Nobska Point Light: Guarding the Gateway to the Islands

QUICK FACTS

📍 Location: 233 Nobska Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543
🎟️ Tours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 AM - 1 PM, June 3 - October 9, 2025
⏰ Grounds: Open year-round, dawn to dusk
🚗 Parking: FREE parking lot
📏 Height: 42 feet tall
⭐ Must-See Rating: 4/5 - Beautiful views, island ferries

WHAT MAKES NOBSKA SPECIAL

Built in 1876, Nobska stands on an elevated point to be seen far and wide, guarding the entrance to Vineyard Sound and Woods Hole harbor. This white lighthouse with distinctive red roof offers spectacular views of Martha's Vineyard and the constant parade of ferries, fishing boats, and recreational vessels.

Nobska Point Light occupies one of Cape Cod's most scenic locations, with manicured grounds, panoramic water views, and the bustling activity of Woods Hole harbor below. The lighthouse is owned by the Town of Falmouth and maintained by the dedicated Friends of Nobska Light organization.

The lighthouse serves as a crucial navigation aid for vessels traveling between Cape Cod and the islands, with millions of ferry passengers seeing Nobska Light as their first or last view of Cape Cod.

TOURS & MUSEUM

The Friends of Nobska Light open the Museum and Gift Shop and provide tours of the tower on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 AM - 1 PM (last tour at 12:15 PM) starting June 3 - October 9, 2025.

Special Twilight tours are offered every other Wednesday from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (last tour at 6:45 PM) for a unique evening lighthouse experience.

Museum Features:

Maritime history exhibits
Lighthouse lens and equipment displays
Local Woods Hole scientific community history
Gift shop with lighthouse memorabilia

SCENIC VIEWS & ACTIVITIES

From Nobska Point, visitors enjoy:

Martha's Vineyard: Clear views across Vineyard Sound
Ferry Traffic: Steamship Authority ferries departing Woods Hole
Research Vessels: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ships
Sunset Views: Western exposure offers beautiful sunset photography
Beach Access: Small beach area below lighthouse (steep path)

GETTING THERE

Turn left on Nobska Road and follow to the lighthouse. You can return to Route 28 another way by taking Church Street from the lighthouse to Woods Hole Road.

Alternative Route: The light can also be reached by turning left on Church Street as you near the Steamship Authority terminal.

BEST COMBINED WITH

Woods Hole Science Aquarium: 5-minute drive
Martha's Vineyard Ferry: Catch a ferry after lighthouse visit
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Campus tours available
Falmouth Heights Beach: Beautiful beach 15 minutes away