Falmouth combines a coastal route with natural attractions, water access and local history. The Shining Sea Bikeway passes through four neighborhoods; at Goodwill Park, extensive walking trails meet a freshwater beach. The Falmouth Museums on the Green add two 18th-century houses and rotating exhibits to this selection. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to different interests: exercise by the sea, nature in the park or a closer look at the town’s history.

Coastal Scenery on the Shining Sea Bikeway

The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7-mile, or 17.2-kilometer, route from Woods Hole on Vineyard Sound to North Falmouth on the shore of Buzzards Bay. It passes through four of Falmouth’s seaside neighborhoods and offers views of salt marshes, dune beaches and open water. Visitors can bike, walk, jog, skate and cross-country ski on the paved multi-use path. Its two endpoints and coastal views are as much a part of the route as its range of uses: it is a specific route, not just a single beach or scenic viewpoint.

Park Trails and Natural Attractions

Goodwill Park covers 85 acres and offers extensive walking trails and a freshwater beach. Unlike the Shining Sea Bikeway, the park brings trails and a beach together in one place; the bikeway is a paved multi-use route by the sea. The park’s area and the route’s length of 17.2 kilometers describe different scales—a park area versus a route—and help distinguish the two nature offerings.

The Mystery Trail at the Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary in Falmouth leads to the property’s tallest holly tree and a secluded natural vernal pool. Alongside park trails and the coastal route, this offers a trail with two specific natural destinations.

The town maintains 24 landings to provide public access to numerous freshwater and saltwater locations.

Local History and Museums

The Falmouth Museums on the Green preserve stories and artifacts that tell the history of Falmouth, Massachusetts. They include two 18th-century houses with period furnishings, fine art, textiles and rotating exhibits. This cultural attraction connects local history with historic houses and a variety of exhibit content.

From May 12 through October, a historic tour of venues in Falmouth is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and on Saturday mornings. Check before your trip to see whether the tour is currently being offered.

A Visit to Surf Drive Beach

Surf Drive is a beach in Falmouth that welcomes the public. Public access information and seasonal beach operations may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: East Falmouth, Provincetown, Brewster, Mashpee, Bourne, Harwich, Truro, Sandwich

For the broader travel overview: Barnstable.