Woods Hole, MA

Travel Guide

Woods Hole showing sailing
Woods Hole which includes a small town or village
Woods Hole featuring a bay or harbor and boating
Woods Hole featuring a house
Woods Hole showing a bridge
This seaside village offers quaint charm, history and beautiful views, as well as opportunities for marine discovery.

A frequent jumping-off point for travelers to Martha’s Vineyard, Woods Hole also has its own attractions. Within the tiny town, find interesting marine attractions, as well as world-famous oceanographic institutes.

Until the arrival of Europeans in the 1600s, Woods Hole was inhabited by the native Wampanoag tribe. Today see its marine environment, providing one of the world’s most important centers for scientific exploration.

Explore Nobska Lighthouse to discover the village’s nautical heritage. Take a tour and admire the views from the tower. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Martha’s Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands across the water.

Head to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium for a fun family day. The aquarium has about 140 different kinds of marine creatures, including seals, lobsters and crabs. Observe a seal training session or visit the touch tanks to handle sea stars and hermit crabs. Buzzards Bay Discovery Center is another great place to get hands-on experience with Cape Cod’s marine wildlife.

Tour the Marine Biological Laboratory, an outstanding facility that has hosted 54 Nobel Laureates. Here, see some of the animals being studied and view the laboratory grounds. Learn more at the Pierce Exhibit Center which chronicles the history of the Marine Biological Laboratory.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is one of the most respected institutes of its kind in America and offers visitors a fascinating look into its work at the Ocean Science Exhibit Center. Among the must-see items here is a model of the Alvin vessel, which was used to investigate the Titanic wreckage in the 1980s.

At the Woods Hole Historical Museum, inspect a model of the town showing how it appeared in the 1890s and check out old photography and paintings of Woods Hole. Various exhibits shed light on the town’s past.

Woods Hole has a ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard and is about an 80-minute drive from Boston Logan International Airport. The town itself is walkable.

Sands of Time Motor Inn & Harbor House
Sands of Time Motor Inn & Harbor House
2 out of 5
549 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA
Stay at this hotel in Woods Hole. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (215 reviews)
"Sands of Time is a charming spot for a stay in Wood’s Hole. We had a view of the harbor and could walk into town and to the ferry. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the tea and coffee that was available all day in the lobby. We wish we had our swimsuits for the heated pool. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024

Sands of Time Motor Inn & Harbor House
Sea Crest Beach Resort
Sea Crest Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
350 Quaker Rd, North Falmouth, MA
The price is ¥16,486 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥16,486
¥27,089 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in North Falmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"The property is beautifully situated right on the water. Indoor pool was great for the kids!"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025

Sea Crest Beach Resort
Iris Hotel Cape Cod
Iris Hotel Cape Cod
3 out of 5
291 Jones Rd, Falmouth, MA
The price is ¥14,025 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
¥14,025
¥16,051 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Falmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Woods Hole Ferry Terminal ...
7.6/10 Good! (9 reviews)
"I understand the property is undergoing maintenance and upgrades. The hotel is fine, though we found it to smell a bit musty and be showing some age. Rooms were acceptable and kids enjoyed the pool. Convenient location."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

Iris Hotel Cape Cod
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
InnSeason Resorts Captain's Quarters
InnSeason Resorts Captain's Quarters
3.5 out of 5
241 Grand Avenue, Falmouth, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Falmouth. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Woods Hole Ferry Terminal and Falmouth ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
Beautiful Falmouth
"Enjoyed walking on the beach across the street from the property."

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

InnSeason Resorts Captain's Quarters
The Club at New Seabury
The Club at New Seabury
3.5 out of 5
95 Shore Drive West, Mashpee, MA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Mashpee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions South Cape Beach State Park and Popponesset ...
9/10 Wonderful! (315 reviews)
"Excellent after hours check-in process. Clean and comfy townhouse. Wonderful amenities."

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

The Club at New Seabury
Sea Mist Resort
Sea Mist Resort
3 out of 5
141 Great Neck Rd South, Mashpee, MA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Mashpee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Mashpee Commons and Cape ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (117 reviews)
"Our stay was delightful. The only issue that we had was the bed. We prefer a king to the queen in our unit. A little tight sleeping.🙁"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Sea Mist Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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