At the far southwest corner of Cape Cod, overlooking the Elizabeth Islands and Martha’s Vineyard, is Woods Hole, a small community with less than 800 inhabitants and an abundance of activities.

Despite its small size, Woods Hole features scenic oceanfront areas like Nobska, Trunk River, and Stony beaches, a wonderful hike with views of Quissett Harbor called the Knob, and direct access to the Shining Sea Bikeway.

Whether you’re booking a vacation rental in this Village or elsewhere in the Falmouth area, a visit to Water Street and the rest of Woods Hole should be in your plans.

Here’s a look at everything you’ll come across while exploring this dynamic village on the Upper Cape.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

As you might expect, based on its oceanfront location, Woods Hole’s harbor has plenty of action. Not only do fishing boats unload in this area, much like on other parts of the Cape, but there’s also a US Coast Guard station, some ferry terminals, a yacht club, an aquarium, and a marina.

Perhaps the area’s most popular attraction, though, is the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), a world-class aquarium and research center that employs about 950 people, including over 500 scientists and engineers. The facility also awards Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees in partnership with MIT.

You can visit WHOI during your Cape Cod vacation at a couple of different locations, depending on your preferences.

First, there’s the WHOI Discovery Center, which sits at 15 School Street and features multiple exhibits teaching you about local sea life, toxic algae, and the scientific tools researchers use. There’s also a Titanic exhibit and a splash lab where children can get up close to living sea animals.

The Visitor Center is located at 93 Water Street, and you can stop in at any time to learn more about Woods Hole’s waterfront. The staff at this location is always ready to answer your questions and will provide you with free maps and brochures of the area if you want to explore on your own.

You can also book a walking tour through downtown Woods Hole at the Visitor Center, which will provide additional insight into the area and its importance as a research hub. Keep in mind these tours are only available in July and August, and you’ll need to book ahead of time.

Ferries and Cruises

Woods Hole Terminal sits just south of Water Street and is the easiest place to begin your exploration of the islands sitting just off the Cape’s shores.

First, The Steamship Authority runs multiple daily trips between Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard. These boats offer year-round service to Vineyard Haven on the north end of the island, while ships will also take you to Oak Bluffs, on the island’s northeast side, between Memorial Day and Columbus Day.

It takes about 45 minutes to reach Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole, making it a nice spot for a quick day trip. These ferries have space for vehicles with advanced reservations, making it possible to drive the island.

Another option for exploring the nearby islands is Woods Hole Island Tours & Water Taxi. The company only has one boat, which can hold six people, but it’s the most convenient way to see the Elizabeth Islands or visit Martha’s Vineyard because there’s no waiting.

You can even find a private stretch of beach for a picnic or take an evening booze cruise into Vineyard South through this service.

Places to Eat

Of course, you’re bound to get hungry while wandering Water Street, and, fortunately, Woods Hole has an impressive dining scene for you to enjoy.

The Water Street Kitchen, Captain Kidd Restaurant and Bar, Landfall, Woods Hole Wharf, and Shuckers all sit directly on the waterfront and offer various seafood and American dishes that are sure to leave you satisfied.

Options like Quicks Hole Tavern and Quicks Hole Taquieria are located near the ferry terminals and are great places to go for a drink, while Pie in the Sky and Coffee Obsessions are the local cafes.

The waterfront restaurants close for the winter, but the other options are open year-round.

Other Attractions

Although the Water Street area is small, other activities are available for you.

The Woods Hole Historical Museum, for instance, has rotating exhibits featuring artifacts and displays from the region’s history. It also highlights the contributions of well-known residents.

Woods Hole Waterfront Park is a small facility that provides excellent views of the ships pulling in and out of the harbor. It also features a sculpture of marine biologist Rachel Carson, the mother of modern environmentalism, and views out toward the Elizabeth Islands.

The Old Woods Hole Fire Station has craft fairs, film festivals, and a farmers’ market in the summer, while The Woods Hole Community Hall hosts concerts, dances, and theater productions. Keep an eye out for events at these venues to make the most of your time in Falmouth.

Enjoying Woods Hole

Booking a vacation rental in Woods Hole puts you in the heart of the community’s bustle and also means you’re close to everything happening in the rest of Falmouth. Reaching Woods Hole from downtown Falmouth is also simple because Locust Road, which intersects with West Main Street, turns into Woods Hole Road and takes you directly downtown.

Parking in Woods Hole can be a challenge, but you can avoid this issue by riding your bike on the Shining Sea Bikeway or taking the WHOOSH Trolley from the Falmouth Mall to The Steamship Authority’s terminal.

No matter where you book a vacation rental on Cape Cod, a visit to Woods Hole is well worth your time.