5 things to do when visiting Falmouth

From beaches to biking to baseball.

Bikers on the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth. Kristi Palma / Boston.com

September 2, 2022

Falmouth is the second largest town on Cape Cod but doesn’t feel like it, said Michael Palmer, who grew up in Falmouth and has served as the town clerk for 19 years.

“It really does get pretty busy, at least during the summer time, but it still has a small-time feel to it,” he said.

The town has much to offer in every season, he said, from the famous Falmouth Road Race in the summer to the Christmas parade in the winter.

Falmouth is comprised of eight villages: East Falmouth, Falmouth, Hatchville, North Falmouth, Teaticket, Waquoit, West Falmouth, and Woods Hole.

“We have great beaches and great places to go,” Palmer said.

Palmer offered his picks for what to see and do in Falmouth.

1. Spend time on the Shining Sea Bikeway

The Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7-mile paved rail trail that stretches from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, is well worth experiencing, Palmer said.

“It’s just a great bike path with great, scenic views,” he said. “There’s a lot of variety on it.”

Bikers, joggers, and walkers using the trail pass by cranberry bogs, ponds, forests, cedar swamps, harbors, and beaches.

The path follows the route of a former railroad line operated by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company, and was named from the lyrics to “America the Beautiful,” written by Falmouth native Katharine Lee Bates, according to railstotrails.org.

“It’s used extensively all year round, but particularly in the summer,” he said.

Chapoquoit Beach in Falmouth. *Marie Palmer*

2. Walk the beach

Palmer’s favorite beach in Falmouth is Chapoquoit Beach, called “Chappy” by the locals.

“It’s very scenic,” he said. “I love the beach during the winter. I find it a great place to go and relax and walk without the crowds.”

The secluded beach is located on a peninsula that extends out between Buzzards Bay and West Falmouth Harbor, so visitors are treated to sweeping views of Buzzards Bay. There are seasonal lifeguards and the beach is popular with families.

It also has another draw.

“There’s great, great sunsets there,” Palmer said.

Sunset at The Knob in Falmouth. *Marie Palmer*

3. Catch a sunset at The Knob

Speaking of sunsets, it doesn’t get much better than watching the sun set from The Knob, Palmer said, well known for its iconic views.

The Knob, a 12-acre preserve in Woods Hole, offers a nature walk, beaches, marsh, coastal bank, bird watching, and gorgeous views of Quissett Harbor and Buzzards Bay.

“It’s a pretty spectacular place,” Palmer said. “My daughters go there all the time with their friends and just walk and watch the sunsets.”

The land is owned and maintained by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries.

“From the top of the Knob on a clear day you see New Bedford in the west, the canal entrance to the north, and the Elizabeth Islands to the south,” according to the Salt Pond site.

4. Watch a baseball game

Palmer has long enjoyed watching the Falmouth Commodores, part of the Cape Cod Baseball league. Games are played every summer at Guv Fuller Field behind the Gus Canty Recreation Center.

“It has some of the most talented college baseball players in the country,” Palmer said. “It’s unbelievable baseball. Some of these players move on to be major league baseball players.”

One famous Falmouth Commodores alum is former Red Sox player Jacoby Ellsbury.

The games are free, but donations are appreciated.