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Cape Cod is known to be one of the top places to vacation in New England. Roughly an hour and a half drive from the city of Boston, “The Cape” is a great place to relax, read a book at the beach, and indulge in some ice cream. Below I am highlighting some of my favorite places in the town of Falmouth, a place where I have been fortunate enough to call home.
How to Get There
By Car
The easiest way to get to Falmouth is by car. Simply plug in the address of your final destination into your GPS and go! However, if you are driving down during the summer there are a few things you should know. First, the traffic on Fridays and Saturdays can be brutal! In order to get to Cape Cod by car you have to cross over one of two bridges, the Bourne Bridge or the Sagamore Bridge. If someone tells you to look for a tunnel, laugh! There is no such thing and yet many tourists fall for the trick. If you are traveling during peak hours, be prepared to sit in traffic.
Local tip: If you are crossing over the Bourne Bridge, try to drive in the far right lane. Often that lane tends to move faster than the others because many people end up getting off at the exit right before the bridge.
By Bus
Another way to get to Falmouth is by bus. The Peter Pan bus line will take you right from the city of Boston to Falmouth Main Street. Tickets are roughly $31 one way and you can find the bus schedule here.
Where to Stay
Hotels
There are lots of charming places to stay in Falmouth, including a few luxurious hotels and inns! I have listed some of my favorites below.
Inn on the Sound – Located in the Falmouth Heights, the Inn on the Sound offers guests a view of the ocean and Martha’s Vineyard. The rooms are decorated with a Cape Cod beachy feel. If you are looking to cook during your trip, they hotel has rooms with your own mini kitchen. The hotel is within walking distance to the Island Queen ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and popular restaurants such as the British Beer Company and Soprano’s Casino by the Sea.
Beachside Village Resort – A great place to stay if you have children! Located across the street from Surf Drive Beach, the Beachside Village Resort also offers views of the ocean and Martha’s Vineyard but also includes a pool and swing-set. The hotel is also walking distance to Falmouth Main Street and the bike trail to Woods Hole.
Sea Crest Beach Hotel – Located in North Falmouth, the Sea Crest Beach Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Falmouth. Located on Old Silver Beach, the hotel offers guests a private outdoor pool, beach chairs and loungers, as well as an outdoor pool bar. There is also a waterspouts desk located nearby where you can rent sailboats, ocean floats, and more!
Airbnb
If you are looking for a home away from home during your vacation, Airbnb has some great options! You can check out this 3 bedroom home for rent right by the Heights Beach or this slightly cheaper option that comfortably sleeps 4 guests.
What to Do
Hit the Beach
You can’t go wrong with a day at the beach! Bring a beach chair, a towel, and your current novel to set up your spot to spend the day. Just don’t forget to bring sunblock or an umbrella – the last thing you need on your vacation is a sunburn.
If you are looking for recommendations, my favorite beaches are Old Silver, Surf Drive, the Heights, and Woodneck. Just note that you may need a parking sticker in order to go. You can find more information about obtaining a visitor’s sticker here.
Take a Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
If you are spending more than a night in Falmouth I highly recommend visiting Martha’s Vineyard! “The Vineyard” is just a quick 20-30 minute ferry ride from Falmouth and under $20 round trip. The Island Queen will drop you off in Oak Bluffs where you can explore the Gingerbread houses, pick up some of the famous Murdick’s fudge, and rent a bicycle to tour around the island.
For more details on planning your trip to Martha’s Vineyard, check out this guide.
Explore Hiking Trails
Bebe Woods – If you are looking for long, woodsy trails to run or walk your dog, look no further than Bebe Woods. There are many trail paths to explore and get your nature fix.
The Knob – The Knob is one of Falmouth’s best kept secrets! Located near Quissett Harbor, the Knob offers sandy beaches as well as a woodsy hiking trail to a romantic sunset lookout point. There is no beach sticker required, but there is limited parking.
Sphor Garden – While this is not necessarily a hiking trail, it is a beautiful spot to explore! I highly recommend visiting in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.
Check Out the Shopping
Falmouth Main Street – If you are looking to do some shopping during your trip, add Main Street to your list! The charming Cape Cod street offers a wide variety of clothing stores, book stores, restaurants, and even dessert shops to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Mashpee Commons – Mashpee Commons is an outdoor mall with many popular stores! Roughly a 20 minute drive from the center of Falmouth, Mashpee includes popular Cape Cod stores such as The Black Dog, Lily Pulitzer, and Vineyard Vines.
Play Mini Golf
If you are looking for an outdoor activity to entertain children, check out this mini golf place in Cataumet. They also have a space for bumper boats and delicious ice cream!
Visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Another great activity for children is the Woods Hole Aquarium. Open Monday- Friday from 11 am- 4 pm, the aquarium displays over 140 different marine species and even offers touch tanks where you can “pet” small fish, shells, and crabs.
Take a Sunset Sail on the Liberte
One of my favorite activities in Falmouth! Get a group of friends together and buy tickets to take a sunset cruise through the Vineyard Sound. While the boat does not offer food, you are allowed to bring your own snacks and they do have beverages that you can purchase. It is a great way to spend 2 hours with friends and family.
Catch a Baseball Game
Cape Cod is known for being one of the top baseball leagues in the area. The league’s alumni include many players who have gone on to the pros, making them interesting games to watch! And best of all, it is free to attend!
Visit Nobska Lighthouse
One of my favorite drives in Falmouth is the drive from Surf Drive Beach to Nobska Lighthouse. The windy road takes you along the ocean and gives you a view of Martha’s Vineyard and the surrounding islands. If you have time, stop along the drive to check out the lighthouse. There are a few trails across the street that will lead you down to the ocean.
Take a Ride on a Holiday Cycle
One of the most unique ways to spend an afternoon on the Cape is to rent a holiday cycle. Holiday cycles are unique bicycles for 2-4 people to pedal around town. You don’t need to reserve a bike in advance, often you can rent one right on the spot! For more information, check out their Facebook page here.
Pick Some Blueberries at the Coonamessett Farm
If you love fresh fruit, take a trip to the Coonamessett Farm to pick your own berries right from the source! You can wander around their 20 acre farm and visit the lamas. To check which fruits are in season, visit this link.
Bike the Shining Sea Bikeway
The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7 mile trail through Falmouth. It starts in Woods Hole and brings you all the way to North Falmouth. Even if you do not have an interest in biking the whole trail, it is worth exploring. Park your car in one of the bikeway parking lots near Surf Drive Beach and walk the trail along the water all the way to Woods Hole.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
Rory’s Market – One of my favorite places to get breakfast is at the juice bar at Rory’s Market in Mashpee Commons. Offering freshly made juices, Acai bowls, and breakfast sandwiches, Rory’s is a great, healthy choice to start off the day.
Betsy’s Diner – Betsy’s Diner has a retro diner vibe, complete with juke boxes on the tables. Located on Main Street, it is worth a trip! You will find the menu offers traditional American foods such as pancakes, burgers, and omelette. For those looking for a healthy option, they have salads and gluten free options available.
Lunch
The Flying Bridge Restaurant – The Flying Bridge is an upscale restaurant located on Falmouth Harbor. It is the perfect place to sit outside and watch the boats drive by. I also recommend splurging and trying their onion rings- they are a favorite in my family!
Jim’s Clam Shack – This is a must for seafood lovers! Located at the entrance to Falmouth Harbor, Jim’s has delicious takeaway seafood options that you can eat at one of their outdoor picnic tables. Their lobster rolls come highly recommended!
Martha’s – For those looking for a healthy option, I highly recommend adding Martha’s to your list! Martha’s is an over-the-counter takeaway restaurant with many delicious options. They have everything from breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, burgers, salads, and baked goods. You can check out their full menu here.
Dinner
Anejo Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar – Located on Falmouth Main Street, Anejo is one of the more popular dining options. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining. I highly recommend trying one of their infamous margaritas or their custom made guacamole. They make the guac fresh right at your table!
Estia – Even though it is one of the newer restaurants in Falmouth, Estia often has a line out the door. The restaurant serves a Greek menu with really delicious veggie wraps. They often have live music and outdoor seating around a fire pit.
The Landfall – Located on the water in Woods Hole, the landfall is a staple of Falmouth. It is also one of the best places to go for seafood!
Drinks
The Chart Room – If you are looking for a fun, social place to spend your weekend days outside, I recommend visiting the Chart Room. While it does offer indoor dining, the Chart Room is most known for their large, outdoor seating area overlooking the water and their mudslides.
The Boat House – Located at the end of Falmouth Harbor, the Boathouse is another popular spot to grab a few drinks on the deck. Whether you are looking to day drink or dance to live music at night, the Boathouse should be on your list if you are looking for a night out in Falmouth.
Cape Cod Winery – A great place to gather a few girlfriends and sample some wine flights.
Dessert
Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium – Ben & Bill’s is a go to sweet shop on Falmouth Main Street. The store typically has a line out the door but is well worth the wait. Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade chocolates, saltwater taffy, and an assortment of ice creams.
Ghelfi’s Candies of Cape Cod – Down the street from Ben & Bill’s is Ghelfi’s. Fill a bag full of gummy candies or indulge in some of their homemade fudge.
Smitty’s – Smitty’s is one of my favorite ice cream shops in Falmouth! The shop offers many different flavors, including my go-to mint Oreo. Order inside before taking your ice cream to one of the many picnic tables to enjoy. But just a head’s up, they only take cash.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to save it on Pinterest to refer back to later. And be sure to check out my other New England travel guide, currently featuring itineraries to Martha’s Vineyard, Western Massachusetts, and Chatham.
