WHY GO: Falmouth MA, in the extreme southwest corner of Cape Cod, encompasses the tiny burg of Woods Hole – a Getaway Maven hot spot – and the Steamship Authority Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard – another Maven fave.
But there are more things to do in Falmouth MA as well, including a recently renovated Victorian mansion turned art museum, waterfront gardens with antique anchors as central features, and some of the country’s most awesome sunsets. What to do and where to stay in Falmouth? We tell you here….
There are 7 more things to do in Woods Hole – a peninsula within Falmouth, so consider attractions there as well.
The State of Massachusetts offers many dreamy escapes for couples. Check out this Best Romantic Getaways in MA post for more ideas.
Things to Do in Falmouth MA
VISIT: Highfield Hall and Gardens, Falmouth
If ever there was a rescued historic home story, it’s this one. Highfield Hall and Gardens, an ornate “Stick-Style” Queen Anne mansion built in 1878 by the heirs of Boston Dry Goods titan, James Beebe, was set to be demolished in 1994. In fact, the permit to knock it down had been granted, and it was set to go.
The building, however, had historical significance.
Three Beebe brothers -Pierson, Franklin and J. Arthur – and their sister Emily, purchased acreage in what was then scrublands. They built the 17,800 sq ft. Victorian Highfield Hall and the Colonial Revival Tanglewood next door, establishing one of the first summer retreats on Cape Cod.
When Franklin, the last Beebe, died in 1932 leaving no heirs, both homes and the property cycled through a succession of owners.
By the 1970’s, the summer homes were abandoned. They remained vacant over the next two decades. Tanglewood succumbed to the wrecking ball. But in 1994, under threat of demolition, a group of concerned citizens formed Historic Highfield to save the crumbling structure.
They ultimately raised $8.5 million and restored Highfield Hall to its original splendor in September 2006, completing the grounds and gardens – including the Ice House – in 2010.
Now, the mansion is open to the public as an art museum/gallery/cultural center, where paintings and sculptures mesh harmoniously with graceful architectural elements like floral and geometric stained glass, Majolica tiled fireplaces, crown molding, wainscoting, picture windows, and oriental carpets on hardwood floors.
Highfield As Art Gallery
Highfield presents three art shows a year throughout a number of rooms on two floors – so you will experience something different each time you visit. Begin in the Museum Room next to the admission desk to learn about the Beebe Family (some of it quite tragic, with a history of suicide), and then continue on to ogle the artwork in the mansion’s interior. End your visit in the gardens outside.
The grounds – which encompass the West Garden (a popular venue for weddings), a Sunken Garden, the 387-acre Beebe Woods, the stunning renovated Ice House, and a good number of dramatic Beach Trees – oblige visitors to meander and stay awhile longer.
Highfield Hall also offers world-class music programs, culinary classes and gardening workshops, so check the website for calendar events.
WALK: Spohr Gardens, Falmouth
The central collection of this very tucked away 5-acre waterfront Spohr Gardens is a quirky and surprising one – antique anchors. And the most prized among them? The 14 ft long, 2,465 pound 1760 English anchor intended for use by the H.M.S. Bounty. It was found to be defective, and left aside for repairs.
By the 1950’s, Charles Spohr had amassed a large collection of these nautical artifacts – as it was his “thing.” He thus came to the conclusion that his own property was the perfect place to display them. Charlie Spohr and his wife, Margaret were equally involved in designing the garden: he with his anchors, millstones, cobblestones, lanterns and such; she with the plantings and blooms.
Although there are trails throughout the 6-acre woodland gardens, you’ll find most of Charlie’s anchors in an array along a bulwark wall at the water’s edge.
As friends and then friends of friends found out about the anchor, rock, and flower gardens, Charles and his wife, Margaret, decided to open their property to the public. The Spohr’s arranged for a Charitable Trust to manage the gardens after their deaths (Charles in 1997, Margaret in 2001), so this local treasure, with the help of Friends of Spohr Gardens, remains open daily year round from 8am-8pm.
Falmouth Museums on the Green MA
GO: Museums on the Green
On the Museums On the Green campus, two 18th Century homes hold a “treasure trove” of artifacts reminiscent of Falmouth life in Colonial times. This collection of historic buildings and gardens is a must-see for Falmouth visitors.
Start at the Visitors Center, in a shingled barn, for an orientation to the compound. From here you can arrange for a tour of two buildings: one a circa 1790 doctor’s house that tells the tale of Dr. Francis Wicks, who was an advocate for vaccines and housing the poor – but terrible at choosing business ventures. The Poor House he established became home to his grandchildren after he lost his family’s money in 1827.
The yellow house serves as a fantastic, easily digestible history of Falmouth museum. While several relics, like scrimshaw and Civil War pistols, are school group favorites, the one artifact that gets the most attention is a sharks-tooth spear. Ouch. Check website for open hours and tour fees.
Best Restaurants in Falmouth MA
EAT: Romeo’s
What initially appears to be a red sauce joint in a nondescript tiny, whitewashed building is actually a chef-driven, upscale, open-kitchen marvel of a restaurant. Romeo’s, on a busy commercial roadway, crushes it with a jazzy interior, unconventional, but incredibly delectable dishes, and folksy vibe.
A repeat diner told me, “You’re in for a treat” as I sat down at the small bar. But I’m always a skeptic about personal opinions when it comes to food. This one was spot on. Sharing-plate signatures include Asian-style ribs, and a Fried Rice dish so tasty, I polished it off all by myself.
Hotels in Falmouth MA
STAY: Palmer House Inn
In a field of contenders, the Gothic-Victorian “shingle-style” Palmer House Inn, on a flower-blooming street in downtown Falmouth, is a standout. Sure, it’s that Classic comfy, cozy, rocking-chair on the porch, weathered Cape Cod home that you imagine in your New England fantasies. But this one, with incredibly friendly and accomodating owners, is on the Select Registry. So, expect an upscale, happy, and romantic experience. A Maven Favorite, we wrote up a full review in this Palmer House Inn post.
STAY: Sea Crest Beach Resort
This beachfront, sand in your toes hotel is a favorite of many for a reason. Like Mallory Square in Key West, humans are drawn the Sea Crest Beach Resort for the breathtaking sunset over Buzzard’s Bay.
Late afternoon, you’ll find guests floating in the outdoor pool.
Or leaning over the boardwalk railings. O perhaps sitting in a lounge chair, with a glass of wine, by the lapping waves. Perhaps, they’ve reserve a seat at what’s now the Lantern Room (formerly Red’s Restaurant), facing outward, to witness the marvelous show that Mother Nature puts on nightly.
The Sea Crest Beach Resort is upscale, with renovated lobby and rooms – in one and two story buildings circling a central parking lot.
Main Building
Reception is in the lovingly landscaped main building – which also features a snack/coffee/gift shop, the Lantern Room Restaurant and several conference rooms. The property is large and sprawling and requires a map to find your way (at first). But all that initial confusion melts away at first glance of the beach and bay as you make your way to your room.
Lantern Room
In-house restaurant, the Lantern Room is the place to be at sunset. Dine on burgers, steak, and fish while watching the sun go down. Food is good enough to stay on campus and draws even locals and folks staying in other hotels for its views alone.
Weekend Getaways In Cape Cod (And Nearby)
- Falmouth MA: Your First Beach Stop On Cape Cod
- Sandwich MA; On the Edge of the Cape Cod Canal
- Dennis MA To Eastham MA; 15 Oceanfront Miles on Cape Cod Route 6A
- Rockport MA: On Massachusetts’ “Other Cape” – Cape Ann
- Woods Hole MA: The Perfect Blend of Science, Stunning Seascapes, and Succulent Cuisine
My very favorite place☀️
We love the Shining Sea Bikeway!