A Little Time on Cape Cod
If you're staying a little longer, leave some time to explore.
*Ellen & Jason’s rec
Things to Do
The Upper Cape holds some of our happiest, favorite memories. We hope you find time to explore a little.
Mashpee Commons
11 Market St, Mashpee, MA 02649
An open-air village center with a good mix of boutiques, galleries, and local eateries. Easy to spend an afternoon here.
Main Street Falmouth*
Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540
Independent shops, cafés, and galleries along a walkable main street. Maxwell's Backroom, tucked at the back of one of the shops, is worth seeking out for its sale items.
Woods Hole Village*
Water St, Woods Hole, MA 02543
A small village known for its oceanographic institute, with a handful of shops and galleries along the waterfront. Pie in the Sky Bakery & Cafe and Woods Hole Handworks are two must visits. Ferry terminal to go to Martha’s Vineyard is also located here.
Walking & Biking
The Knob
Quissett Harbor Rd, Woods Hole, MA 02543
A short walk out to a rocky peninsula on Buzzards Bay, with good views of Quissett Harbor and the Elizabeth Islands.
The Cape Cod Canal
Service Rd, Bourne, MA 02532
Flat paths along both banks of the Canal make for an easy walk, with views of the bridges and occasional passing ships.
Beebe Woods
Highfield Dr, Falmouth, MA 02540
Over 380 acres of woodland trails through old-growth trees, kettle ponds, and native plantings. Quiet and largely uncrowded.
Nobska Lighthouse
233 Nobska Rd, Woods Hole, MA 02543
A working lighthouse on a bluff at the tip of Falmouth, with views across Vineyard Sound toward Martha's Vineyard. A short walk from the parking area.
Shining Sea Bikeway*
Trailhead: Locust St, Falmouth, MA 02540
An 11-mile rail trail from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, passing through salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and stretches of coastline. Flat and suitable for all levels. Bikes available to rent at Corner Cycle on Palmer Ave in Falmouth.
Historic Houses, Gardens & Farms
Highfield Hall & Gardens
56 Highfield Dr, Falmouth, MA 02540
A restored 1878 Victorian mansion with gardens and woodland trails on the grounds. The house hosts rotating art exhibitions and is open for tours.
Coonamessett Farm*
277 Hatchville Rd, East Falmouth, MA 02536
A working farm with a stand, pick-your-own crops, and a shop stocked with local produce and plants. Has bunch of cute animals including local celebrity tortoise named Peanut. 10/10 recommended. A must visit.
Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove St, Sandwich, MA 02563
A 100-acre property in Sandwich with art collections, a restored vintage carousel, and well-maintained gardens. One of the more substantial cultural attractions on the Upper Cape, just over the Bourne Bridge.
Beaches
Old Silver Beach
Quaker Rd, North Falmouth, MA 02556
A wide bay beach on Buzzards Bay with calm water and good sunsets. Saltwater.
Surf Drive Beach*
Surf Dr, Falmouth, MA 02540
A long stretch of Vineyard Sound shoreline with views across to Martha's Vineyard. Good for swimming and beachcombing. Saltwater.
Punch Bowl
Beebe Woods, Falmouth, MA 02540
A freshwater pond inside Beebe Woods, shaded by surrounding forest. A quieter alternative to the ocean beaches. Freshwater.
Day Trips
Martha's Vineyard
Island Queen
The passenger-only ferry runs from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs in about 35 minutes. Seasonal service usually begins in late May. Reserve your crossing ahead of time and check the June 2027 schedule.
Steamship Authority
Ferries from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard take about 45 minutes. Service to Vineyard Haven runs year-round; Oak Bluffs service is seasonal. Passenger and vehicle options are available. Check schedules and reservations before you go.
Allow time to reach the ferry, park, and board. Crossing times don't include those steps or travel on the island.
Restaurants
Maison Villatte*
267 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540 · French Bakery & Café
A French bakery on Main Street with good pastries and coffee. A reliable morning stop — it does get busy.
Asti*
117 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540 · Greek
Greek and Mediterranean cooking in a relaxed setting on Main Street. Known for its mezze and consistent quality.
Añejo
137 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540 · Mexican
Mexican food with a solid tequila and mezcal list. Good for a casual dinner, particularly for groups.
Bleu
Mashpee Commons, 12 Market St, Mashpee, MA 02649 · French
French-inspired cooking at Mashpee Commons, with a focused menu and a thoughtful wine list. The more formal option in the area.
Captain Kidd
77 Water St, Woods Hole, MA 02543 · Seafood
A long-established waterfront spot in Woods Hole with a straightforward seafood menu and a dock-side bar.
Shuckers*
91A Water St, Woods Hole, MA 02543 · Seafood
Casual raw bar and seafood on the water in Woods Hole. Good for oysters and a cold drink on the deck.
Flying Bridge
220 Scranton Ave, Falmouth, MA 02540 · American & Seafood
A waterfront restaurant on Falmouth Harbor with harbor views and a broad menu of American food and fresh seafood.
La Cucina sul Mare
237 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540 · Italian
Italian cooking with house-made pastas and classic preparations. A Main Street staple with a comfortable, neighborhood feel.
The Old Casino*
286 Grand Ave, Falmouth Heights, MA 02540 · American
An American restaurant near Falmouth Heights Beach with water views. Reliable for a casual meal by the sea.
Chartroom*
1 Shipyard Ln, Cataumet, MA, 02534 · Seafood
Seafood spot with beautiful harbor view.
Questions? Email us.
Ellen · ellen.claire.orourke@gmail.com
Jason · jason.km.lim@gmail.com
Ellen & Jason
June 5, 2027 · Cape Cod