Top 10 Sights in Falmouth, Cape Cod

Roughly 5 million people visit Cape Cod annually (Cape Cod Commission). The bulk of that traffic jam heads further down the Cape. Here is a list of the top 10 sights in Falmouth – the best of this quiet Cape town.

10. Lovely Cape Walks

Cape Cod Activities: Beebe Woods Ice House Pond

Ice House Pond.

Falmouth has multiple spots to spend an afternoon exploring the Cape Cod landscape. From the manicured New England style gardens of Spohr Gardens, host to the Daffodil Days each Spring, to the natural dirt paths of Beebe Woods. Another favorite for a walk along the water is Washburn Island & Waquoit Bay. Beebe Woods is a short walk from the Palmer House.

9. Quaint New England Museums

Nimrod Model

Nimrod Model

Our museums feature a rich history of New England and rotating exhibits featuring seasonal events and historical industries. Falmouth’s Museums on the Green is just steps from the Palmer House, and is central to the historical experience of this small town on the Cape. Art lovers will appreciate some time at the Cahoon Museum of American Art. The for nautical interests, the Model Boat Museum is open every Spring. The photo above is from an event commemorating the bombardment of the town by the British ship HMS Nimrod during the War of 1812, Hullabaloo and the Nimrod Too.

8. Falmouth Farmer’s Market

Fresh Fruit and Veg

Fresh Fruit and Veg

Held every Thursday during the Summer, the Falmouth Farmer’s Market is a delight. It is held in Peg Noonan park with is an easy walk from the Inn.

7. Shopping on the Cape

Cape Cod Main Street Shops

Main Street Shops

From fine clothing to quirky gifts Falmouth’s Main Street has something for everyone.

6. Parade on Main Street

Horses in the Holiday Parade

Horses in the Holiday Parade

Falmouth features two great parades each year: the 4th of July Bicycle Parade with all sorts of bicycles new and old decorated for the holiday and the Christmas Holidays-by-the-Sea Parade complete with marching bands and a carriage pulled by Clydesdale horses.

5. Shining Sea Bikeway

Shining Sea Bikepath in Autumn

Shining Sea Bikepath in Autumn

For a slightly active route, the Shining Sea Bikeway is an 8 mile bike path that stretches from Woods Hole to North Falmouth. It meanders through woods and along the coast.

4. Sailing & Life on the Water

Cape Cod Sailing with Reefed Jibs of the Liberte

Reefed Jibs of the Liberte

You haven’t fully experienced the Cape unless you’ve spent some time on the water. We have plenty of water activities from canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching but we highly recommend an afternoon or sunset cruise on the Liberte. This elegant seventy-four foot, three-masted schooner sails from Falmouth Harbor each year from the fourth of July until Labor Day Weekend.

3. Woods Hole Aquarium

Woods Hole Aquarium Seal Pool

Woods Hole Aquarium Seal Pool

This one speaks for itself. The Woods Hole Scientific Aquarium is part of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. You can view local marine life in tanks and take a behind the scenes tour.

2.Gorgeous Beaches and Nobska Lighthouse

Top 10 Sights in Falmouth: Cape Cod Nobska Lighthouse and Beach

Nobska Light and Beach

1. Restaurant Row

Top 10 Sights in Falmouth: Cape Cod Restaurant Review Quarterdeck: Seafood Pot

Cape Cod Seafood Pot

You can’t go to the Cape without tucking in to the cuisine from this bountiful coast. Falmouth’s restaurant row has something for every taste – traditional New England fare, fresh seafood, Italian (Northern and Southern), Irish pub,  Mexican, Indian and more.

11. Breakfast at the Palmer House

Top 10 Sights in Falmouth: Broiled Grapefruit Recipe

Broiled Grapefruit Recipe

We don’t want to brag, but if you’re heading out to do everything above, you’ll want to start your day with a proper Cape Cod gourmet breakfast at the Palmer House.


Cape Cod's Stowe Room, A

Harriet Beecher Stowe room

Cape Cod's Roosevelt Room, B

Cape Cod’s Roosevelt Room, B

While all of the bedchambers at the Palmer House have their own charm suitable for relaxation after the most wonderful day of adventures, we recommend the Harriet Beecher Stowe room, the Theodore Roosevelt room or the Emily Dickinson room. These rooms feature comfortable king beds, fireplaces, jetted tubs and a relaxing stay before and after your day.