Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Falmouth, MA

  • Published 2023/03/03

Falmouth is a small town in Massachusetts in Cape Cod.

It’s the second-largest municipality in Cape Cod after Barnstable.

It is basically a water town blessed with beautiful natural geography.

Falmouth is home to various attractions worth exploring, including Falmouth Village, Teaticket, and the Woods Hole.

Woods Hole is especially important from an educational point of view, as there are many institutes related to science located here.

Falmouth is also known for its many beautiful beaches.

The climate is humid and wet throughout the year, making it a great place to visit during peak winters.

Here are the best things to do in Falmouth, Massachusetts:

Climb to the Top of the Nobska Lighthouse

Scenic view of Nobska Lighthouse

Doug Lemke / shutterstock.com

Located in the divisions between Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and Vineyard Sound, this prominent building is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Falmouth with a great view.

Established in 1826 and renovated in 1876, this 42-foot-tall tower still stands strong.

Due to its historical and cultural importance, the Nobska Lighthouse found a place for itself on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Far view of Nobska Lighthouse

ShoreTie / Shutterstock.com

The entire building is made of iron, and there are four buildings located inside the expansive lighthouse area.

Each piece of architecture is unique and extremely marvelous to look at.

One of the lighthouse’s interesting and intricate features is its spiral stairway, which will remind you of the staircase mentioned in Inferno, the famous Dan Brown book.

Bring Your Bike to the Shining Sea Bikeway

Waters beside Shining Sea Bikeway

NayaDadara / shutterstock.com

This humungous 10.7-mile bikeway is an excellent spot for biking and hiking enthusiasts.

Originally a rail trail, it starts from the steamship authority and leads up to its terminal at Woods Hole.

Other outdoor sports that can be enjoyed also include horseback riding and rollerblading, the latter of which is popular among kids.

So, don’t forget to pack your skates if you’re going on a family trip.

A person riding a bike along Shining Sea Bikeway

NayaDadara / Shutterstock.com

Cross country skiers also throng this place during the peak seasons.

The trail itself is easy and can be achieved by beginners as well and remains open throughout the year.

It’s a paved surface, so you need not worry about having dirt roads or hiking through the mud.

Do be aware of the poison ivy growing and the deer ticks, which can be vectors for some diseases.

The road of Shining Sea Bikeway

John Phelan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go Fishing at Falmouth Beach

Waves crashing on Falmouth Beach's shore

NayaDadara / Shutterstock.com

Falmouth Beach is one of the many beautiful beaches in Falmouth.

With a variety of species of cods and other fishes swimming about, it makes for the perfect spot for fishing and spending a lazy morning.

Rocky shore of Falmouth Beach

NayaDadara / Shutterstock.com

Most tourists that visit say the most interesting aspects of this beach are its cleanliness and clear water.

Since the water level is not very high, you can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters followed by a nice lunch with your family.

Look at Nautical Artifacts at Spohr Gardens

This kid-friendly place is a great place to visit if you want to teach your children about ships and other nautical equipment.

It is free to visit and houses a variety of artifacts and other equipment like anchors and several ships.

Interesting tidbits of information are written alongside like a backstory near each of the showpieces on display.

It is also very beautiful when you visit during the springtime, since the flowers are in full bloom near the waters.

This area will have a very calming and peaceful effect on your mind, making it a great spot to visit if you happen to be traveling solo.

Hence, this historic seascape is the perfect retreat after a long day of shopping or going for outdoor adventures.

See the Gorgeous Sunset at Old Silver Beach

People at the Old Silver Beach

Michael Sean OLeary / shutterstock.com

Old Silver Beach is one of the best Cape Cod beaches and the most popular one in Falmouth.

Sunrises have always been enchanting, but watching them on a beach is one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences that you can have.

If you’re going on a date night and plan to spend a romantic getaway together, then schedule a night at this beach and stay awake till the morning to enjoy a pristine sunrise.

The waters of Old Silver Beach

Clementine Harvey / Shutterstock.com

There’s no need to worry about safety, as there are trained lifeguards on duty to prevent any hazards.

The amenities are good and posh, and there are clean public restrooms available.

There is also a delicious snack serving area, which serves some authentic and typical fast food like fries and burgers.

Since seafood is the main food of the locals, do try some of the fried seafood dishes that are available on the beach.

These are all made with fresh and locally caught fish.

Plants and trees surrounding Old Silver Beach

Michael Sean OLeary / Shutterstock.com

Have a Romantic Date Night at Cape Cod Winery

Plantation of Cape Cod Winery

SydneyElizabeth / shutterstock.com

One of the best ways to have a date night with your better half is to visit a winery.

Taste a range of delectable wines at the famous Cape Cod Winery, which is frequented by locals and tourists alike.

There are a wide variety of wines to choose from, and they’re all made and brewed at this place itself.

There is also a side menu consisting of cheese and salami and crackers that you can have with your choice of wine.

The outdoor seating is lovely and quaint, making for a great spot to dine.

Join a Walking Tour at the Woods Hole Historical Museum

This beautiful Woods Hole Historical Museum focuses on marine life and sea life.

It also places a particular emphasis on the local history of this area.

There are various artifacts on display that provide an overview of the history of Woods Hole and its rich heritage.

The guides are also very friendly and provide great tidbits of information.

In case you are in a hurry, they can also tailor the tour according to your needs.

There is also an intricate boat museum housing a variety of boats.

The museum features a recreated hobby workshop space where you can try some fun stuff.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Marsh at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Adam Gladstone / shutterstock.com

The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses a lot of marine space, including open water, marshlands, and barrier beaches.

This is a famous reserve situated in the joint area of Falmouth and Mashpee.

It is maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

It is thus a very important reserve for the government and also has a rich history.

It allows a variety of activities, including restricted hunting, which is a relatively eccentric sport.

Other than this, there are opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, boating, camping, and fishing.

The reserve encompasses a variety of different geographical points, including salt ponds and freshwater ponds where a variety of marine species can be seen.

Some other artifacts that can be seen at the museum are hammer flakes and shell middens, some of which date as far back as a thousand years.

See the Loveliest Sunsets at Chapoquoit Beach

Gorgeous sunset over Chapoquoit Beach

NayaDadara / shutterstock.com

The beautiful Chapoquoit Beach is one of many names on the long list of famous beaches in Falmouth.

With pristine blue waters and white sand, it’s the perfect backdrop for an Instagram picture or an aesthetic snap.

The sunsets are extremely beautiful to look at, so make sure that you get to see one when you visit.

There is no seaweed crowding about in the water, so it makes the clear water look even more beautiful.

Water waves of Chapoquoit Beach

NayaDadara / Shutterstock.com

Another special geographical feature is the sand dunes spread all around the beach.

There are also a variety of quartz rocks near the shores, too.

For visitors looking for a little adrenaline rush, they can also try paddling here.

You’re also welcome to go on a swim in the clear blue waters.

Spend Some Quiet Time at The Knob

Sunset over The Knob

Katkami / shutterstock.com

The Knob is a walkway set among many surrounding beaches.

There are rocks all around it, where people like to spend some peaceful time with their family or loved ones.

Scenic view of The Knob

NayaDadara / Shutterstock.com

A walking path is spread over an area of one mile, with woods and vegetation on its sides.

The Knob offers scenic postcard views of Buzzards Bay and is also where you can catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset.

The parking is free and near the harbor.

Swing Your Clubs at Falmouth Country Club

To make the most of your weekend in Falmouth, reserve tee times at Falmouth Country Club for some golf game.

Located near the Atlantic coast, cranberry bogs, and everything else that makes Cape Cod special, this public golf course is open.

For your golfing pleasure, they have two golf courses to choose from.

If you just have time for a fast nine-hole play, the Osprey Course is the way to go, as is the nine-hole Talon Course.

Because Audubon International has classified the club as a Cooperative Sanctuary, you may rest assured that they take excellent care of the course and the local wildlife.

Gaze at Marine Life at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium

Exterior of Woods Hole Science Aquarium

Vejlenser, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sealife has always fascinated humans, and there are various creatures that roam around in the blue waters that continue to amaze people.

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a government-owned property and is run by the National Marine Fisheries Services and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

This remarkable place may be small in size, but it conserves a huge amount of species, with as many as 140 types of marine life creatures residing here.

Not only fishes but invertebrates are also on display in the aquarium’s indoor tanks.

There’s also an outdoor area that was created just for the seals, and you can head there to visit and look at them.

Sea turtles, which get washed ashore, are rescued and rehabilitated at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium.

However, visitors are not able to look at them since they are not open to the public.

That said, the aquarium is a great conservation center as well.

Despite that there are some animals you won’t be able to see, you can still witness a wide variety of beautiful species like the ocean pout, sea robin, and the harbor seal.

Visit Connamessett Farm

Ronald Smolowitz founded Coonamessett Farm, a 20-acre farm, in 1989.

It’s safe to say that the farm has become an essential part of life in Falmouth lately.

The farm is an integral part of the community and gives locals and tourists alike an opportunity to experience what life is like on a farm.

It’s a place where everyone can enjoy the farm’s splendor, pick their own veggies and berries, and observe farm animals.

The farm has a cafe, a bakery, and an alpaca-clothing shop.

Enjoy everything that it has to offer!

Visit the farm stands and gift store, or have a nice lunch beneath a shaded canopy as you choose your own vegetables!

Tour the Highfield Hall and Gardens

Stickwood sculpture on the grounds of Highfield Hall and Gardens

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com

Falmouth’s Highfield Hall and Gardens is a lovely surprise.

An active cultural center has taken up residence at the Beebe family estate, dating back to 1878.

A wide variety of programs are available to residents and guests.

Tour the house and grounds on foot with a knowledgeable guide.

As you tour the settings, you may take a minute to reflect on the ever-changing art exhibits.

These lectures range from yoga and meditation workshops to scientific presentations to cooking demonstrations.

Savor an Ice Cream at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium

What’s a vacation without indulging in sweet treats?

The magnificent Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium offers a variety of ice cream and chocolates for you to choose from.

One of their specialties is their lobster ice cream, which is an ode to the marine life and lobsters of Cape Cod.

The ice cream is made with real lobster, although it’s only available seasonally.

If it happens to be available when you visit, make sure that you try out this rare ice cream flavor.

There are also a variety of chocolate flavors for you to choose from, so go and savor some delectable, sweet delights.

Have a Karaoke Night at Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub

Irish pubs are popularly known for their great music and live karaoke nights.

Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub offers both these things, along with a fun trivia night.

The pub is located just on the main street, which is a prime spot in Falmouth.

Their beer flow is awesome and rampant throughout the night.

Get a glass of beer and enjoy some live music while soothing your frayed nerves.

Relax with Your Friends at the Quahog Republic

There is a diving-themed bar called the Quahog Republic in Falmouth.

Because it’s not a high-end pub, everyone feels at home here, no matter where they come from.

There’s a lobster roll here that’s one of the greatest on the Cape.

Its lobster sandwich is out of this world.

If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere, pleasant staff, and loyal customers, this is the place to go.

Stop in for a cold drink and some tasty bar fare, and take in the laid-back atmosphere.

Discover Local History at the Falmouth Museums on the Green

You’ll discover more of the town’s rich history at Falmouth Museums on the Green.

The home of the Falmouth Historical Society, this attraction is found on Palmer Avenue and welcomes guests from Tuesday to Friday.

The museum aims to provide educational programs to the public to preserve and share Falmouth’s Cape Cod culture.

Learn about the town’s industries by taking a peek at the “Falmouth: Changing with the Times” exhibit inside the Conant House.

See how different industries from sea trade, tourism, and farming, to highlights of the military and civic services, helped shape the town.

View an antique 19th-century telescope and octant or the Commodore Morris model, an 1841 whaleship that was built in Woods Hole.

You’ll also find other artifacts like a 1928 gavel used by the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, a 1939 jukebox, and an old lifeboat fixture taken from the Liner Andrea Doria that sank in the Nantucket area in 1956.

Don’t miss dropping by the tree where a cannonball embedded in a tree was believed to be fired by the British HMS Nimrod during the 1812 War.

Likewise, view the displays at “Cash, Credit, or Eels: Shopping Local in the 1820s” inside Hallett Barn; you’ll see various items like old transaction documents, a wax stamp, wooden tankard, barrel or keg tap, and assorted antique tools, banknotes, butter churn, and butter presses.

You can also join the Falmouth Museums on the Green scheduled events and activities for more learning experiences.

Come and Visit the Falmouth Public Library

Looking for a good read while you’re in town? Then, drop by the Falmouth Public Library located on Main Street.

The library has been around since 1891 housing an extensive collection of books and library records dating back to the 1790s by the Falmouth Library Society.

Locals and guests are welcome to browse books, join free programs, and use other library services like public computers, printing, and free wifi.

Aside from enjoying the books, you can also check out some exhibits like the Ships Logs Collection which features original whaling ships logs from earlier eras.

Likewise, you’ll see historic maps and documents and antique postcards by The Anita Gunning Postcard Collection and The Robert C. Hunt Jr. Postcard Collection.

You’ll have a worthwhile visit to the Falmouth Public Library.

Grab Some Beers at Aquatic Brewing

Hang out with your friends or meet new ones at Aquatic Brewing.

This local beer spot is just around Main Street and is open from Thursday to Sunday.

Visit their taproom and enjoy ice-cold beers and light snacks served from the bar; they have rotating food items available throughout the week.

You can also buy and bring your own food from local restaurants around town.

They also have weekly events like Trivia on Thursdays and the 5k Fun Run on Sundays with no registration required.

Likewise, you can bring along your friendly pets on a leash for some company, too.

Beer drafts by Aquatic Brewing are also available at Water Street Kitchen in Woods Hole, Finn’s in Hyannis, and both Quahog Republic and Tiger Ramen in Falmouth.

Get the Best Local Produce at Falmouth Farmers Market

Buy and taste all things local at Falmouth Farmers Market.

This annual market runs from May and October and is held at Marine Park on Scranton Avenue; you’ll also enjoy the view of Falmouth Harbor while you shop.

Since 2008, it has grown to promote more local produce and products that locals and visitors enjoy.

Drop by every Thursday from noon to late afternoon and you’ll find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, artisan cheeses, eggs, and so much more.

You can also purchase farm-raised meats, local fish, and baked goods like breads and pies along with assorted herbs and pasta.

Falmouth Farmers Market also features farm produce from around Buzzards Bay and the southeastern Massachusetts area.

Enjoy the Arts Alive Festival Attractions

If you’re hopping to town in June, you can catch the happenings at the annual Arts Alive Festival.

Join locals on the Falmouth Public Library Lawn, located right on Main Street and Peg Noonan Park, for a weekend of fun, food, and entertainment.

This three-day weekend celebration is hosted by ArtsFalmouth which aims to promote the arts and culture in the Falmouth area; more so, it also includes the town’s Father’s Day, Juneteenth, and Pride Month celebrations.

Bring your family to this free event and find over 60 craftsmen and artisans showcasing their handmade creations.

Watch a variety of featured live music, dance numbers, spoken word performances, and theater shows.

Little ones will also have loads of fun with kids’ activities like face painting, art demos, and more.

And of course, you’ll surely enjoy lines of lobster rolls, hot dogs, shortcakes, and assorted food items at the Arts Alive Festival.

Make a Coffee Stop at Coffee Obsession

Havea cup of good coffee andappreciatesome local artwork atCoffee Obsession.

They’re located at Palmer Avenue and have another location on Woods Hole.

This coffee shop has been around since 1992 serving specialty coffee beverages in a warm and welcoming setting.

Around the shop, you’ll find several artworks on display made by Falmouth’s local artists.

You’ll enjoy and appreciate the artistry while sipping a warm latte or maybe a Decaf House and Mexico.

You can also go for medium-flavored Peru, or perk up your day with a dark French or Midnight Rebel brew.

Before you leave, get some cool Coffee Obsession merchandise like t-shirts, cards, coffee and travel mugs, hydro flasks, local art pieces, and literature.

Sweat It Out at Fitness Directions

Burn those calories and release some energy at Fitness Directions.

This premiere gym facility is located on Falmouth Heights Road.

Consistently named ‘Best of Cape Cod’ since 2012, you’ll have great workout sessions led and directed by the best trainers in the area.

They offer different classes like Pilates Fusion, Barre, Spinning, Circuit Training, Total Conditioning, Fit Camp, Cardio Sculpt, and HIIT.

You can also join small group training or opt for the Open Studio where you can access the main and garage classroom and use the equipment you need for your workout.

If you’re looking to improve your overall health and well-being, you can book an appointment for Nutritional Counselling.

Fitness Directions also offers private workout events if you want to try something different on your birthday or party, or do something just for fun.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Take a Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard

Aerial view of Martha's Vineyard

CJ Larsen / shutterstock.com

One of the many touristy things that you can also do when visiting Falmouth is to go on a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, another beautiful place to see in Massachusetts.

A 35-minute ferry will take you from the town to the famous island.

You can also carry your own vehicle on the ferry by asking for special permission from the local authorities.

Cruising to Martha's Vineyard

Michael Sean OLeary / Shutterstock.com

While in Martha’s Vineyard, you can head to a variety of places like Edgartown, Oak Bluff, or the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah.

For those wanting to partake in all of these activities, you can also opt for a bus tour or a biking tour.

If you’re interested in enjoying all that Martha’s Vineyard has to offer, you also have the option to spend at least one night here.

Edgartown houses at Martha's Vineyard

Joaquin Ossorio Castillo / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for something active to do or a peaceful place to relax, Falmouth has it all.

Visiting Falmouth, Massachusetts, for a long leisurely weekend should be on your travel bucket list.

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