ACTIVITIES IN WOODS HOLE

Welcome to the Woods Hole Inn website, where we share with you all you need to know about a fantastic vacation or getaway on Cape Cod. 

Woods Hole is the end of a peninsula, surrounded by water.  The harbor we look out on has been used as a port since whaling times, and like Nantucket, is one of the best deep water harbors on Cape Cod.  Because of that, the main passenger and car ferry (called the Steamship Authority) runs from here to Martha's Vineyard, a three mile crossing to the famous island where Lady Gaga hangs out with Oprah, James Taylor and President Obama.  The Woods Hole Inn is right across the street from this ferry, making the transition to a visit on the Vineyard very convenient.

But Woods Hole is famous in its' own right.   Since the 1880's, Woods Hole has been an epicenter for marine and biological science, and now is home to several large institutions with scientific discovery at their core.  You will read about Woods Hole in the news as our incredible neighbors are Nobel Prize winners, deep sea explorers of the wreck of the Titanic, and more.  The Marine Biological Laboratory ("MBL") is dedicated to scientific discovery and improving the human condition through research and education in biology, biomedicine and environmental science.   The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute ("WHOI") is the world's largest private non-profit ocean research, engineering and education organization.  These noteworthy institutes, and several others along with them, make Woods Hole a mecca for science.

Woods Hole in summer is a bustling town packed with waterfront restaurants, quaint local shops and many activities. There are art galleries, an aquarium, sea exploration boats, bikes to rent for the Shining Sea bike path, two wonderful beaches within walking distance, a charming old-fashioned drawbridge to watch sailboats pass through, tennis courts and a great kids park. Boat slips can be arranged in the Eel Pond for visitors traveling by the sea and there is much to explore out on the water from Woods Hole including the Elizabeth Islands, Quissett Harbor, Falmouth Harbor and Martha's Vineyard. Visitors come from all over the world for the great fishing here.

Visit Martha's Vineyard:  The Inn is 100 yards from the Steamship Authority where the ferries leave for Martha's Vineyard. Ferries leave hourly all day long and it the trip across takes approximately 50 minutes. Once on the Vineyard there are world-class shops, fantastic beaches, surfing, golfing, tennis, charming villages and other famous tourist destinations. Read more on mvol.com.

Explore the Village of Woods Hole:  There is plenty to do by walking right out the front door of the Inn.  There are two beaches within a 1/2 mile walk and you can read more about them and see pictures here .   There are nice local shops and galleries plus more than 10 restaurants to choose from all within a block or two of the inn.  Here is a link to pictures taken in the shops and wharves of Woods Hole:   Local Shopping

Visit Downtown Falmouth:  Three miles up the road is the quaint town of Falmouth with a lovely main street packed with more shops, old fashioned fudge makers, qourmet cupcakes, collectible and t-shirts, a Lily Pulitzer shop, a great bookstore and much more.  There are scores of additional restaurants up here, a short drive or (in summer) trolley ride away.  

Ride the Shining Sea Bike Path:  We offer free bikes to our guests, on a first come, first serve basis with a helmet and a signed liability release.  From the front door of the Inn, you can hop onto the famous Shining Sea Bike Path (named for Katherine Lee Bates who was born in Falmouth) and ride 11 miles up the coastline to North Falmouth.  This dedicated path, which used to be railroad tracks and is nowhere near the world of cars, is absolutely gorgeous offering views of both Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay.  Riding this path is one of the most popular things our guests do, and we strongly recommend you give it a try!

Connect to the Science Community:  There are many ways to see the science in Wood Hole. Visit the aquarium at the end of Water Street (a short walk from the Inn).  See the WHOI Ocean Sciences Exhibit all about the submersible that first explored the wreck of the Titanic.  Drop by the MBL Candle House or the MBL Gift Shop for a peek into the collection tanks used for their research.   Take and tour of Woods Hole harbor on an OceanQuest boat (leaving several times a day from their dock on Water Street).  Or just pull up a bar stool at one of the many bars where the scientists flock at the end of their busy days to chat about bivalves, squid and ocean currents.  You will be amazed at the conversation you may overhear.

Go Fishing:  Marine excursions can be arranged through many local charter fisherman.  They will take you to pristine undiscovered harbors and around islands you never knew were there.  Along the way you will catch Stripers, Blue Fish, Tautog, Tuna and Cod.  Please let us know in advance if you would like to book a fishing trip, as the good charters book early.  

Take an Incredible Walk:  There are many things to see in and around Woods Hole, lovely old houses, the hedgerows of the rich and famous, gardens filled with old growth roses and vistas over the ocean that will take your breath away.  There are several recommended walks , which are especially fantastic at sunset.

But don't just take it from us!  Major news outlets like the New York Times, the Washington Post and Westchester Magazine have crowed about the benefits of skipping the ferry and staying in lovely Woods Hole.  You can read more about that right here:

New York Times

Frommers

Washington Post

Westchester Magazine

TripAdvisor Reviews

36 Hours in Woods Hole

Other Ways to Stay in Woods Hole:

The Woods Hole Inn also maintains nicely furnished apartments, houses and cottages in the village which can be rented by the week.  Here is a link to more information about that:   Woods Hole Weekly Rentals