Visiting the Cape this summer? We are lucky enough to call Cape Cod our home and love that people come from all over the world to visit. I’m going to do a few posts highlighting different parts of the Cape to tell you what it fun to eat, see, and do.
I’m starting with our town first since it is what I know best. Falmouth is adorable and lots of people come here because of the ferry access to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Spend some time in Falmouth before you hop on the ferry, you won’t be sorry you did.
5 Things to Do in Falmouth, Massachusetts
1. Take a hike out to the Knob – Perfect for kids (my kids love coming out here), hike the one mile trail to get out to the Knob. When you get out there, be prepared for magnificent views of Buzzards Bay. One the way back, get a cold margarita and taco and sit outside and people watch at Quicks Hole. Or stop by Pie in the Sky for a coffee and homemade baked good. (They have amazing chocolate chip cookies.)
2. Take a drive to see Nobska Lighthouse – This lighthouse belongs to the Coast Guard and is the home of the sector commander. You can’t take tours of the lighthouse right now (the lighthouse is in the process of being taken over by a non-profit group) but it is a nice place to have a picnic and has some of the best views on the Cape. My kids like to bring colored pencils and sketch books and draw the lighthouse. William drew this picture of the lighthouse for me for Mother’s Day. You can’t tell in the picture, but it’s a mini drawing, maybe an inch?
3. Old Silver Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches on the Cape. It reminds me of being in Europe. Get there really early if you want to get a spot on the beach. This beach has clean bathrooms and a snack bar.
After the beach, take a walk over to the Sea Crest Hotel and go to Red’s for my favorite chowder and a cold bevvie. The Old Silver Beach Shore Dinners are a lot of fun too, they are held every Tuesday in July and August. Lobster on the beach, s’mores, and gorgeous sunset views. (The Sea Crest is also a great place to go in the winter.) Falmouth Heights, Bristol Beach, and Surf Drive Beach are also beautiful. (This is Falmouth Heights beach.)
4. Go for a walk on Main Street – Lots of cute shops, restaurants, and if you have little guys play at the science playground at Mullen Hall Elementary. Our playground is the coolest around and is huge. You can also go on the carousel that is located next to the playground. Some of my favorites on Main Street, Maison Villatte is a real deal French pastry shop. The croissants are incredible. Cupcake Charlies is good stop for ice cream (and obviously cupcakes).
5. Highfield Hall and Gardens – I discovered this gem on my son’s field trip. The house holds an art gallery with exhibits that change frequently. They have cooking classes, concerts, and home of some beautiful fairy houses. There are gorgeous gardens and you can walk through the Beebe Woods. Explore the fairy gardens on the Beech Tree Path. Afterwards you can have a picnic on the lawn or head back into town and grab a pastry and coffee at Coffee Obsession.
6. Extra Credit – Have family portraits taken by your truly! Bree Hester Photography is open for business doing a small number of summer sessions in Falmouth, Sandwich, & Hyannis. I have a limited number of sessions available and will travel all over the Cape. Book a beach portrait session today.
Other Falmouth & Woods Hole Favorites
Shuckers – I prefer a hot lobster roll over a cold one (it’s the mayo, I just can’t do it.) and I like the lobster rolls at Shucker’s.
They also have really cute kid’s meals.
Landfall – This is a date night restaurant. The food is good, but your basic seafood restaurant. What I love about Landfall is that you can get a drink and sit outside and drink them on the docks. Literally on the docks.
Smitty’s Ice Cream – There is no shortage of ice cream on the Cape. Smitty’s has homemade ice cream and the blueberry is to die for. They don’t have it all the time, but when they do make sure to try it.
The Falmouth Raw Bar – We go to the Raw Bar at least once a week. We usually go in between lunch and dinner to avoid waiting, but we love sitting outside and having lazy lobster. They have really delicious sliders too.
Cape Cod Bagel – Bagels that remind me of home. Open year round, they have good sandwiches and soup too.
Seafood Sam’s – This is where we go to get our fried seafood fix. I love their lazy lobster (can you see a pattern?) and they have great clam strips.
British Beer Company (BBC) – There are a few BBCs around the Cape, but the Falmouth location is my favorite. It’s right across the street from the beach and always has great food. We spend a lot of time here in the winter and if we brave it in the summer, we go in between lunch and dinner.
Silver Shores Shanty – Super cute and beachy. Has great fried seafood, but the best part is the teeny bar in the back. This year they added a fire pit and I can’t wait to hang out back there.
Where to Stay in Falmouth
(Taken during a winter stay at the Sea Crest.)
Falmouth has lots of mom and pop hotels, bread and breakfasts, and inns. There is one commercial hotel, and it makes staying here unique. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay.
Beach Breeze Inn – Our friends stayed here recently and it was great. Across the street from the beach, clean, and walking distance to Main Street.
Sea Crest Hotel – On Old Silver Beach, has two pools, and amazing views. Great food, and a quick drive into town.
The Inn on the Square – Clean, close to everything, and has a Percy’s in the lobby for a hearty breakfast. My kids love the pool.
Coonamessett Inn – Close to town and really pretty. Has a nice restaurant and you can walk to Main Street.
We’ve also had good luck with Air BnB for Falmouth. The prices are great and I like having it feel more like home.
What do you like to do when you visit the Cape? Did I forget something? Feel free to leave a recommendation in the comments below.
This post is not sponsored in any way, all opinions are 100% my own.
Mark and Martha Grantham
Saturday 30th of April 2022
We have rented a house in Falmouth the week of June 25-July 2nd, celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. The address is 89 Oyster Pond Rd. Could you give us a little more information about your photography and if you would be available Sunday, June 26th.
Leslee Hughes
Tuesday 17th of August 2021
The Giant Beach Chair is in Harwich at the Cap Cod Beach Chair company---best investment for a beach chair...you can personalize them too! Falmouth though is truly the best...I grew up in Harwich as a child but have been coming to Falmouth for years in the summer. There is just so much to do and so easy to navigate around!
Robin Masters
Friday 24th of July 2020
Posts like these have turned our quiet secluded harbor into Times Square. Quissett Harbor and the knob has now been overrun by tourists and that quaint quite Harbor scene has been ruined. Cars are racing down the road and parked illegally. This neighborhood wasn’t made for this amount of traffic. Please consider the consequences of your posts to the local tax paying residents. There are plenty of tourist spots in Falmouth
Bree Hester
Tuesday 28th of July 2020
I am flattered that you think that my post gets enough traction to attract that many visitors to Quisset and The Knob, but I would think that it would be difficult to find a tourist magazine without mentioning either of those places. I'd like to mention also that you choose to live in a tourist destination and those tourists come with the territory. They also support your local economy making it possible for those businesses to stay afloat during the winter months.
Liz
Tuesday 7th of August 2018
What about the admiralty inn & suites? How is that?
bakedbree
Monday 13th of August 2018
I've never stayed there, so I can't really give an opinion.
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer
Monday 16th of July 2018
It must be awesome living in Cape Cod! Thanks for all the recommendations - I have added a bunch of them to my list for my trip next week :)
bakedbree
Thursday 26th of July 2018
Have a great time!