If you’re visiting Falmouth mass, there are plenty of things to do that will keep you busy. From shopping on Main Street to exploring the Shining Sea Bikeway, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy!
One of the most popular attractions in Falmouth is Old Silver Beach. This is a great spot to watch a sunrise or simply relax on the beach.
1. Shop on Main Street
If you love shopping, then you’ll be excited to know that Falmouth has one of the best Main Streets on Cape Cod. It’s filled with t-shirt and souvenir shops, beautifully-curated gift and home decor stores, and a lovely bookstore.
There are also a number of excellent restaurants serving up a wide range of cuisines, from Italian to Mexican to local seafood. You can even indulge in a little dessert at Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium if you’re feeling particularly decadent.
Another fantastic thing to do in Falmouth is explore the Shining Sea Bikeway. This is a 10.7-mile bike path that takes you along the Vineyard Sound shoreline from Woods Hole to North Falmouth.
2. Explore the Shining Sea Bikeway
The Shining Sea Bikeway stretches 10.7 miles from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, providing a unique way to explore this scenic area. The paved path was built on the former railroad right-of-way and is ideal for casual cyclists and beginners.
The trail runs along the shoreline, with many sweeping views of Vineyard Sound. It follows ancient Wampanoag trails and is dotted with woodlands, cranberry bogs and Great Sippewissett Marsh.
The bikeway is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, and it offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family. During the summer, kite surfers often use the beach next to the trail.
3. Visit Coonamessett Farm
Located in East Falmouth, Coonamessett Farm is a pastoral haven with a plethora of activities on offer. From a farm stand to a cafe to a small but impressive gift shop, this is a place to be sure to visit.
One of the more impressive aspects of this farm is its state of the art research laboratory that conducts scientific experiments in fisheries biology and aquaculture. In fact, they have an award winning research and development team that churns out some of the best seafood on the East Coast. They also have the newest and greatest in the field of microbiology and genetics, but the most impressive thing is their steadfast dedication to sustainability. From the largest fish in the ocean to the smallest seed in the grass, they are committed to keeping it real.
4. Visit the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
WHOI, which opened in 1930, is a world-renowned institution dedicated to ocean research and higher education. It has six research departments and an institute devoted to climate and ocean science.
Scientists at WHOI work collaboratively across and within each department to advance knowledge of the global ocean and its fundamental importance to other planetary systems. The institute also provides education and training to future generations of ocean scientists.
Visitors can learn about the history of WHOI through exhibits about the famous rediscovery of the Titanic & WHOI’s exploration of aquatic life. You can also step into a full-size model of one of WHOI’s research submarines and hear whale and dolphin sound recordings. Then, take a free summer walking tour of the dock area and restricted village facilities to learn more about the seashore.
5. Visit the Nobska Lighthouse
A visit to the Nobska Lighthouse in Woods Hole, a village of Falmouth, is the perfect way to experience Cape Cod at its best. This historic structure marks the junction of Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds with Buzzards Bay, and is an active aid to navigation.
Nobska Lighthouse was established in 1828 and is still a functioning beacon, although the Coast Guard automated it in 1985. The tower, keeper's house, radio beacon house, and oil house remain intact.
In 2016, the Town of Falmouth and a nonprofit organization, Friends of Nobska Light, acquired the lighthouse and began restoring it. The group is working tirelessly to preserve and maintain the landmark.