Instagram-able Places

As the closest mainland port to Martha’s Vineyard on Cape Cod, there’s lots of ferry activity from both Falmouth and Woods Hole. Hop on a boat at either of these locales and start recording lots of memorable sights and sounds of all the comings and goings at the ports and in the harbor and sound. Whether you’re on The Steamship Authority Ferry, The Island Queen or another vessel, if you’re headed to the Vineyard, you’re guaranteed about thirty-five minutes of Kodachrome moments on your journey.

Hit the beach. From Megansett to Old Silver to Chapoquoit to Menauhant to Surf Drive to Falmouth Heights and more, there’s a beach for every mood in Falmouth. Chat up a local to find out the lowdown on each because depending on the hour of the day, one can be gusty and the other can be calm. Either way, they all provide great backdrops for capturing the natural beauty of this favorite destination on the Upper Cape.

If you’re into shopping and food, head down Main Street in the historic part of Falmouth and let yourself be tempted by lots of delicious shots. Flop down on the grass at the old Village Green and chronicle the quiet moment you’re sure to spend there.

Just a few steps away at the Falmouth Library, you can take a selfie in front of the statue of Katherine Lee Bates, an English professor, originally from Falmouth. Miss Bates was so enchanted by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains that she penned a poem that later became America the Beautiful.

Looking to hoist the sails? Well, you might not be allowed to do this yourself, however, you can admire some of the most beautiful jibs and spinnakers on the Liberté, a schooner that offers a fleet of excursions on the Vineyard Sound during the season. Make sure your cameras and devices are fully charged!

For one of the most iconic shots on Cape Cod, drive or pedal out to Nobska Lighthouse, just outside of Woods Hole. You’ll need to use a Discovery Map to help you find the way there because there are no signs–I guess to discourage the tourists–and your GPS might not cut it. Trust me on this one. The panoramic views of this sweet, historic lighthouse are well worth the search though.

While you’re at Woods Hole, amble through this charming town where you’ll surely find a sea of social media-worthy shots. Be sure to poke around its back streets, and definitely capture the color-drenched hues of the Cape’s quintessential flower, the hydrangea. Think deep rose, dusty mauve, cornflower blue, creamy white, lovely lavender–ahhhh, so pretty. They’re particularly old-fashioned looking in front of a classic New England Cape Cod house.

Here’s something you don’t see much: a real working drawbridge. Yep, it’s a traffic-stopper for sure, situated in the heart of Woods Hole, you’re likely imagining that shot already. Whip out your selfie stick so that you can capture the whole family. With the bridge up of course.