Woods Hole, Massachusetts Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America
By Melissa Mahoney|Published October 07, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Massachusetts is filled with charming small towns and villages that are perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. From Shelburne Falls to Concord to Rockport, we have plenty of options. This year, Esquire came out with its article, Charming American Small Towns You Haven’t Heard Of But Should Visit ASAP, and, according to the list, Woods Hole, Massachusetts is considered one of the best small towns to visit in the country.
Woods Hole is a census-designated area of Falmouth. Located in the southwesternmost corner of Cape Cod, it's a convenient place to take a ferry to Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands due to its close proximity. But it's often overlooked for everything else it has to offer.
At a size of four square miles and home to just over 800 people, Woods Hole has a beautiful downtown waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and other attractions. It's an idyllic village to spend a day, weekend, or even longer.
Located in Woods Hole is the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), an independent non-profit with a mission "dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education."
You can visit and take a tour of the WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center to learn about what the organization does and see some of the tools and vessels it uses to help with its mission.
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the country, established in 1885. Displaying over 140 animals from the greater Atlantic region, you can take a guided tour and watch daily feedings when the aquarium is open. It's a fascinating place to learn about marine life!
Another point of interest is the Nobska Point Lighthouse which is located at the confluence of Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and Nantucket Sound in Woods Hole. First established in 1826, the original lighthouse was replaced by the current structure in 1876.
On certain days, visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse. The grounds are open from dawn until dusk daily. Come and see this iconic Woods Hole landmark!
If you want to fit in some exercise during your Woods Hole vacation, rent a bike and hop on the 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway. This gorgeous bike path winds its way along the coast from Falmouth Village to Woods Hole along the former Old Colony rail line.
Perhaps the most popular attraction in Woods Hole is The Knob, which is located in the Cornelia Carey Sanctuary. Take a hike along a sandy trail to a narrow slice of land where you can access the rocky outcropping that juts out into the water at the end. From here you will get the most spectacular views!
