, and birds while exploring the walking and biking trails.
  • Dress casually and comfortably.

Best Time to Visit Woods Hole

The best time to visit Woods Hole is from April to October when the area experiences mild weather and vibrant foliage. July and August are the peak tourist season when the place gets crowded. It is relatively quiet in the off-season, making them the best time to have peaceful leisure activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Woods Hole

Do:

  • Do enjoy boating and kayaking tours.
  • Do visit the historical sites.
  • Do respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter. Keep the environment and water clean.
  • Don’t enter the restricted areas near the scientific institutions.
  • Don’t forget to carry your camera to capture the scenic beauty of Woods Hole

Safety and Health

Safety in Woods Hole

Woods Hole is a safe place with low crime rates. However, be careful while swimming near the beaches and walking or jogging near the roadsides. Avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Woods Hole

Woods Hole has several medical facilities in its vicinity. Carry your health insurance card and travel insurance for emergencies.

Getting to Woods Hole: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Woods Hole

The nearest airports to Woods Hole are Martha’s Vineyard Airport (24.9 km) and Barnstable Municipal Airport (34.6 km).

Bus Stations Near Woods Hole

Bus services to Woods Hole are available from Boston, Providence, and New York’s Greyhound stations.

Other Options

Driving to Woods Hole is convenient with parking available at different locations. Also, there are taxis and Uber services available in and around Woods Hole.

How to Get Around in Woods Hole

The best way to explore Woods Hole is by walking, biking, or driving. Bike rentals and tours are also available at different shops, including Sailors’ Valentine.

Where to Go Next from Woods Hole: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Martha’s Vineyard Island
  • Cape Cod National Seashore
  • Falmouth town

Conclusion

We hope our comprehensive tour guide for Woods Hole has been helpful in planning your trip and discovering the best places, dishes, and activities in Woods Hole. Come and explore the beauty of Woods Hole in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.