Where Exactly is Woods Hole, Massachusetts?

Woods Hole is a small village in the town of Falmouth on the very southwest tip of Cape Cod.

Now that we’ve answered that question that we can move on, right?

Not exactly.

You see, Woods Hole has a lot more going on than you’d expect to find in a village of just 781 people. And it doesn’t matter that Woods Hole is a little out of the way, being a fair distance from larger centers like Barnstable and Yarmouth, and 4.5 miles from downtown Falmouth, because the village is surprisingly packed with its own amenities.

One reason for the abundance of amenities is that 2.1 million ferry-goers pass through Woods Hole annually since the village has routes to two different parts of Martha’s Vineyard. This traffic is good news for those who live in Woods Hole because it brings access to restaurants and other attractions, without having to live in a more populated part of Cape Cod, along with it.

If you’re looking to buy real estate on Cape Cod, have a look at the available listings in Woods Hole because this part of the Cape is both as close to and as far from the bustling parts of the Cape as you want to be, allowing you to experience all sides of the Cape.

A History of Woods Hole

The first record of Woods Hole dates back to December 30, 1679, when a group of 14 settlers purchased the land from the Wampanoag Tribe. After this purchase, fishing and farming became the area's principal industries, and by 1790, the town still had a population of only 74 people and just ten houses.

Growth would come in the following years, however, as between 1828 and 1864, the whaling industry took hold in the region, helping the village increase its population to about 200. Finally, in 1863, the Pacific Guano Company, which was responsible for making fertilizer, came to Woods Hole and became its foremost employer.

When the fertilizer company went out of business in 1889, Woods Hole suddenly had a lot of land that wasn't being used. At that time, wealthy lawyers and bankers from Boston and New York started flocking to the village, building large homes and continuing its development. Today, many of the houses built by these wealthy families from the city remain, although they tend to move fast if they ever hit the market.

Things to Do in Woods Hole

One of the most popular things to do in Woods Hole is head down to the waterfront, which makes up the village’s downtown area near Eel Pond. Once there, you’ll find a host of activities, including a total of 12 waterfront restaurants. Some of the more popular restaurants include Landfall, Captain Kidd, and Shuckers, and once you buy a home in Woods Hole, you'll have the opportunity to try them all.

Downtown Woods Hole is also home to Woods Hole Terminal, which operates Steamship Authority ferries to Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. It only takes about 45 minutes to reach Martha's Vineyard from the terminal and reservations are required. The ferry allows you to bring your vehicle aboard, so you don't have to worry about transportation once you reach the island.

If you like hitting the links from time to time, make sure you check out Woods Hole Golf Club. The course opened in 1899 and was expanded to 18 holes in 1919, making it the second oldest private course on Cape Cod. You will need a membership to play the course, but it is well worth it because of its iconic location overlooking Buzzards Bay. The club has tennis courts and a brand new clubhouse, as well, where you can enjoy a meal or have a drink.

Enjoying the outdoors is a large part of life in Woods Hole, and the Shining Sea Bikeway provides an ideal location to do just that. This 10.7-mile bike path runs from downtown Woods Hole to North Falmouth, passing through Falmouth’s town center along the way. Despite the path being relatively short, you’ll pass through much of the town and will see plenty. Surf Drive Beach is located near the beginning of the trail, if you start in Woods Hole, and when on your bike, it is easy to find an unoccupied area to relax in the sun.

Despite its small size, Woods Hole is home to multiple marine science institutions, starting with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This institution is the largest research organization of its type in the United States and has a total of close to 1,000 staff and students onsite at any given time. The goal of the organization is to research geological activity under the earth's surface, particularly on and under the ocean floor.

Other similar labs and institutions in Woods Hole include the Marine Biological Laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the Woods Hole Research Center, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, a United States Geological Survey geology center, and the Sea Education Association's main campus. As you can see, Woods Hole is incredibly valuable in marine science, as all of these institutions attract researchers from all over the world to this small corner of Cape Cod.

Buying a Home in Woods Hole

With only 2.1 square miles of land, Woods Hole definitely isn't the largest village on Cape Cod. Having said that, the area has enough going on to keep you occupied and is minutes from the heart of Falmouth and its amenities.

In addition, the residential parts of Woods Hole are incredibly charming, with heritage homes sitting along tree-lined streets creating a genuine Cape Cod feel. If you're lucky enough to find an available listing in Woods Hole, particularly one with an ocean view, be sure to check it out because it won't last long.