Day Trip to Woods Hole
Located at the tip of Falmouth, the village of Woods Hole is a great place to spend the day
before hopping on a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or further exploring Cape Cod. You can enjoy everything from a beautiful aquarium to delicious, sweet treats on your day trip to Woods Hole.
Wood Hole Science Aquarium
Recently re-opened to the public, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is an excellent place to visit during a day trip to Woods Hole. The aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the nation, but don’t let its age fool you! The aquarium has over 140 species on display and is home to a world-renowned marine research lab.
Grab a Snack or a Treat
One of the staples of Woods Hole is the Pie in the Sky Bakery & Café located on Water Street. It serves some of the best-baked goods on Cape Cod, including their delectable popovers, croissants, other baked goods and fabulous made-to-order sandwiches along with soups, quiches, and salads. You can pick these up to go or eat outside on the patio.
Another fun stop is Candy Go Nuts candy shop, open from June through August. Operating since 1992, this shop serves ice cream and a wide variety of candies, to power you through your day exploring.
Waterfront Dining in Woods Hole
If you are looking for a place to eat lunch or dinner while visiting Woods Hole for the day, look no further than the Woods Hole waterfront! Some of our favorite dining options on the waterfront include:
- Landfall – is a local favorite that has been around since 1946 and serves mostly seafood.
- Captain Kidd – bar/restaurant serving locally sourced produce.
- Water Street Kitchen – a fine-dining establishment serving locally sourced seafood.
- Shuckers – a casual, seasonal seafood restaurant that serves locally brewed beer.
- Quicks Hole Taqueria – good for those looking for California-style tacos and burritos with water views.
Woods Hole Drawbridge
One of the quaint parts of the unique fishing village is a small drawbridge that lets boats in and out. While you’re walking around town, keep an eye out for boats passing by to see the bridge in action.
If you’re keen on waiting to see the bridge function, make sure to wait with an ice cream in hand. The Woods Hole Market is a fully functioning market with everything from individually packaged ingredients to small meals and, of course, ice cream!
Woods Hole Historical Museum
The Woods Hole Historical Museum prides itself on being a “lively small museum.” The museum is attached to the town library and is focused on persevering the history of the village of Woods Hole.
They have a gift shop and feature rotating exhibits. They even host a walking tour every Tuesday at 10 AM.
Nobska Beach
Nothing pairs with a morning of walking around town than an afternoon relaxing at the beach. Just about a 15-minute walk from the main part of Woods Hole lies Nobska Beach. Its refreshing waters are welcomed on a hot New England Day, but the main attractions are the gorgeous view it offers of Martha’s Vineyard and the towering Nobska Lighthouse watching overlooking the beach.
Shining Sea Bike Path
If you’ve explored all that Woods Hole has to offer, then you can venture out of the village on the Shining Sea Bike Path. This 10-mile bike path starts in Woods Hole and goes all the way to North Falmouth. The path connects the Steam Ship Authority Ferry terminal with most of Falmouth. Along the path, you’ll see a cranberry bog, salt marsh, and lots more!
To Sum up Your Day Trip to Woods Hole
While Woods Hole can be explored in a day, there’s a lot to offer for those looking to spend some quality time in and around the village. One of our favorite things to do in Woods Hole is the Woods Hole Film Festival, which takes place every July.
Woods Hole is also a great place to relax and unwind for a few days. We recommend checking out the Woods Hole Passage Bed and Breakfast to spend a few quiet days in the village. Whether you’re in Woods Hole for a few hours or a few days, you’ll find that there is something for everyone to enjoy!
