Shannon's Falmouth (& Cape) 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Surf Drive Beach
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 molta ag muintir na háite
Old Silver Beach
296 Quaker RdOld Silver is a large public beach facing Buzzards Bay. Parking is $30/day. 296 Quaker Road, North Falmouth.
Menauhant Beach
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 molta ag muintir na háite
South Cape Beach State Park
668 Great Oak RdPublic/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 molta ag muintir na háite
Woodneck Beach
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.
Cape Cod National Seashore
99 Marconi Site RoadAmong 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Landfall Restaurant
9 Luscombe AveI 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Estia Falmouth
117 Main StEstia 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Water Street Kitchen
56 Water StReservations 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Liam Maguire's Irish Pub
273 Main StLiam'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 molta ag muintir na háite
Quarterdeck
164 Main StThe 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Flying Bridge Restaurant
220 Scranton AveClassic 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Devour
352 Main StServes 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 HighwayWicked 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Pickle Jar Kitchen
170 Main StArrive 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Bad Martha Farmer's Brewery
876 E Falmouth HwyBrewery 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Smitty's Homemade Ice Cream
326 E Falmouth HwyOur 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Lobster Trap Restaurant
290 Shore RdA 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Nobska Point Lighthouse
233 Nobska RdNobska 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 molta ag muintir na háite
The Knob
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 molta ag muintir na háite
Shining Sea Bikeway
Shining Sea BikewayThe 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Goodwill Park
416 Gifford StGoodwill 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Corner Cycle
115 Palmer AveBicycle 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 BlvdKayak 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Rideaway Adventures
449 MA-6ARideaway 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Martha's Vineyard
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.
Cape Cod Potato Chips
100 Breeds Hill RdOffers 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Edward Gorey House
8 Strawberry LnIf 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
269 MillwayOne of several places on Cape to catch a whale watching tour!
Whydah Pirate Museum
674 MA-28Popular 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Beebe Woods
56 Highfield DrBeebe 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Coonamessett Farm
98-2 Coonamessett Farm RdCoonamessett 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Músaemacha agus Gairdíní Oidhreachta
67 Grove StBeautiful 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
166 Water StSmall but nice aquarium right in Woods Hole. Primarily indoors, except for the seals, which are outdoors. Strollers are not allowed. Family-friendly.
Tony Andrews Farm
394 Old Meeting House RdOffers 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Woods Hole
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 molta ag muintir na háite
Main Street
Main StreetMain 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 molta ag muintir na háite
Provincetown
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 molta ag muintir na háite
Chatham
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 molta ag muintir na háite
Orleans
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!