Whale Watching
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
269 Millway, Barnstable
Discover just how intelligent, friendly and sociable these giants are!
Wildlife Sancutaries
Salt Pond Area Bird Sanctuaries
In Falmouth, enjoy four amazing areas to bird watch:
- Bourne Farm
6 North Falmouth Highway, North Falmouth
New England the way you only saw it in movies! 49 acres of drop-dead gorgeous countryside presided over by a stately pre-revolutionary 1775 Colonial Farmhouse. This romantic spot is also a popular wedding venue. - The Knob
Quissett Harbor Road, Falmouth
This dream-like fragile treasure is a world unto its own on the shore of Buzzards Bay, and offers bird watchers, hikers and bathers alike an escape from touristy crowds. Parking is limited. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. - Peachtree Circle Farm
881 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth
Another slice of New England heaven. Organic farming produces fresh fruits and vegetables that are sold at the Falmouth Farmer’s Market in season. - Salt Pond Trails
Falmouth
Right off the Shining Sea Bike Path, where it intersects Surf Drive on the shore of Salt Pond is a network of trails that appear to be expressly imagined for the serious bird watcher. Ospreys and swans are among the dozens of species you may find here.
Ashumet Holly & Wildlife Sanctuary
Ashumet Road, East Falmouth
Have you ever imagined yourself wandering through a whole forest of holly trees? How about a forest of 1,000 holly trees of 65 different varieties? The Ashumet Holly & Wildlife Sanctuary is administered by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and contains 45 acres, including an eight acre coastal plain pond, nature trails, guided nature walks, bird watching. See over 30 species of dragonflies and rare pondshore wildflowers.
Museums & Institutions
Aquarium Of The National Marine Fisheries
66 Water Street, Woods Hole, Falmouth
The oldest research aquarium in the country (created by Congress in 1871!) A great place to introduce your kids to marine wildlife. 140 species of aquatic life are on exhibit. Get close and personal with starfish, crabs and lobsters in the Aquarium’s touch tanks, literally a petting zoo for aquatic creatures! A ten minute drive from Palmer House Inn.
National Marine Life Center
120 Main Street, Bourne, MA
A marine animal hospital for the rehabilitation and release of stranded whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles. Meet some of the patients, and “adopt” an animal. This nonprofit center is a great way to learn about how injured or sick sea animals heal and how their human caretakers facilitate that process.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole Falmouth
THE independent, not-for-profit go-to place to learn about ocean exploration, discovery and understanding. Numerous lectures, walking tours, science chats, splash lab (for kids) and (Fridays at noon) The Peanut Butter Club, with movies and talks on a topical subject. Ever wonder how jellyfish mate or how dolphins talk to each other? Come here and find out!