As the second-largest town in Cape Cod, Falmouth Cape Cod is an excellent destination for those interested in an authentic New England experience. Although many people come to Falmouth to catch the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, Falmouth Massachusetts is a wonderful Cape Cod vacation destination in itself. There are plenty of things to do in Falmouth MA like the Falmouth MA beaches and the Shining Sea bikeway as well as the excellent Falmouth MA restaurants and Falmouth MA hotels.
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7 Great Things To Do in Falmouth MA
Set sail along the Vineyard Sound, relax on the white-sand Falmouth MA beaches, or simply enjoy the variety of shops and restaurants in Falmouth.
A pretty harbor in West Falmouth Cape Cod, one of the cute towns in Cape Cod
Falmouth MA Beaches
Spending a day lounging in the sun is one of the best things to do in Falmouth, MA. Bristol Beach‘s vast stretches of sand and calm waves are ideal for families. Old Silver Beach in Falmouth is and extremely popular beach with families and one of the most popular beaches in Cape Cod.
If you’re looking for something quieter, Menauhant Beach has lots of room and very few visitors.
If you’re after the spectacular views that Falmouth is known for, head to Chapoquoit Beach for the colorful sunsets and pristine views of Buzzards Bay.
Children playing on the Falmouth MA beaches
Shining Sea Bikeway
When it comes to Falmouth MA activities, an adventure down the Shining Sea Bikeway is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip. It was built atop the Old Colony Railroad line used in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The trail starts at the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole and runs for a little over ten miles through some of the most stunning landmarks in Falmouth. During your trip, you’ll see cranberry bogs, Chapoquoit Beach, and the Sippewissett Salt Marsh.
Nobska Point Lighthouse
Situated between Buzzards Bay, the Vineyard Sound, and the Nantucket Sound, the Nobska Point Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in Cape Cod. The original lighthouse was built in 1826 and manned by over a dozen lightkeepers until it became automated in 1985.
This quiet but beautiful spot is one place everyone needs to see when visiting Falmouth Cape Cod.
Nobska Lighthouse has great views over the Vineyard Sound.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Established in 1885 in the nearby town of Woods Hole, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium has more than 140 different species of marine life. In addition to the indoor aquarium, you’ll also find an outdoor rehabilitation habitat used for injured seals.
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium also features a touch tank where you can get up close and personal with sea stars, crabs, and a variety of small fish. It’s a wonderful place to learn about maritime creatures especially for children.
Other Falmouth Activities
Eager to set out on the open water? If so, Falmouth is the perfect destination for water sports. Fishing is one of the most popular Falmouth MA activities, and you’ll find many charter boats and companies offering day trips. If you’d rather enjoy the breeze without the hard work, you can board a sailboat for a leisurely tour of the ocean.
Kayaking and canoeing is another way to experience the beauty of Buzzards Bay. The calm waves and picturesque coastal views are ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Falmouth MA Restaurants
Between the award-winning restaurants, mouthwatering seafood shacks, and gourmet fine dining establishments, Falmouth is one of the biggest culinary towns in Cape Cod. You’ll find every type of cuisine imaginable – from American and Irish to Italian and Asian.
Water Street Kitchen is one of the most popular Falmouth MA restaurants. Their extensive menu features a variety of freshly caught seafood, like baked oysters, sea scallops, and mussel soup. Another elegant restaurant in Falmouth MA is The Glass Onion on Main Street.
Quicks Holes Tavern is a casual gastropub type of restaurant near the Steamship Authority ferries. Grab dessert nearby at Pie in the Sky also in Woods Hole.
Falmouth MA Shopping
Main Street in Falmouth is a shopper’s paradise.
Located in the heart of the village, Main Street is dotted with boutique shops, home decor shops, bookstores, and gift stores. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new summer outfit or simply looking to purchase a souvenir to bring back home, you’ll find it on the charming, tree-lined Main Street. Of course, there is also the ubiquitous Black Dog general store, too.
Family-Friendly Falmouth Cape Cod
Our children love the Eight Cousins Bookstore on the main street of Falmouth MA. It’s a charming independent bookstore with a well-curated collection of interesting summer reading.
The Eight Cousins Bookstore Falmouth Cape Cod is a great family-friendly independent bookstore in Falmouth
Like the rest of Cape Cod, Falmouth MA has some great ice cream options. Check out Smittys Homemade Ice Cream on East Falmouth Highway. Similar to Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard, there’s a Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium on the Main Street.
If you’re children need some downtime in a park, check out the Mullen-Hall playground behind the Mullen-Hall School near Main street.
If you have kids, find the playground in Falmouth for your kids to have some down time.
Falmouth MA Hotels
Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Falmouth hotels Cape Cod. The Seaside Inn, Captain Tom Lawrence Inn, and Frederick William House are a couple of charming family-run inns. We’ve stayed at the Inn on the Square which is charming and near downtown. We’ve also stayed at the Sands of Time Inn which is really just a glorified motel.
A recent addition to the Falmouth MA hotels scene is Autocamp Cape Cod which has renovated airstreams and glamping facilities. The location is a bit away from the center of town. We’ve stayed at an Autocamp in Santa Barbara, California and thought it was a cool experience.
If you prefer to stay near the coast, opt for a room at the InnSeason Resort Surfside or the Mariner’s Point Reserve. It’s hard to beat the seaside location at these Falmouth Cape Cod hotels facing onto the calm waters of the Vineyard Sound.
A charming Falmouth Cape Cod cottage in Woods Hole, Falmouth MA
Map of Falmouth Hotels and Activities
To help with your trip planning, here are the locations of the Falmouth hotels, Falmouth restaurants and Falmouth activities mentioned above.
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