How to Make the Most of Woods Hole, Cape Cod in a Weekend

How to Make the Most of Woods Hole, Cape Cod in a Weekend

There’s no denying that weekends come and go too fast; and while weekends on the Cape are no different, there is a certain kind of magic you can find in Woods Hole – an old-world charm that seems to make time slow down a bit.

Cape Cod Weekend Getaway: Why Woods Hole?

While Cape Cod is a favorite, timeless destination for many vacationers, it’s the peninsula’s southwest corner – home to the quaint, off-the-beaten-path town of Woods Hole – that makes for a truly remarkable Cape Cod weekend getaway.

As one of eight villages of the town of Falmouth, Woods Hole is a well-preserved community that offers more than meets the eye, like popular attractions and beloved hidden gems.

Want to get active? Eat delectable food? Wander sandy, dune-lined beaches at sunset? Set sail? Get to know the marine life? Shop at one-of-a-kind boutiques? Visit Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket?

With something for everyone, there’s so much to love and marvel at in Woods Hole.

So, if you’ll be finding yourself in Woods Hole during an upcoming weekend, or if you have a weekend to spare and are looking for the perfect getaway on the Cape, here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Woods Hole:

Your Fun & Memorable Weekend in Woods Hole

What are you feeling up for?

Want to get out on the water? Take some time during your weekend to:

Go on a Cape Cod Sailing Excursion
Usually departing from Falmouth Harbor, some of Cape Cod’s finest vessels will give you breathtaking views of the Nobska Lighthouse, incredible homes on the coast, Elizabeth Islands, and other must-see landmarks that are really only visible from the water. A cash bar is usually on board these vessels, depending on the excursion you take.

Whale Watch
With a variety of different whales migrating to the Cape every year, whale watching off the coast of the Cape is a remarkable experience. You’ll probably also get to see seals, dolphins, turtles, waterfowl, crabs, and much more.

Have Fun on a Fishing Charter
Everyone – from experienced fishermen to beginners, and individuals to families with children – will enjoy a day on the water catching some big fish in some of Massachusetts’ best fishing areas.

Want to get active or spend time outside? Take some time during your weekend to:

Explore the Shining Sea Bike Path
This 10.7-mile, round-trip path is perfect for biking, walking, running and other forms of activity (like rollerblading). The majority of the path hugs the shoreline, giving you a new and different experience from this end of Cape Code.

Go Crabbing
Blue crabs are in abundance in the waters off the Cape, and with certain spots open to let you catch them on your own with the right gear, you’re sure to give your weekend a new and unforgettable experience.

Go on a Guided Kayaking Tour
With guided tours, solo rentals, group outings, and kayak lessons, there is a kayak option for you. Try riding ocean surf, navigating rivers, or exploring secluded creeks during your weekend here.

Want to eat your way through the weekend? Be sure to check out these tasty spots:

Landfall Restaurant
This is the family-friendly, water-front experience we think you’ve been looking for. Fostering a classic Cape Cod vibe, you can watch boats sail by, catch a sunset and enjoy some incredible food.

Jimmy’s
Before your stomach is at capacity, to head to Jimmy’s for some of the most talked about ice cream around. You can even choose from over 32 flavors.

Candy Go Nuts
When that sweet tooth calls, grab a bag of candy and enjoy that one-of-a-kind, penny candy experience at Candy Go Nuts.

The list could go on because there are so many unbelievable places to
find authentic and fresh dishes here in Woods Hole; and when it comes to
seafood, like lobster, fish, oysters or crab, just remember – it was more
than likely caught just a few hours before you ordered!

Want to relax by the water? Take some time during your weekend to:

Venture to the Knob (Cornelia Carey Sanctuary)
This is a hidden place that most tourists either don’t know about or don’t bother looking for. After a trail walk (or drive), you will land at a nature area and a rocky hill that overlooks Buzzards Bay. The beaches at the Knob are perfect for swimming, unwinding, and endless bird-and boat-watching.

Walk to Nobska Beach
This narrow, unassuming beach is beautiful, pristine and offers views of the Nobska Lighthouse and Martha’s Vineyard.

Soak in the Fresh Air at Stony Beach
This quiet, peaceful beach overlooks some truly picturesque areas and is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy an afternoon. Living up to its name, however, this beach is rather stony, so water shoes or sandals will help you better enjoy your walks on the beach.

Want to visit a museum? Take some time during your weekend to check out:

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Free to the public and home to 140 species of Northeast and Middle Atlantic marine animals, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the country’s oldest marine aquarium. This organization loves educating the public and letting everyone experience marine life firsthand with a touch tank and seal feedings.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Offering tours, exhibits, classes, and activities for the whole family, the WHOI is packed with history and education – like learning about the Titanic’s location, the discovery of a large debris field from Air France Flight 447 and more.

The Pierce Exhibit Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory
Come see live animals, play with a microscope, see rare underwater footage, go on a summer tour and much more at the Pierce Exhibit Center.

The Harbor
While not a museum, per say, the Harbor in Woods Hole offers summer walking tours of the docks that will show you the drawbridge, talk about all-things watercraft and grant you access to fun, restricted areas.

Want to take a day trip? Woods Hole is the most convenient starting point to:

Martha’s Vineyard
Catch a ride across the sound for a day and explore Martha’s Vineyard. With brightly painted gingerbread cottages, shops, restaurants, beautiful, sandy beaches, and incredible landmarks – like the Aquinnah Cliffs, the Island of Chappaquiddick, and the old-fashioned carousel in Oak Bluffs – a day here will be one to remember.

Nantucket
Want to island hop? Catch another ferry from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket Island. While you’re there, you can visit historical sites like the Nantucket Whaling Museum, spend some time in the shops and boutiques, and devour some fresh seafood before heading back to the main land.

Want to shop? There are unique spots at all around Woods Hole.

From fine art galleries and antiques to jewelry, stained glass, wearables, ceramics, paintings, photographs, unique gifts and items for the home, there are one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques waiting to be explored.

Whether your weekend is two or three days long, you can pack several of these activities into an amazing getaway.

Cape Cod Vacations for Couples: Did We Mention the Romance You Can Find Here?

In addition to spending time at the Knob (and the other beaches in Woods Hole), walking hand-in-hand on the Shining Sea Bikeway, catching a sailing excursion on Liberte, The Schooner, romance can also be found by walking to the Nobska Light – our iconic, beloved, and picturesque lighthouse – at sunset.

Of course, the list doesn’t stop there, but we think that once you get here, you’ll understand what we mean when we say Woods Hole embodies its own kind of old-world charm and romance just by slowly strolling the streets.

When each day is done, you can walk back to your private quarters (complete with a private balcony or patio) and enjoy a view of the Vineyard Sound at the Sands of Time.

Stay in the Heart of It All at the Sands of Time Inn and Harbor House

At the Sands of Time Inn and Harbor House, your stay will be fun and convenient.

Located within walking distance to just about everything – including a five-minute walk to the Martha’s Vineyard ferry and Nobska beach and lighthouse – we work hard to ensure your weekend rests are comfortable and enjoyable.

With two distinct styles of accommodations that overlook gardens and the blue waters of the harbor and Vineyard Sound, we try to cater to all weekend stay preferences – including families and couples.

Book your stay online or call our office to learn more about our rooms and accommodations. We’d love to help you plan your weekend stay.