Shannon's Falmouth Guidebook

Shannon
Shannon's Falmouth Guidebook

Beaches

Surf Drive Beach is a large, sandy public beach. It's the closest beach access to the house, easily reachable by bicycle or a longer walk. There's also public parking.
25 locals recommend
Surf Drive Beach
25 locals recommend
Surf Drive Beach is a large, sandy public beach. It's the closest beach access to the house, easily reachable by bicycle or a longer walk. There's also public parking.
Old Silver is a large public beach facing Buzzards Bay. Parking is $30/day. 296 Quaker Road, North Falmouth.
42 locals recommend
Old Silver Beach
296 Quaker Rd
42 locals recommend
Old Silver is a large public beach facing Buzzards Bay. Parking is $30/day. 296 Quaker Road, North Falmouth.
663 Menauhant Road, East Falmouth. Parking is $20/day.
35 locals recommend
Menauhant Beach
35 locals recommend
663 Menauhant Road, East Falmouth. Parking is $20/day.
Public/state beach with parking at $40/day for non-MA residents or $15/day for MA residents. Good beach for families/kids. https://www.mass.gov/locations/south-cape-beach-state-park
55 locals recommend
South Cape Beach State Park
668 Great Oak Rd
55 locals recommend
Public/state beach with parking at $40/day for non-MA residents or $15/day for MA residents. Good beach for families/kids. https://www.mass.gov/locations/south-cape-beach-state-park
I hear families love Woodneck because kids enjoy exploring the small pools and critters along shore. Woodneck requires a sticker to park here between 9-5.
11 locals recommend
Woodneck Beach
11 locals recommend
I hear families love Woodneck because kids enjoy exploring the small pools and critters along shore. Woodneck requires a sticker to park here between 9-5.
Among the Cape's most scenic spots!
124 locals recommend
Cape Cod National Seashore
99 Marconi Site Road
124 locals recommend
Among the Cape's most scenic spots!

Food scene

I recommend Landfall for drinks with a view! Sit on the back dock with a cocktail and watch the sunset.
55 locals recommend
Landfall Restaurant
9 Luscombe Ave
55 locals recommend
I recommend Landfall for drinks with a view! Sit on the back dock with a cocktail and watch the sunset.
Estia is a spacious Greek restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Try the grilled octopus!
38 locals recommend
Estia Falmouth
117 Main St
38 locals recommend
Estia is a spacious Greek restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Try the grilled octopus!
Reservations are highly recommended! Seasonal ingredients, fresh, interesting menu. Small, cozy atmosphere on the water in Woods Hole. Everything here is delicious, you won't be disappointed.
34 locals recommend
Water Street Kitchen
56 Water St
34 locals recommend
Reservations are highly recommended! Seasonal ingredients, fresh, interesting menu. Small, cozy atmosphere on the water in Woods Hole. Everything here is delicious, you won't be disappointed.
Liam's is an Irish pub with great drinks, hearty food, and plenty of seating. Typically live music on weekends at night.
49 locals recommend
Liam Maguire's Irish Pub
273 Main St
49 locals recommend
Liam's is an Irish pub with great drinks, hearty food, and plenty of seating. Typically live music on weekends at night.
The Quarterdeck is a long-time Falmouth staple known for seafood and steaks.
35 locals recommend
Quarterdeck
164 Main St
35 locals recommend
The Quarterdeck is a long-time Falmouth staple known for seafood and steaks.
Classic Cape seafood with a view! Right on Falmouth Harbor, lots of outdoor seating.
50 locals recommend
Flying Bridge Restaurant
220 Scranton Ave
50 locals recommend
Classic Cape seafood with a view! Right on Falmouth Harbor, lots of outdoor seating.
Serves breakfast until 10 AM. Delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, and smoothies. Order to-go and eat on the library lawn just across the street. Lots of gluten-free and vegan options, too.
6 locals recommend
Devour
352 Main St
6 locals recommend
Serves breakfast until 10 AM. Delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, and smoothies. Order to-go and eat on the library lawn just across the street. Lots of gluten-free and vegan options, too.
Wicked n' Wood is a food truck open Thursday-Sunday. Excellent BBQ ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, etc. Order by the pound or try one of their sandwiches. Check their Facebook page before going because their hours sometimes shift.
Wicked N' Wood BBQ & Wood Grill
383 East Falmouth Highway
Wicked n' Wood is a food truck open Thursday-Sunday. Excellent BBQ ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, etc. Order by the pound or try one of their sandwiches. Check their Facebook page before going because their hours sometimes shift.
Arrive early! This place gets busy. Interesting and wholesome breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes.
40 locals recommend
Pickle Jar Kitchen
170 Main St
40 locals recommend
Arrive early! This place gets busy. Interesting and wholesome breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes.
Brewery in East Falmouth with spacious indoor and outdoor seating. They often have events (trivia, music) so check their website or Facebook.
43 locals recommend
Bad Martha Farmer's Brewery
876 E Falmouth Hwy
43 locals recommend
Brewery in East Falmouth with spacious indoor and outdoor seating. They often have events (trivia, music) so check their website or Facebook.
Our favorite ice cream spot. Homemade ice cream, fresh homemade waffle cones, delicious whipped cream! Lots of outdoor seating on the lawn.
33 locals recommend
Smitty's Homemade Ice Cream
326 E Falmouth Hwy
33 locals recommend
Our favorite ice cream spot. Homemade ice cream, fresh homemade waffle cones, delicious whipped cream! Lots of outdoor seating on the lawn.
A go-to spot for seafood! Arrive early and be prepared to wait, this place is often busy but worthwhile.
87 locals recommend
Lobster Trap Restaurant
290 Shore Rd
87 locals recommend
A go-to spot for seafood! Arrive early and be prepared to wait, this place is often busy but worthwhile.

Sightseeing

Nobska Lighthouse is a beautiful lookout point. Tours are offered occasionally throughout the year, but I've never been inside. This is another good spot to see the sunset.
85 locals recommend
Nobska Point Lighthouse
233 Nobska Rd
85 locals recommend
Nobska Lighthouse is a beautiful lookout point. Tours are offered occasionally throughout the year, but I've never been inside. This is another good spot to see the sunset.
This is a great spot to watch the sunset, but parking is limited so arrive early!
95 locals recommend
The Knob
95 locals recommend
This is a great spot to watch the sunset, but parking is limited so arrive early!
The Shining Sea Bikeway runs from Woods Hole to North Falmouth. From the cottage, you can access the Bikeway (by foot or bike), by turning left out of the driveway, and then left onto Jones Rd. Continue along the sidewalk and go straight at the light. Just up the hill, you'll cross the bike path. Go left to travel towards Woods Hole and go right to travel toward North Falmouth. There is also a nearby parking lot on Locust St. just off of Palmer Ave. More information and a map can be found here: https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/shining-sea-bikeway/
48 locals recommend
Shining Sea Bikeway
Shining Sea Bikeway
48 locals recommend
The Shining Sea Bikeway runs from Woods Hole to North Falmouth. From the cottage, you can access the Bikeway (by foot or bike), by turning left out of the driveway, and then left onto Jones Rd. Continue along the sidewalk and go straight at the light. Just up the hill, you'll cross the bike path. Go left to travel towards Woods Hole and go right to travel toward North Falmouth. There is also a nearby parking lot on Locust St. just off of Palmer Ave. More information and a map can be found here: https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/shining-sea-bikeway/
Goodwill Park has a playground, grilling areas and picnic tables, and a freshwater pond for swimming. There's a also a large loop that makes for a nice day hike. https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/goodwill-park/
13 locals recommend
Goodwill Park
416 Gifford St
13 locals recommend
Goodwill Park has a playground, grilling areas and picnic tables, and a freshwater pond for swimming. There's a also a large loop that makes for a nice day hike. https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/goodwill-park/

Things to Do

Bicycle rentals! Conveniently located near the Shining Sea Bikeway.
20 locals recommend
Corner Cycle
115 Palmer Ave
20 locals recommend
Bicycle rentals! Conveniently located near the Shining Sea Bikeway.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals and day tours. 802 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne. Phone: (508) 563-9377. https://www.capecodkayak.com/
Cape Cod Kayak
802 MacArthur Blvd
Kayak and paddleboard rentals and day tours. 802 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne. Phone: (508) 563-9377. https://www.capecodkayak.com/
Rideaway has locations in Sandwich and Mashpee. They offer kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours. Phone: (508) 247-0827. https://rideawayadventures.com/
23 locals recommend
Rideaway Adventures
449 MA-6A
23 locals recommend
Rideaway has locations in Sandwich and Mashpee. They offer kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours. Phone: (508) 247-0827. https://rideawayadventures.com/
Take a day trip over to the Vineyard! The Steamship Authority Ferry departs from Woods Hole. Visit https://www.steamshipauthority.com/ for schedules. Note there is no ferry parking in Woods Hole. We recommend taking an Uber to/from Woods Hole if you plan to travel by ferry to the Vineyard for the day. Or, you can also walk to the Ferry Parking lot on Palmer Ave and hop on one of the buses down to Woods Hole.
102 locals recommend
Martha's Vineyard
102 locals recommend
Take a day trip over to the Vineyard! The Steamship Authority Ferry departs from Woods Hole. Visit https://www.steamshipauthority.com/ for schedules. Note there is no ferry parking in Woods Hole. We recommend taking an Uber to/from Woods Hole if you plan to travel by ferry to the Vineyard for the day. Or, you can also walk to the Ferry Parking lot on Palmer Ave and hop on one of the buses down to Woods Hole.
Offers tours of the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory!
37 locals recommend
Cape Cod Potato Chips
100 Breeds Hill Rd
37 locals recommend
Offers tours of the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory!
If you're at all familiar with Edward Gorey, don't miss this quirky little museum dedicated to the author/illustrator.
24 locals recommend
Edward Gorey House
8 Strawberry Ln
24 locals recommend
If you're at all familiar with Edward Gorey, don't miss this quirky little museum dedicated to the author/illustrator.
One of several places on Cape to catch a whale watching tour!
118 locals recommend
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
269 Millway
118 locals recommend
One of several places on Cape to catch a whale watching tour!
Popular spot for families with kids.
111 locals recommend
Whydah Pirate Museum
674 MA-28
111 locals recommend
Popular spot for families with kids.
Beebe Woods consists of a number of intertwining trails that go around Highfield Hall and to Peterson's Farm. Stop by the farm and see if they have baby sheep!
37 locals recommend
Beebe Woods
56 Highfield Dr
37 locals recommend
Beebe Woods consists of a number of intertwining trails that go around Highfield Hall and to Peterson's Farm. Stop by the farm and see if they have baby sheep!
Coonamessett is a good spot to visit for families with kids. They have a farm stand, pick-your-own, goats and alpacas :) They also offer Jamaican buffet nights on Wednesdays.
26 locals recommend
Coonamessett Farm
98-2 Coonamessett Farm Rd
26 locals recommend
Coonamessett is a good spot to visit for families with kids. They have a farm stand, pick-your-own, goats and alpacas :) They also offer Jamaican buffet nights on Wednesdays.
Beautiful place to take a walk outdoors and explore the gardens. Also has indoor exhibits of antique cars and an indoor carousel. Family-friendly.
170 locals recommend
Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove St
170 locals recommend
Beautiful place to take a walk outdoors and explore the gardens. Also has indoor exhibits of antique cars and an indoor carousel. Family-friendly.
Small but nice aquarium right in Woods Hole. Primarily indoors, except for the seals, which are outdoors. Strollers are not allowed. Family-friendly.
69 locals recommend
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
166 Water St
69 locals recommend
Small but nice aquarium right in Woods Hole. Primarily indoors, except for the seals, which are outdoors. Strollers are not allowed. Family-friendly.
Offers pick-your-own fruit and flowers. Right in Falmouth. Family-friendly.
Tony Andrews Farm
394 Old Meeting House Rd
Offers pick-your-own fruit and flowers. Right in Falmouth. Family-friendly.

Neighborhoods

Woods Hole is a village within Falmouth, known for its scientific research institutions and as the launching point to Martha's Vineyard. Tours of the institutions (e.g. WHOI) are open to the public, or just walk around the village to check out shops, restaurants, and the views! In late July, check out the Woods Hole Film Festival.
77 locals recommend
Woods Hole
77 locals recommend
Woods Hole is a village within Falmouth, known for its scientific research institutions and as the launching point to Martha's Vineyard. Tours of the institutions (e.g. WHOI) are open to the public, or just walk around the village to check out shops, restaurants, and the views! In late July, check out the Woods Hole Film Festival.
Main Street Falmouth is home to shops and restaurants. Several events like Arts Alive and the Falmouth Street Fair take place here during the summer. The Falmouth Public Library, off of Main St., also offers events and programs for kids.
18 locals recommend
Main Street
Main Street
18 locals recommend
Main Street Falmouth is home to shops and restaurants. Several events like Arts Alive and the Falmouth Street Fair take place here during the summer. The Falmouth Public Library, off of Main St., also offers events and programs for kids.

City/town information

P-Town is a drive from Falmouth, but makes for a nice long day trip. The outer Cape is beautiful. P-Town is known for its arts and LGBTQ communities.
328 locals recommend
Provincetown
328 locals recommend
P-Town is a drive from Falmouth, but makes for a nice long day trip. The outer Cape is beautiful. P-Town is known for its arts and LGBTQ communities.
If heading toward the outer Cape, you might wish to explore Chatham, known for its lighthouse and seals. Chatham is home to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, which is a beautiful place to walk/explore.
129 locals recommend
Chatham
129 locals recommend
If heading toward the outer Cape, you might wish to explore Chatham, known for its lighthouse and seals. Chatham is home to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, which is a beautiful place to walk/explore.
Orleans is a good spot to hop on the Cape Cod Rail Trail to bicycle the outer Cape. Rent a bike at Orelans Cycle, and grab some sweets at Hot Chocolate Sparrow when you're done!
19 locals recommend
Orleans
19 locals recommend
Orleans is a good spot to hop on the Cape Cod Rail Trail to bicycle the outer Cape. Rent a bike at Orelans Cycle, and grab some sweets at Hot Chocolate Sparrow when you're done!