The 2010 Falmouth, Cape Cod Beach Review has been one of our most frequently visited posts on our blog.
As a result, I have decided to do an update with photos and more in-depth information about Falmouth’s most valuable asset.
Map of Falmouth’s beaches.
Falmouth is surrounded on three sides by water. With its many outlets and bays, we boast of our 68 miles of beaches and that is more than any other town on Cape Cod. We also like bragging about having the warmest water on Cape Cod. With the easy access to water, Falmouth has historically an ideal location for maritime trade including fishing, whaling and shipbuilding. Many sea captains called Falmouth home and at one time nearly half of the 300 households in Falmouth were homes to sea captains. The man who built the Palmer House, Joseph Fish, owned whaling ships.
When you arrive at the Palmer House you will see our welcoming baskets of brightly colored beach towels on the porch for our guests to take with them to the beach.
The Falmouth Beach Committee manages ten beaches. They are listed below in alphabetical order.
Bristol Beach.
BRISTOL: This beach is located in “Falmouth Heights”. It has plenty of parking and beautiful views. A small creek, which ebbs and flows between Little Pond and Vineyard Sound, is a great place for youngsters to attempt to catch sea creatures caught in the tidal surge. Beach stickers are required.
CHAPAQUIT: This location is a favorite of many families. White sand and beautiful open ocean views greet beachgoers. Windsurfers are welcome on the north end of the beach. Beach stickers are required.
GREW’S POND: Located in Goodwill park off Gifford Street, this is a fresh water pond beach, and staffed by lifeguards. Grew’s pond has a sandy beach. Grills and picnic benches are available, as well as a covered pavilion shelter. No sticker is required.
Heights Beach.
HEIGHTS: The beach at Falmouth Heights on Vineyard Sound is long and has plenty of beautiful sand. The water is warm and views of Martha’s Vineyard are outstanding. Because of a high sea wall, handicapped accessibility from the wall to the beach is limited. A beach sticker is required and parking is limited.
MEGANSETT: This beach is located along the shores of Buzzards Bay. Frequented primarily by neighborhood families. Megansett is a great location for viewing a sunset. A beach sticker is required and parking is limited.
MENAUHANT: Located on Vineyard Sound, and it is divided into an east side and a west side by a tidal stream that connects Bournes Pond to Vineyard Sound. Stickers are available or a one-day fee of $10. Can be paid to the gate attendant.
Old Silver Beach
OLD SILVER BEACH: This beach is by far the most popular beach in Falmouth and arguably, the most popular beach on Cape Cod. The parking lots are divided into two sections: one for residence and one for the public, which is accessed by paying a daily entry fee of $20. Concessions, showers and changing rooms are available. People come from great distances to enjoy Old Silver’s pure white sand. Parking is ample, but come early; the lots fill up fast.
STONEY: Located in Woods Hole Village, this MBL-owned beach is staffed by Falmouth lifeguards and parking attendants. It is a wonderful beach, sheltered from the afternoon southwest winds and highly utilized, so arrive early. A Falmouth beach sticker or MBL sticker is required to use the limited parking area.
Surf Drive Beach.
SURF DRIVE: Located on Surf Drive, a short walk from the Palmer House, this beach features public showers, a concession stand and is host to the Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse, where residents and visitors may purchase Falmouth beach parking stickers. Surf Drive Beach faces Martha’s Vineyard and is on Vineyard Sound. A one-day parking fee of $10. can be paid at the gate.
WOOD NECK: This beach is blessed with a tidal creek containing pure sand and many ”critters,” a popular combination for active youngsters. Beach stickers are required.
All of the above beaches have Falmouth lifeguards, Changing facilities, and restrooms.
Knob Beach
THE KNOB: This beach does not have lifeguards, changing facilities, or restrooms but it is one of the most romantic, secluded locations on Cape Cod. It has been the site of many marriage proposals. If you wish to see a magnificent Cape Cod sun set, The Knob is the place to go. This off-the-beaten-path beach, is located in Sippewissett, and can be difficult to find, so be sure to ask Pat or Bill for directions.