Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
World-renowned marine research facility offering public tours, exhibits at the Ocean Science Discovery Center, and insights into cutting-edge oceanographic discoveries. Home to the research that located the Titanic wreck, WHOI provides fascinating educational experiences about ocean science and technology.
Phone: (508) 548-1400
Website: www.whoi.edu
Nobska Point Lighthouse
Historic 1876 lighthouse offering spectacular panoramic views of Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Sound, and the Elizabeth Islands. The 40-foot cast iron tower and restored keeper’s house provide a glimpse into maritime history with guided tours available during summer months.
Phone: (774) 763-6453
Website: friendsofnobska.org
Old Silver Beach
Falmouth’s most popular beach featuring pristine white sand, warm Buzzards Bay waters, and excellent swimming conditions. Divided into resident and public sections, this beautiful beach offers full amenities including bathhouses, snack bars, and stunning sunset views across the bay.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
America’s oldest public aquarium, operating since 1875, showcasing local marine life and ongoing fisheries research. Free admission allows visitors to explore exhibits featuring New England’s coastal ecosystems, touch tanks, and educational programs about marine conservation and ocean science.
Phone: (508) 495-2001
Website: fisheries.noaa.gov
Shining Sea Bikeway
A scenic 10.7-mile paved trail following the former railroad route from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, named after Katharine Lee Bates’ “America the Beautiful.” The path offers stunning coastal views, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and woodlands perfect for biking, walking, or running.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Highfield Hall & Gardens
Magnificent 1878 Victorian mansion transformed into a cultural center featuring rotating art exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs. The estate includes beautifully landscaped gardens, woodland trails through Beebe Woods, and serves as a gateway to Falmouth’s rich cultural heritage.
Phone: (508) 548-1748
Website: highfieldhall.org
Spohr Gardens
Tranquil six-acre woodland garden overlooking Oyster Pond with winding paths lined by rhododendrons, azaleas, day lilies, and seasonal blooms. This peaceful sanctuary features maritime artifacts like anchors and lighthouse lanterns, offering spectacular views of Nantucket Sound and Martha’s Vineyard.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Falmouth Heights Beach
Popular family-friendly beach on Nantucket Sound with calm, clear waters and fine sand perfect for swimming and beach activities. Located near Main Street shops and restaurants, this beach offers seasonal concessions, beautiful Victorian homes along Grand Avenue, and convenient access to Falmouth’s amenities.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
The Knob (Cornelia Carey Sanctuary)
Hidden 12-acre nature preserve accessible from Quissett Harbor, featuring well-marked trails through woodlands leading to a dramatic cliff overlooking Buzzards Bay. This unique geological formation offers spectacular panoramic views, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful hiking through diverse coastal ecosystems.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Island Queen Ferry
Seasonal passenger ferry service connecting Falmouth Harbor to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, operating from late May through October. The 35-minute scenic cruise offers beautiful harbor and sound views, making it a perfect day trip option for exploring the famous island destinations.
Phone: (508) 548-3274
Website: islandqueen.com
Steamship Authority Woods Hole Terminal
Primary year-round ferry terminal providing vehicle and passenger service to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, serving as the main gateway to the islands. The terminal offers frequent daily departures, parking facilities, and is a bustling hub of Cape Cod maritime activity and island transportation.
Phone: (508) 477-3165
Website: steamshipauthority.com
Falmouth Village Green & Main Street
Historic downtown centerpiece featuring a picturesque village green surrounded by Colonial and Federal architecture, charming boutiques, galleries, and diverse restaurants. The tree-lined Main Street offers excellent shopping, dining, and walking experiences in one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful town centers.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthchamber.com
Chapoquoit Beach
Local favorite beach known as “Chappy” offering a secluded sandy strip on Buzzards Bay with spectacular sunset views and warm waters. This narrow peninsula beach provides a more intimate beach experience away from crowds, perfect for relaxation, photography, and enjoying Cape Cod’s natural beauty.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
Falmouth Museums on the Green
Historic house museums showcasing 300+ years of Falmouth history through artifacts, period rooms, and guided tours. The complex includes the 1790 Julia Wood House and Conant House, offering insights into colonial life, sea captains’ stories, and the town’s maritime heritage.
Phone: (508) 548-1789
Website: falmouthhistoricalsociety.org
Menauhant Beach
Beautiful south-facing beach on Nantucket Sound known for excellent shell collecting, warm waters, and views of Martha’s Vineyard. This family-friendly beach offers both resident and public parking areas, making it accessible for visitors seeking a classic Cape Cod beach experience with gentle waves.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
Surf Drive Beach
Scenic beach along Vineyard Sound offering beautiful views of Martha’s Vineyard and excellent windsurfing conditions. The beach features bathhouse facilities, parking, and is popular with both families and water sports enthusiasts for its consistent conditions and convenient location near downtown Falmouth.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
Beebe Woods
Extensive network of foot trails and old carriage roads winding through 400 acres of preserved woodland, accessible from Highfield Hall. These peaceful trails offer diverse habitats, seasonal wildflowers, and quiet spots for nature observation, hiking, and outdoor recreation in a beautiful forest setting.
Phone: (508) 548-1748
Website: highfieldhall.org
Woods Hole Historical Museum
Charming small museum chronicling the maritime and scientific history of Woods Hole village through exhibits, artifacts, and local memorabilia. The museum offers fascinating insights into the area’s transformation from a fishing village to a world-renowned center of marine science and research.
Phone: (508) 548-3270
Website: woodsholemuseum.org
Marine Biological Laboratory
Historic marine research institution founded in 1888, offering educational programs and summer courses for students and researchers worldwide. This prestigious facility has contributed groundbreaking discoveries in biology and maintains a beautiful campus with historic buildings and modern research facilities open for guided tours.
Phone: (508) 548-3705
Website: mbl.edu
Katharine Lee Bates Memorial
Statue on the Falmouth Public Library lawn honoring the Falmouth native who penned “America the Beautiful.” This tribute to the beloved poet and Wellesley College professor celebrates her contribution to American literature and patriotic heritage, located in the heart of downtown Falmouth.
Phone: (508) 548-7624
Website: falmouthpubliclibrary.org
Quissett Harbor
Picturesque working harbor serving as the gateway to The Knob nature preserve, offering scenic waterfront views and glimpses of traditional Cape Cod maritime culture. The harbor provides access to sailing, kayaking, and serves as a peaceful spot for watching boats and enjoying coastal scenery.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Megansett Beach
Quiet residential beach with a wide sandy expanse perfect for families and residents seeking a peaceful beach experience. Located on Buzzards Bay, this beach offers harbor views, calm waters for swimming, and opportunities to watch sailboats, making it ideal for relaxation and beach activities.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
First Congregational Church
Historic 1796 church on the Village Green featuring a bell cast by Paul Revere and beautiful Colonial architecture. This active congregation maintains one of Falmouth’s most recognizable landmarks, offering tours and serving as the spiritual heart of the community for over 225 years.
Phone: (508) 548-8500
Website: fccfalmouth.org
Trunk River Beach
Small, secluded beach offering free parking and a quiet alternative to busier Falmouth beaches. This hidden gem provides access to Vineyard Sound with opportunities for peaceful beach walks, bird watching, and enjoying unspoiled coastal scenery away from the crowds.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
Grew’s Pond at Goodwill Park
Freshwater pond and park area offering free parking, swimming, and peaceful natural surroundings perfect for families with small children. The pond features warmer, calmer water than ocean beaches, making it ideal for young swimmers and those seeking a different aquatic experience.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
Falmouth Public Library
Beautiful community library housed in a historic building near the Village Green, offering extensive collections, programs, and cultural events. The library serves as a community gathering place with genealogy resources, local history collections, and regular author talks and educational programming.
Phone: (508) 548-7624
Website: falmouthpubliclibrary.org
Peg Noonan Park
Charming green space along Main Street providing a peaceful respite in downtown Falmouth with mature trees, benches, and open lawn areas. This small park offers a perfect spot for picnicking, people-watching, and enjoying the heart of Falmouth Village’s pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Woods Hole Drawbridge
Historic moveable bridge connecting Woods Hole to the rest of Cape Cod, offering scenic harbor views and glimpses of maritime activity. The bridge provides an excellent vantage point for watching ferries, research vessels, and recreational boats navigating the busy waterway to Martha’s Vineyard.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: mass.gov
Stony Beach
Small beach area near the Marine Biological Laboratory offering unique geological features and close proximity to Woods Hole’s scientific institutions. This lesser-known beach provides interesting tidal pools, rocky shoreline exploration, and educational opportunities for marine biology enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Phone: (508) 548-8623
Website: falmouthma.gov/151/Beach
Oyster Pond
Scenic kettle pond offering peaceful walking paths, bird watching opportunities, and beautiful reflections of surrounding woodlands. Connected to Spohr Gardens, this natural area provides habitat for waterfowl and serves as a tranquil escape for nature lovers and photographers seeking Cape Cod’s pristine landscapes.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Herring Brook
Important seasonal waterway supporting annual river herring migration from Wing Pond to Buzzards Bay at Old Silver Beach. This ecological treasure provides opportunities to witness natural fish runs in spring, explore salt marsh habitats, and observe wildlife including egrets, crabs, and various marine species.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Wing Pond Woods
Hidden woodland preserve directly accessible from the Shining Sea Bikeway in North Falmouth, offering peace and tranquility away from busy areas. This well-maintained conservation area features walking trails through diverse forest habitats, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, nature study, and quiet reflection.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Teaticket Four Corners
Historic village crossroads in the Teaticket section of Falmouth featuring local shops, restaurants, and community gathering spaces. This charming neighborhood center maintains small-town character with antique stores, cafes, and local businesses serving residents and visitors exploring different areas of greater Falmouth.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthchamber.com
Bell Tower at First Congregational Church
Historic bell tower housing the famous Paul Revere bell cast in 1796, representing both religious and patriotic heritage of Falmouth. The tower serves as a landmark visible throughout downtown and contains one of the few remaining Revere bells still in active use for church services and community celebrations.
Phone: (508) 548-8500
Website: fccfalmouth.org
Falmouth Harbor
Bustling working harbor serving recreational boaters, fishing vessels, and commercial activities including ferry operations to Martha’s Vineyard. The harbor offers scenic waterfront walks, boat watching opportunities, and serves as the departure point for various maritime adventures and island excursions throughout the season.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Woods Hole Harbor
Deep-water harbor serving as home to world-class marine research institutions, ferry terminals, and fishing operations. This active working harbor provides fascinating views of research vessels, ferry traffic to the islands, and maintains the authentic maritime character that makes Woods Hole internationally famous.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Salt Marsh Conservation Areas
Protected wetland ecosystems throughout Falmouth providing critical habitat for migratory birds, marine life, and native plant species. These environmentally significant areas offer educational opportunities for understanding coastal ecology, bird watching, and experiencing the natural processes that maintain Cape Cod’s delicate environmental balance.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
Buzzards Bay Discovery Center
Environmental education center dedicated to promoting understanding and protection of Buzzards Bay watershed through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach. The center offers hands-on learning experiences about local marine ecosystems, water quality, and conservation efforts protecting Cape Cod’s natural resources.
Phone: (508) 548-3705
Website: savebuzzardsbay.org
West Island Views
Spectacular panoramic vistas of West Island and Buzzards Bay available from various vantage points throughout Falmouth, particularly from Old Silver Beach and coastal walking areas. These scenic overlooks provide excellent photography opportunities, sunset viewing, and appreciation of Cape Cod’s maritime geography and natural beauty.
Phone: (508) 548-7611
Website: falmouthma.gov
