Woods Hole

Village of FalmouthPopulation: ~800ZIP: 02543

Woods Hole

A world-renowned scientific village β€” home to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), the Steamship Authority ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, and a vibrant year-round community.

WHOI
DID YOU KNOW
Woods Hole is home to three major scientific institutions: WHOI, MBL, and the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center. While these are federal and private entities, their operations intersect with town government through zoning, parking, housing, and traffic management.

History & Overview

Woods Hole is a small but internationally significant village at the southwestern tip of Falmouth. The village is known worldwide as one of the premier centers for ocean science and marine biology.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey's Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center are all located here. The village is also the departure point for the Steamship Authority ferry to Martha's Vineyard, making it a transportation hub year-round.

Voting

Check the MA Secretary of State voter lookup or contact the Falmouth Town Clerk at (508) 495-7350. Falmouth uses Open Town Meeting.

Your Elected Officials

OFFICE NAME DISTRICT
State Senator Julian Cyr (D) Cape and Islands
State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D) Plymouth and Barnstable
State Representative David Vieira (R) 3rd Barnstable β€” Most precincts
State Representative Thomas Moakley (D) Barnstable, Dukes & Nantucket β€” Precincts 1, 2, 6

Your state legislators represent this community on Beacon Hill. Check which precinct you are in at sec.state.ma.us to confirm your exact representatives.

Key Locations

WHOI Campus

WHOI Campus
Nobska Lighthouse

Nobska Lighthouse

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)

World's largest independent ocean research institution. Ocean Science Exhibit Center open to the public.

πŸ“ Get Directions Β· Official Site

Steamship Authority Ferry Terminal

Year-round ferry service to Martha's Vineyard. The primary connection to the island.

πŸ“ Get Directions Β· Official Site

Woods Hole Science Aquarium

The oldest public aquarium in the U.S. (NOAA-operated). Free admission. Features local marine life.

πŸ“ Get Directions Β· Official Site

Public Beaches

🌊 Stoney Beach

A small beach in Woods Hole village with views of Great Harbor. Free access.

πŸ“ Get Directions

Essential Services

Service Location Details
Woods Hole Post Office Woods Hole ZIP: 02543
Woods Hole Library 581 Woods Hole Rd Website

Local Favorites & Useful Spots

Locally loved spots and useful stops in and around Woods Hole.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
World-renowned ocean research center. The WHOI Exhibit Center and Ocean Science Discovery Center offer public exhibits on deep-sea exploration and marine science.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Free public aquarium run by NOAA featuring local marine life, touch tanks, and seal feedings. A Cape Cod gem that has been open since 1885.
Martha's Vineyard Ferry (Steamship Authority)
The main ferry terminal for Martha's Vineyard departs from Woods Hole year-round. Reservations recommended for vehicles, especially in summer.
Pie in the Sky Bakery
Beloved local bakery and cafe right on Water Street. Famous for baked goods, breakfast, and coffee. A Woods Hole institution since 1983.
Stonewall's Ice Cream
Popular seasonal ice cream shop in the village center, perfect for a cone while waiting for the ferry or exploring the harbor.
Woods Hole Community Hall & Library
The 1878 community hall hosts concerts, lectures, and film screenings year-round. The adjacent library is a charming village resource.
πŸ₯ Nearest Medical Care
Falmouth Hospital β€” Full-service hospital πŸ“ Directions
Cape Cod Hospital β€” ~25 min east via Route 28 πŸ“ Directions

Demographics

~800
Population
02543
ZIP Code

← Back to Falmouth Town Page

Resources

Shining Sea Bikeway

The 10.7-mile paved bike path from Falmouth Village terminates right here in Woods Hole — the only bike trail on Cape Cod that runs along the ocean. Passes through salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and offers stunning Vineyard Sound views. Free to use, bike rentals available in Falmouth Village.

Get Directions ↗