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The Falmouth Area

The Best Things to do in Falmouth, MA: A Small Guide for Visitors


Section 1: What to See
Section 2: What to Do
Section 3: Where to Eat
Section 4: Where to Stay
Section 5: Getting Around
Section 6: Bonus Points!

The Best Things to do in Falmouth, MA: A Guide for Visitors


Although located on the Upper Cape, Falmouth is the most southerly town on Cape Cod, with beaches bordering both Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, and the warmest swimming waters in the area. Falmouth boasts a vibrant year-round population of 35,000 and a healthy shoulder season of tourism that attracts visitors all year long. Located just an hour and a half from Boston, Falmouth is also known as the primary departure point for ferries to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, which lies just three miles off the coast.


What to See

Waterside seats in Falmouth Harbor Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Falmouth during the off-season is its ability to escape the busy tourist season. The town is a low-key place with sleepy streets and an air of anticipation before the Memorial Day weekend “Festival of Sail.” As the sun sets and the boats sail past the harbor, Falmouth turns into a bustling place, illuminated with hundreds of lights. When visiting in October or November, the air is cool and crisp and the surrounding trees provide an unexpected contrast to the impressive yachts. Lighthouse Museum The lighthouse is the main feature of the adjacent Lighthouse Museum. Built in 1870, this tower is 117 feet high, overlooking Cape Cod Bay. The tower has a spiral staircase that leads up to a spectacular light.


What to Do

Located on the New Hampshire border, the village of Woods Hole is best known as the home of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Founded in 1960 by a group of researchers led by Charles David Keeling, WHOI has transformed the town’s economy by attracting scientists and researchers who use the institution’s diverse range of research facilities and surrounding facilities. Visitors may wish to go on a whale-watching cruise or find a lunch spot near the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s campus when visiting Woods Hole. The restaurant La Rosa serves innovative, flavorful cuisine with a focus on local seafood. For local arts and music fans, go to the Opie Clink, a performance venue that has hosted such artists as Widespread Panic, Ray LaMontagne, and Bob Dylan.


Where to Eat

Just around the corner from the downtown waterfront is a small shop called Koko Head that specializes in "Kosher Sandwich" dishes. Opened just a few weeks ago, Koko Head has already made an impression, thanks to an inviting and inviting atmosphere, each slice of rich, thick buttermilk brown bread fresh from the oven, and the impressive array of house-made bread, including bagels, rye, and challah. Babcock House Restaurant A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, Babcock House is located in one of the town’s original buildings, the 1835 J.H. Leavitt House. There are lots of interesting tales in this old family home, which was built by a sailmaker, who was then traded in by a carpenter to make furniture.


Where to Stay

Chalet Lodge. Chalet Lodge offers comfortable accommodations, tennis courts, a large pool, an oceanfront deck, and a casual atmosphere. The hotel is located close to the harbor and we can reach the dining and shopping areas of Falmouth Village and within ten minutes of most points of interest in town. Sister Hotel Chateau. The sister property to Chalet Lodge, the Chateau is just steps away from the harbor and features just as many amenities as its counterpart. Near the heart of the Village, the property offers lovely rooms, an outdoor pool and restaurant, and four restaurants and bars within walking distance. Where to Eat The Harbor Diner (covardinnhoteel.


Getting Around

Visitors to Falmouth and Buzzards Bay can take the ferry from Hyannis, the closest ferry port to Boston. Private boat tours, fishing charters, and boat tours operate year-round in the channel between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound for those interested in more active options. Back on shore, the town of Falmouth boasts over 15 miles of paved roads, including the 140-year-old Gray Wharf walkway, which runs through historic mill complexes. Falmouth’s neighboring town of Mashpee offers many of the same attractions as its bigger brother on the Cape, but with a bonus of access to restaurants, bars, and boutiques, many of which are located within walking distance of Mashpee Commons shopping mall.


Bonus Points!

There are four golf courses, two parks, and numerous other places to explore within the town limits—not to mention a wealth of dining options in an eclectic mix of established restaurants and charming farm-to-table eateries. Even better, Falmouth is known for being a transportation hub, with the Bourne Bridge connecting Falmouth to the mainland and the Hyannis/Yarmouth Bridge giving access to Martha’s Vineyard. From bus stops to car rentals to restaurants, there are plenty of options for making the most of a quick getaway. Here, we break down a few of the best things to do in Falmouth. The Best Things to do in Falmouth, MA Take in the beaches and water from the Harborwalk and its 4-mile-long path that runs along the shore and up to Middle Roads Beach.

  1. (https://the-heights-hotel.webflow.io/article-categories/the-falmouth-area)
  • Highfield Hall & Gardens (1.9 miles)
  • https://highfieldhallandgardens.org/
  • Woods Hole Science Aquarium (5.7 miles)
  • https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/outreach-and-education/woods-hole-science-aquarium
  • Spohr Gardens (2.3 miles)
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g41565-d2720921-Reviews-Spohr_Gardens-Falmouth_Cape_Cod_Massachusetts.html
  • Cape Cod Winery (2.4 miles)
  • https://capecodwinery.com/
  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (4.1)
  • https://www.whoi.edu/
  • The College Light Opera Company (4.3)
  • http://www.collegelightoperacompany.com/
  • Falmouth Museums on the Green (1.4 miles)
  • https://museumsonthegreen.org/
  • Eight Cousins Bookshop (1.1)
  • https://www.eightcousins.com/
  • The Falmouth Public Library (1.0)
  • http://www.falmouthpubliclibrary.org/
  • Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery (3.6 miles)
  • https://www.badmarthabeer.com/
  • Falmouth Cinema Pub (1.2 miles)
  • http://www.entertainmentcinemas.com/
  • Falmouth Food Tour (
  • https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g41565-d14744113-Reviews-Falmouth_Food_Tour-Falmouth_Cape_Cod_Massachusetts.html
  • Pura Vida Spa (2.9 miles)
  • https://capecodpuravidaspa.com/
  • Aquatic Brewing (.6 miles)
  • https://www.aquaticbrewing.com/home

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