Sandy beaches, panoramic ocean views, beautiful historic homes, and lush gardens offer Falmouth visitors quiet, contemplative spaces where they can soak up the coastal vacation vibe. Spending a restorative long weekend in Falmouth, Massachusetts, should be on your vacation getaway bucket list.
Falmouth has its bustling side, too. You can find fun activities like a ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard, coastal hikes, miles of bike paths, and lively restaurants. Plenty of activities are available to appeal to the more adventurous beach-going crowd.
Things To Do In Falmouth
With fun physical activities and quiet restful spots, you will find just what you need from your Falmouth getaway. The beach, of course, is key when it comes to vacationing on Cape Cod, and Falmouth is no exception — but it has a lot more to offer.
Hang Out At The Beach
When you are spending time on Cape Cod, a beach day should definitely be on your to-do list. Falmouth has wonderful beach options. Some require resident stickers, but there are several that are open to the public (with a parking fee, of course). You can access the Falmouth Beach listing complete with times and parking requirements here.
Old Silver Public Beach is a popular option for visitors. The beach offers lots of blanket room to spread out. It has a large parking lot, but you still need to get there early on a beautiful day. The water is clear, the beach is sandy, and there are clean bathrooms. It is a well-cared-for spot, and just perfect for a day-long ocean adventure. Pack up your lunch cooler and all the required beach toys for a fun day in the sunshine.
Cape Cod Winery
Enjoy the local vineyard vibe with a visit to the Cape Cod Winery. The winery is a pretty spot in a quiet neighborhood where you can enjoy a beautiful glass of wine and great conversation. The Rose Mermaid Water is a lovely refreshing rose perfect for sipping on lazy summer days.
Falmouth Country Club
If hitting the links is part of your Falmouth weekend getaway, then book a tee time at Falmouth Country Club. They offer two courses for your golfing enjoyment. The Osprey Course is a championship 18-hole course and Talon is their nine-hole option for a quick round. The club is a certified Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International so you know they take great environmental care of the course and the wildlife that inhabits the area.
Highfield Hall & Gardens
Highfield Hall & Gardens is the 1878 Beebe family estate that is now home to a thriving cultural center. They offer a wide array of programs for locals and visitors. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the estate and gardens. The changing art installations offer a contemplative moment as you stroll the grounds. Ongoing lecture series include yoga classes, mediation, scientific talks, culinary demonstrations, and so much more.
Highfield Hall & Gardens is a delightful and unexpected jewel in the town of Falmouth.
Nobska Light
Nobska Light is a beautiful old lighthouse on Nobska Point. It has been lovingly restored and is open for volunteer-led tours. Tours are held on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Be sure to check the Friends of Nobska Light for updated tour details.
A capital campaign is underway to transform the Keeper’s House into a Maritime Museum. It will be a fabulous addition to the beautiful lighthouse.
The Knob
At the point in Woods Hole sits The Knob, a bird sanctuary with stunning views of Quissett Harbor. The rocky outcrop allows visitors to essentially walk out to a stony mound with water on three sides. The path from the parking lot is an easy, less than a mile walk. It is beautifully maintained, inviting guests to linger and enjoy the gorgeous views.
Shining Sea Bikeway
Biking and a Cape Cod vacation go hand-in-hand. Home to miles of converted railroad ways into well-maintained bike paths that crisscross the Cape, the mostly flat trail beds are easy to navigate even with a cruiser bike. The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7-mile trail that runs from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Along the way, you will be rewarded with water views, cranberry bogs, and scenic forests. Biking is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Cape Cod scenery while avoiding the summer traffic.
Rent your bikes at the Corner Cycle. They offer adult and child rentals along with tag-a-long trailers. They will even deliver to your local Falmouth rental property.
Woods Hole Ocean Research
Woods Hole is at the very southwest corner of Falmouth and offers visitors beautiful ocean views along with a thriving marine biology center. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute is home to the world-renowned ocean research and education facility. Although you cannot tour the Institute, you can visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium where you can take a self-guided tour exploring over 100 species of coastal Atlantic marine life.
Martha’s Vineyard Ferry
Spend a day at Martha’s Vineyard when you take The Steamship Authority Ferry out of Woods Hole. The short, 45-minute trip offers vacationers ample time to explore the Vineyard. You can explore more in our Boston Road Trip: Martha’s Vineyard article.
Spohr Gardens
For a quiet, contemplative morning walk, visit Spohr Gardens. As you walk the paths along Oyster Pond, you can almost feel your blood pressure dropping, it is just that peaceful.
Best Restaurants In Falmouth
Perfectly crafted, authentically coastal cuisine can be found in the most unexpected places. From date night fine dining to dive bar delights, Falmouth has a fun selection of dining options. Retro diner breakfasts and late-night ice cream runs add a small touch of whimsy to the local dining scene.
Quahog Republic Dive Bar
The Quahog Republic Dive Bar, as the name implies, is not fancy. However, they serve one of the best lobster rolls on the Cape. Perfectly prepared, succulent lobster on a toasted hot dog roll with clarified butter on the side; it’s simply amazing.
This is the spot where you will find friendly staff, devoted local patrons, and a kick-back-and-relax atmosphere. Stop in, order a draft and some delicious food, and soak up the relaxed, dive bar vibe.
The Glass Onion
If you are looking for a nice date night dining option, make a reservation at The Glass Onion. With starter options like duck leg confit or lobster strudel, you know you have found a special culinary destination. Entrees follow suit, and deciding is a challenge. The seafood risotto is rich and decadent, as is the prosciutto-wrapped dayboat haddock.
The Glass Onion offers a beautifully curated wine list to accompany their beautifully crafted dishes.
Betsy’s Diner
For a little old-school breakfast dining, head over to Betsy’s Diner. Tuck into a perfectly cooked omelet or some eggs benedict to kick start your day. They offer a wide selection of burgers and dogs to round out the retro menu.
Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream
Visiting the Cape and going out for ice cream are like PB&J: they just go together perfectly. Falmouth has Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings on a beautiful hot summer night. You can go for the classic chocolate, peppermint stick, and chocolate chip flavors or delve into something a little more exotic like banana Oreo, Shark’s Tooth, or chocolate walnut fudge.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer a cone or a cup; we all love a great scoop of ice cream.
Best Hotels In Falmouth
Whether you are seeking that authentic Cape Cod inn, a historic bed and breakfast, or amped-up glamping, you will find lots of unique accommodations in Falmouth to make your trip a total success.
Glamping
Falmouth’s AutoCamp Cape Cod is a wonderful glamping adventure. Stay in a luxury airstream trailer, cabin, or tent for the quintessential camping experience. With all the amenities you could want in a camping adventure, your stay at the AutoCamp will make your Cape Cod nature-filled vacation a dream.
Enjoy a beautiful dinner out at one of Falmouth’s great restaurants then return to your lodging for a starlit campfire and s’mores.
Classic Cape Cod Accommodations
When you stay at The Coonamessett you will enjoy a classic Cape experience. Beautifully decorated in a casual but luxurious style, you will love the elegant but approachable atmosphere. Welcoming outdoor and indoor spaces are perfect for shaking off your workwear and exploring a relaxing, vacation mode visit.
With breakfast included in your stay, you get your day exploring Cape Cod off to a great start.
Relaxing Victorian Bed And Breakfast
You will have a lovely, relaxing stay at the Palmer House Inn. The Victorian décor is elegant and comfy, the perfect respite from a hectic work-a-day life. When you visit the Palmer House Inn, you are transported back to a quieter time where you can unwind.
Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing breakfast on the outdoor deck. The perfect spot for your slow-the-world-down getaway.
Pro Tips: Falmouth is just over the bridge and situated perfectly for a long weekend getaway. With lots to offer visitors, it is also the gateway to exploring the rest of Cape Cod. Read about some other wonderful towns to explore on the Cape — the Best Things To Do In Charming Sandwich, Massachusetts and the Best Things To Do In Beautiful Truro, Massachusetts offer a great start to your Cape Cod exploration vacation.