Falmouth & Woods Hole

Points of Interest
Nobska Light, Ashumet Holly Reservation & Audubon Society, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Aquarium of the National Marine Fisheries, Falmouth Historical Museum & Colonial Garden, Village Green, Katherine Lee Bates House, Beebe Woods Art center.

• More info below: About, History, Events, Beaches, Museums, Libraries

About Falmouth
"The Quiet Corner of Cape Cod" Falmouth (including Woods Hole) is one of the Cape's oldest resort towns. The island of Martha's Vineyard is plainly visible from any harbor in Falmouth, being just a few miles across the Vineyard Sound. For this reason, the harbor is busy with ferry boats going back and forth. The historic village square is charming. Woods Hole, home of the world-famous Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, is a fun walk and has a slightly more bohemian flavor than the rest of Falmouth. Both these towns are a nice stay if you're interested in going to the Vineyard, beachgoing (there are many beaches in Falmouth), and prefer a more vibrant, busy place to stay.

History
Falmouth was incorporated in 1694 and was named for its sister town in England. Bartholomew Gosnold, the man who named Cape Cod, sailed from Falmouth, England, in 1602 and landed upon these shores. Until incorporation, Falmouth was known by its Native American name of Succonessett which means "place where the black clam is found." Falmouth has the most shore and coastline of the Cape towns with 11 beautiful harbors. Martha's Vineyard, being only 5 miles away is in plain sight from shore. With its beautiful sea captains' homes restored as B&B's, fragrant gardens and old fashioned festivals, Falmouth is truly what is envisioned when one thinks of "Old Cape Cod."

Special Events
The Falmouth Road Race is held every August. This is the largest road race on Cape Cod.

The Barnstable County Fair is Cape Cod's biggest fair, held annually.

Throughout the months of July and August enjoy the open air band concerts every Thursday night at 8pm at the Marina Park.

Beaches

• Menauhant Beach: off Menauhant Road, E. Falmouth
• Old Silver Beach: off Quaker Road, N. Falmouth
• Surf Drive Beach: off Route 28 on Surf Drive
• Falmouth Heights Beach: Falmouth Heights Road to Grand Ave.
• Chapoquoit Beach: Chapoquoit Road off Route 28A, West Falmouth
• Megansett Beach: Country Road, off 28A, West Falmouth
• Wood Neck: Sippesewissett Road, off Palmer Avenue from Route 28
• Stoney Beach: North of Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole

Museums

• Cahoon Museum of American Art, 4676 Falmouth Road: 508-428-7581
• Cape Cod Children's Museum, Falmouth Mall: 508-457-4667
• Falmouth Historical Society, 55 Palmer Avenue: 508-548-4857
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Exhibit Center, 15 School Street, Woods Hole: 508-289-2663

Libraries

• Falmouth Public Library, 123 Katherine Lee Bates Road: 508-457-2555
• East Falmouth Branch, 310 E. Falmouth Highway: 508-548-6340
• North Falmouth Branch, Chester Street: 508-563-2922
• West Falmouth Library, 575 W. Falmouth Highway: 508-548-4709
• Woods Hole Library, 581 Woods Hole Road: 508-548-8961

Drive "Up-Cape" (Sandwich)

Cape Cod Town Menu

Drive "Down-Cape" (Mashpee)