Is Woods Hole part of Martha’s Vineyard?

Woods Hole is a small village located in the town of Falmouth on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Woods Hole is a small village located in the town of Falmouth on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is situated at the tip of the elbow of the Cape and is known for its picturesque harbor and strong connection to the sea. Many people are familiar with Woods Hole because of the various scientific and educational institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

But is Woods Hole a part of Martha’s Vineyard? The short answer is no. Martha’s Vineyard is an island south of Cape Cod and is accessible by ferry from Woods Hole (Steamship Authority) and nearby locations.

So why do so many people confuse the two? The first reason is likely the location of both; Martha’s Vineyard is just seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod and can be seen from Woods Hole. Another reason may be that Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard are both popular vacation destinations in Massachusetts and are often mentioned in the same breath. Both are known for their beautiful beaches and coastal charm.

Another reason may be that Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard are both parts of the region known as “Cape Cod and the Islands,” which includes not only Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard but also Nantucket and several smaller islands. This region is a popular tourist destination and is often marketed as a whole, which can further contribute to the confusion.

Despite not being a part of Martha’s Vineyard, Woods Hole has plenty to offer in its own right. As mentioned earlier, the village is home to many important scientific institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, one of the world’s leading oceanographic research centers. The Marine Biological Laboratory is another notable institution located in Woods Hole and is known for its research on marine biology and biomedicine.

Edgartown Harbor
Edgartown Harbor

In addition to its scientific institutions, Woods Hole is also home to several charming restaurants, shops, and galleries, making it a great place to visit for a day trip or extended vacation.  We recommend checking out The Water Street Kitchen, Captain Kidd Restaurant & Bar, Quicks Hole Taqueria, and opening in Spring 2023, The Leeside, right across from the ferry terminal.  The village is just a few miles from Falmouth, which has a more extensive selection of amenities and activities and is within easy driving distance of other popular Cape Cod destinations such as Hyannis and Provincetown.

So to sum it up, while Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard are both beautiful and popular vacation destinations in Massachusetts, they are not the same place. Woods Hole is a village on Cape Cod, while Martha’s Vineyard is an island south of the Cape. Both places have unique charms and attractions and are worth a visit for anyone looking to explore the beauty of New England.