A resort town in Massachusetts settled around 1660. It is located in the southwest corner of Cape Cod. It is surrounded by water on two sides and has Buzzards Bay to its west and Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds to its south.
The town of Falmouth is famous for its beaches, lighthouses, windmills, and charming villages. It is also 9 miles away from Martha’s Vineyard and the closest mainland point to the island.
Falmouth is home to several science centers which include Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), the Woods Hole Research Center, and NOAA’s Woods Hole Science Aquarium.
With its picturesque settings, the small town of Falmouth has a lot to offer to its tourists- from historical buildings, quaint shops, bookstores, museums, and galleries to boating, sailing, and fishing, the town promises one an absolutely wonderful time.
Things to Do In Falmouth Ma
1. Nobska Point Lighthouse
Established in 1926 and rebuilt in 1876, the lighthouse is 40 feet tall and located near the division between Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Vineyard Sound.
It is an important part of the maritime history of Falmouth and one of the most beautiful places to visit when in town. It is made up of iron and lined with bricks, the lighthouse has four buildings inside it.
What to do: reach the top of the lighthouse and get a stunning view of Cape Cod Bay and Martha’s Vineyard.
Timings: any time of the day and charges no admission. It stays open throughout the year.
2. Old Silver Beach
If you want to experience a memorable sunset, this is your place to go.
It is a popular tourist attraction, especially in the summer. The beach has two sections- one for the residents and one for the visitors. It offers a spectacular view of the bay and is the perfect spot to watch sunsets. You can also see Cleveland Ledge Lighthouse from the beach.
Amenities such as parking, bathhouse, public restrooms, and snack bars are available including stalls with local seafood.
What to do: swim in the clear water, watch the sunset, taste the local seafood dishes and spend the night on the beach.
Timings: open from 9 am to 4.45 pm from June to Labor Day; beach parking is open from 9 am to 10 pm during the summers.
3. Shining Sea Bikeway
10.7 miles long, the bikeway offers a scenic view of meadows, woodlands, rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean and is the perfect spot for hiking, biking, or even horse backing.
The trail is also popular for cross-country skiing during the peak seasons. It also has picnic tables and restrooms.
Parking is available on both ends of the trail.
What to do: enjoy the scenic hike and experience the changing landscapes. You can also stop and swim in the ocean and have a picnic before you continue on the trail.
Timings: open from dawn to dusk, all through the year.
4. Cornelia Carey Sanctuary
Also known as The Knob, and located in Woods Hole, it is a salt pond and bird sanctuary. It offers a serene walk through the marshlands, forests, and beaches and sees hundreds of birds of various species on the way.
Away from the public and in nature’s lap, the sanctuary is a perfect getaway for the day to spend some quiet time.
What to do: have a relaxing day at the sanctuary hiking, swimming, having picnics, and enjoying the scenic views offered along the way.
Timings: open from 8 am to 8 pm and offer free parking.
5. Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Established in 1875, it is the country’s oldest aquarium and resides around 140 species of marine animals. It has both indoor and outdoor areas. While the outdoor area is created for the seals, the indoor area contains all sorts of fish, crabs, and invertebrates. It also rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles.
It offers programs to encourage the involvement of the public, students, and aspiring scientists in the preservation of marine life. Visiting the aquarium is a wonderful learning experience.
What to do: get to know about marine life, Woods Hole science, and history, local fish species, etc.
Timings: timings change seasonally and are available on their website.
6. Cape Cod Winery
With the ocean nearby, the rustic setting, and nine different varieties of wines, this winery is perfect for a romantic getaway. It is a small, family-run business and is very popular among locals and tourists.
They also offer cheese, salami, and crackers to go along with the wine and have lovely outdoor seating.
What to do: taste the delicious wines and spend time with your loved ones.
Timings: seasonal timings that are available on their website.
7. Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium
Any vacation to Falmouth is incomplete without indulging in the homemade ice creams and chocolates from Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium. One of their specialties includes ice cream made from Lobster.
If you enjoy trying on new delicacies, their lobster ice cream is a must that is dedicated to the marine life of Cape Cod.
Timings: open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, on Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
8. Highfield Hall and Gardens
A beautiful cultural center, it was built by the Beebe family in 1878 and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, serene walking trails as well as conservation land.
It offers group tours and estate walks from June to October for visitors to learn about the history of the house and its original owners.
It also has a wide variety of programs for both locals and visitors including culinary and music programs. It holds art exhibitions, music events, and workshops on yoga and meditation.
What to do: stroll through the beautiful gardens, have a picnic, see the permanent exhibition about the history of the house and learn more about the culture of the place, and attend workshops and exhibitions.
Timings: seasonal timings are available on the website.
9. Woods Hole Drawbridge
This is a bridge that makes time stop; not literally but when the bridge is raised or lowered to let boats enter or leave Eel Pond, all activity stops and everyone stops to watch.
The bridge is only 3 feet above the water and connects Cape Cod to Eel Pond. It also has a film titled “Keeper” that shows this bridge as a refuge that brings the people home, to their village from Eel Pond. There is graffiti drawn under the drawbridge.
What to do: experience the unique opportunity to see the drawbridge in work and watch the sailboats leave or come to the harbor.
Timings: It opens every 30 minutes to let the boats pass, from May 15 to June 14 between 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, from June 15 to Sept.15 between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, from Sept. 16 to Oct. 14 between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM, from Oct. 15 to May 14 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
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10. Falmouth Museums on the Green
Run by the Falmouth Historical Society and spread over two acres, the museum is located in the historic area of Falmouth and the Green. It features two 18th-century homes, an early 20th-century reconstructed barn, a vibrant Cultural Centre, Colonial gardens, 2 historic cannons, stocks, and a four-seater outhouse.
Each building displayed is a piece of history that takes you back in time and tells you the story of those who lived there.
What to do: learn not just the history of Falmouth but the history of the country
Timings: opens from MAY 28 to OCT 8, 2022, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 10 am and 2 pm.
11. Eight Cousins Bookshop
Opened in 1986, it is the only bookshop in Falmouth and is a charming little place. Its varied collection includes everything from adult titles to books for children. The bookshop is a must-visit for all the book lovers visiting Falmouth.
What to do: browse the cute little bookshop and take your kids along because they have an amazing collection for people of all ages.
Timings: open Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
12. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
With 2800 acres of land and water, barrier beaches, and marshlands, the reserve was designated in 1988. Located on the south shore of Cape Cod, the reserve is dedicated to protecting estuaries through research and education.
It is a great place for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, restricted hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or hiking through the woodlands and marshes. Various marine species can also be seen in its salt and freshwater ponds.
What to do: go hiking, fishing, canoeing, or other recreational activities as well as learn about the rich history of the reserve as well as the impact of climate change on eco-systems.
Timings: open from 10 am to 4 pm throughout the week in July and August and offers free parking.
13. Spohr Gardens
6 acres of woodland and thousands of colorful flowers that bloom from early spring to fall, make these gardens natural heaven. It has anchor displays and a collection of millstones that are scattered around the gardens.
It is a peaceful place that soothes the soul.
The gardens stay open throughout the year on the requirement of its owners who wanted it to be accessible to the public.
What to do: walk the trails along the Oyster Pond and enjoy the natural beauty around you while exploring the various historical artifacts placed around the gardens.
Timings: The gardens stay open from 8 am to 8 pm throughout the year on the requirement of its owners who wanted it to be accessible to the public even after their death.
14. The Falmouth Public Library
Opened in 1891, the library is a delight for readers and historians. It has early records dating back to 1792 and several important historical documents, maps, and postcards.
It has an immense collection of books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks. It also hosts a book club. Every year, at the beginning of July, a big book sale is held on the library grounds.
What to do: this place is a must-visit for all who love to read on vacation.
Timings: open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, on Wednesday from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
15. Woods Hole Historical Museum
The museum focuses on the preservation of Falmouth’s colorful and unique history as well as on marine and sea life. It has several galleries that exhibit artifacts from local history and change their displays every year, a small boat museum exhibiting boats and boat models, and a Yale workshop.
It also holds a Model Boat Show in April, every year.
What to do: learn about the local history, see the stunning displays and take a walking tour of Woods Hole.
Timings: they open seasonally and the dates and timings can be checked on their website.
16. Osborne and Rugh Gallery
Owned by a husband and wife duo and oil painters, the gallery is situated at Queen’s Buyway in the historic part of Falmouth.
It displays landscape, still life and portrait oil paintings and also works as a studio where the tourists can see both completed and in-progress works of art and discuss art with artists. This is a great place for art lovers.
What to do: see the stunning oil displays and learn about the different styles of paintings. Get to know the artists and buy a piece of art to commemorate your trip to Falmouth.
Timings: seasonal timings are available on their website.
17. Falmouth Country Club
The public golf club is a delight for golf lovers and a chance to spend time in the fresh air and play with your friends and family. It is located near the Atlantic coast and has two courses, a 9-hole course, and an 18-hole course.
What to do: enjoy your weekend golfing with the scenic view of the Atlantic beaches.
Timings: open throughout the year from 5 am to 9 pm.
18. Menauhant Beach
This beautiful sandy lake has an ocean on one side and a pond on the other. In a quiet neighborhood and a little less crowded, the beach is a great place for swimming and skimboarding or just spending a peaceful time reading.
It has restrooms, outdoor showers, a snack bar, and public parking.
What to do: take a book, read under the sun and swim in the serene waters and have a quiet, peaceful day.
Timings: the beach is supervised between 9 am to 5 pm.
19. Chapoquoit Beach
This beach greats you with clear blue water, white sand, quartz rocks near the shore, and sand dunes all around the beach.
A little secluded, the beach is a popular summer destination for swimming, paddling, and clicking Instagram-worthy pictures.
What to do: swim in the clear blue water with the beautiful view of Buzzards Bay and stay to watch the sunset.
Timings: the gates at the beach close at 9 pm.
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20. The Quahog Republic
A dive bar, Quahog is a lovely place to get together with friends and spend a pleasant evening. It has a laid-back vibe, mouthwatering seafood, the best selection of beer and a stunning view of the water.
Timings: open Monday to Thursday between 11.30 am and 11 pm, Friday to Sunday between 1.30 am and 1 am.
21. The College Light Opera Company
Founded in 1969, the theatre company performs 9 operettas and musicals during the summer for nine weeks and is a delight for musical theatre lovers.
A new show is performed every week and makes for an incredible performance each time.
What to do: spend a great summer evening watching a musical and having dinner and drinks before or after the show in a local restaurant nearby.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
22. Falmouth Heights Beach
Located on Nantucket Sound, the beach is very beautiful. The water here is clean, warm, and inviting, and great for swimming and fishing. It is a great place to spend a lazy day at the beach. There are also restaurants and trucks nearby with delicious food.
What to do: go swimming in the water, spend time with your family and have a picnic at the beach.
Timings: the beach is supervised between 9 am and 5 pm by lifeguards and beach parking attendants.
23. Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub
The Pub is a popular local hangout. You can enjoy yummy Irish delicacies, drink beer and listen to Irish music. It also holds live karaoke nights as well as trivia nights. It is a great spot to have some fun and make new friends.
Timings: open all year, from Monday to Saturday between 11.30 am and 1 am, on Sunday between 12 pm and 1 am.
24. Coonamssett Farm
Founded in 1989, and spread over 20 acres, it is a lovely opportunity for locals and tourists alike to experience farm life. Everything here is grown by hand and in an environment-friendly manner and people are allowed to pick their own fruits and vegetables.
They also have their own honey and sauces. There is a cafe, a bakery, and an alpaca cloth store within the farm. The farm is also a popular wedding venue with its beautiful gardens and rustic setting.
What to do: the farm is a gorgeous place to visit, especially during the summers when its gardens are in full bloom. Explore the farm life and everything it has to offer.
Timings: open throughout the week from 9 am to 5 pm.
25. Martha’s Vineyard
The vineyard is a 35-minute ferry ride from Falmouth and any visit to Falmouth is incomplete if you don’t spend at least a day at Martha’s Vineyard. You can take a bus or bike tour or take your own vehicle on the ferry and explore on your own.
Its towns and cottages are a popular attraction among tourists, especially Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Edgartown along with its beautiful beaches and lighthouses.
What to do: explore the towns and see the gingerbread cottages. Also, spend some time at the beaches
Timings: the ferry line runs throughout the year and the ferry schedules from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard are available online.
Is Falmouth MA worth visiting?
Falmouth, Massachusetts, is a stunning town that is also home to the world’s third largest natural harbor. Surrounded by water, it is famous for its beaches and lighthouses.
It is also a 30-minute ferry ride away from Martha’s Vineyard. It also has a lot to offer its visitors, with its cute cottages, shops, museums, galleries, and farmhouses, it is the perfect vacation spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is there to do in downtown Falmouth?
There is a lot to explore in downtown Falmouth including unique shops, tasty food, and beautiful beaches. It is a great place to spend the day shopping, dining, and having outdoor adventures.
2. How do I spend a day in Falmouth MA?
You can spend a relaxing day at one of the beaches, swimming, reading in the sun, taking in the stunning view of the historic town, or have an adventurous day hiking or biking through trails, going to Martha’s Vineyard, and exploring the historical monuments.
3. Is there a lot to do in Falmouth?
From exploring the historical sites to water sports and beach activities, there is a lot to do in Falmouth
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