Location: Falmouth
Top Things to do in Falmouth
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Falmouth, United States
Falmouth ( /ˈfælməθ/ FAL-məth) is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States; Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. The population was 31,532 at the 2010 census, making Falmouth the second-largest municipality on Cape Cod after Barnstable. The terminal for the Steamship Authority ferries to Martha's Vineyard is located in the village of Woods Hole in Falmouth. Woods Hole also contains several scientific organizations such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), the Woods Hole Research Center, NOAA's Woods Hole Science Aquarium, and the scientific institutions' various museums.
Restaurants in Falmouth
1. Shining Sea Bikeway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 884 reviews
Reviewed By Francesca V - Boca Raton, Florida
I LOVE the Shining Sea bikeway. Plenty of parking at lots near the start of the trail. Surface is FLAT for ALL levels of bikers. Can get "busy" with children & strollers during peak hours. Beautiful scenery takes one to lovely & vivacious Wood Hole!
2. Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Before you go.. there is very limited parking. Please try to walk or bike there for a visit. No large gatherings, events or functions are allowed on the Knob property. Nature trails run among the beach, rock and trees of this hidden shelter. Please leave the property as you found it. Dogs are allowed but only on leash. Please clean-up after your dog. This is a non-smoking property.
Reviewed By Steven D - Sun City Center, Florida
Great hiking trails with a wonderful ending view at the Knob, located in Woods Hole, MA, continues to be a major attraction to the public for its nature walk, birding, marsh, coastal bank and its spectacular views of Quissett Harbor and Buzzards Bay.
3. Highfield Hall & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Highfield Hall & Gardens, a five-star rated destination, is a magnificent Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens located in the heart of Falmouth. Highfield Hall is an active cultural center offering international art exhibitions, concerts, festivals, culinary classes, family programs and educational opportunities. The mansion is surrounded by nearly 400 acres of public conservation land and walking trails. As a "must see" on Cape Cod, plan to spend an hour or a day at this family-friendly estate. Free Fridays from 4 PM - 7 PM in July & August. Closed on Monday excepts holidays.
Reviewed By bcnett - Stoneham, Massachusetts
So glad this home was saved from the wrecking crew and reburbished to the grand home it is today. We were hesitant to visit the home when we read that the house did not have much furniture. This house does not need furniture. The foyer, halls, and stair cases are so amazing that you are readily make aware of the grandeur of this home.
I thoroughly enjoyed the room with all the history of the Beebe family, the room with the 3D quilts, the room used as a library with lots of interesting books, ( You are invited to sit and enjoy the books.), and the rooms with art displays.
We enjoyed the gardens but did not have enough time to use the walking path. Hope to visit again when we have more time.
4. Island Queen Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
The Fun Way to Martha's Vineyard! Sail away on the Island Queen from Falmouth, Cape Cod and you will experience Martha's Vineyard within just 35-minutes. Convenient parking just 200 yards from the dock. Enjoy our enclosed lounge, outside decks, full-service snack bar and our friendly crew! Daily sailings beginning at 9:00am from late May to mid October. Children ages 4 & under travel free! Group discounts for 20 or more passenger available.
Reviewed By Mimi E - Venice, Florida
It is so easy to travel on The Island Queen. Parking is within walking distance of the ferry and the price is very reasonable.
5. Nobska Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Reviewed By James W - Falmouth, Massachusetts
This historic lighthouse was recently deededto the town of Falmouth and is currently undergoing extensively renovation expected to be completed next spring. Fantastic views of Martha's Vineyard. Well worth visiting but check hourls and days open first.
6. The Steamship Authority - Martha's Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 639 reviews
Serving over 2 million travelers to Martha's Vineyard, the Steamship Authority is the largest ferry provider on Cape Cod, offering the lowest fares, the most departures and year-round service for passengers, vehicles and trucks. We offer off-site parking and free shuttle service to our Woods Hole terminal. Check our mobile site for current parking and trip status. Whether you come for a day, or a longer stay, the Steamship Authority is the Way to Go with our spacious ships, the most frequent daily departures, and U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews to get you there safely. From the moment you step on board, you'll have that vacation feeling. Sit outdoors for the sea breezes and spectacular ocean views, or find cozy, comfortable seating indoors. For your enjoyment, our snack bars offer beverages including beer, wine and mixed drinks, as well as hot and cold menu items. Pets are welcome to travel with you in designated areas on-board. The seven mile trip from Woods Hole to beautiful Martha's Vineyard takes just 45 minutes. And you have your choice of two ports for your arrival: Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs (May-October). From magnificent beaches to wind-swept dunes to historic town centers, a trip to Martha's Vineyard will always be memorable.
Reviewed By schmidtmg - Switzerland
There is no parking next to the Ferry terminal, but shuttle buses to and from a large parking in Falmouth are plenty.. The crossing from Woods Hole to MV takes about 45 minutes, and staying on the upper deck and enjoying the views of the coast and of MV is very pleasant on a sunny day (as on the October day we went). There is a bar which sells drinks and even a local craft beer at fairly reasonable prices.... this is the best way to get to MV.
7. Old Silver Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By Colby R - Mattapoisett, Massachusetts
A nice place to spend the day enjoying the water. The parking is easy and refreshments are available in nearby stores. A clean beach to enjoy the sun and fun.
8. Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 459 reviews
This aquarium offers visitors the chance to watch the seals being fed.
Reviewed By travelguyPa - Pa
The Woods Hole Aquarium specializes in local fish. That can sometimes mean a sea (no pun intended) of grey and brown species with little interest. Not so here. The fact that the aquarium is connected to the scientific work that is done at WHOI and MBL makes it very educational, and the history that you learn about the fishing industry is great. Be certain to go upstairs and see the tanks from above (and maybe get a chance to see them feed the fish). You get a whole different perspective of the displays from above.
9. Spohr Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By ChanEvan - Memphis, Tennessee
In early June the Rhododendrons were in full magnificent bloom. Just stunning.
I so enjoyed the property acquired by Charles & Margaret Spohr in 1939. Their love for this special woodland garden overlooking Oyster Pond lives on through the charitable trust that allows the public access 12 hours a day 365 days a year.
A giant stone on a hillside was inscribed with the name "Spohr Gardens" & the date "1950." The couple spent their lives gently molding the landscape into an ethereal paradise to inspire tens of thousands of admirers.
A Carpenter was building a Butterfly Habitat, & new perennial plantings nearby were Butterfly faves.
A truly unique setting that stimulates the senses to commune with Nature.
10. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Internationally renowned marine biology research center.
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
You may not have heard about the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. But you've probably heard about Robert Ballard. He's the marine researcher/explorer who led the expedition that discovered the location of the wreck of the RMS Titanic which sank off the coast of Newfoundland on April 15, 1912. Ballard's group from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identified Titanic's watery grave on September 1, 1985. You've been viewing TV documentaries about it ever since. Woods Hole is a private, non-profit research and higher education facility dedicated to the study of all aspects of marine science and engineering and to the education of marine researchers. Established in 1930, it is located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and is the largest independent oceanographic research institution in the United States with a staff and students numbering about 1,000. Working in all of the world's oceans, their research agenda includes coastal erosion, global climate change, ocean pollution and geological activity deep within the earth.
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