Biking
Shining Sea Bikeway
Just 2 ½ blocks from Palmer House Inn is the bikeway, 10.7 miles of nearly level, easy bike riding, rollerblading or running. The path extends from North Falmouth to Woods Hole and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Access points at Elm Road, Oyster Pond Road and Surf Drive. Parking at entrance on Locust Street, Falmouth. Palmer House Inn regretfully is no longer able to carry bicycles for its guests due to insurance restrictions. However, Corner Cycles is two doors away and has a substantial selection of rental bikes from which to choose.
Cape Cod Canal
Scenic 13 mile (round trip) level trail runs along the Cape Cod Canal from Bourne to Sandwich on the Cape side with access to the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area west of the Bourne Bridge.
Hiking & Nature Walks
Spohr Gardens
45 Fells Road, Falmouth
A magnificently beautiful 6 acre garden located on Oyster Pond in Falmouth. In early spring, thousands of daffodils explode into color and are soon followed by equally riotous rhododendrons and daylilies.
Salt Pond Areas 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.
Coonamessett Farm
277 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth
Aside from being a twenty-acre working farming and research facility, Coonamessett Farm offers a cafe and general store and fun events, for instance its weekly J-Night, Jamaican food with steel drum music every Wednesday night (in season). Other activities are pick-your-own veggies and fruit and scheduled events, such as Mother’s and Father’s Day brunches, Halloween Pumpkin Decorating and so on.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth
Located on the south shore of Cape Cod, and straddling the border of Falmouth and Mashpee the reserve is a vast estuary of nearly 3,000 acres of open waters, barrier beaches, marshlands and uplands. Bird watchers, swimmers, hikers and fishermen alike will find uncrowded conditions and breathtaking scenery!
Farms & Gardens
Spohr Gardens
45 Fells Road, Falmouth
A magnificently beautiful 6 acre garden located on Oyster Pond in Falmouth. In early spring, thousands of daffodils explode into color and are soon followed by equally riotous rhododendrons and daylilies.
Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove St, Sandwich
With over 100 acres of gorgeous landscaped grounds, an antique car collection, art exhibits and an unending series of special exhibits and learning seminars, Heritage Museums & Gardens is an entertaining must-see destination.