Daytrips from
Falmouth, MA
Plymouth
Plymouth is America’s hometown, where it all started back in 1620. Three centuries of
restored homes that chronicle our country’s history are located in the village. Along
the waterfront, stroll the path of the Pilgrims, viewing Plymouth Rock. Aboard the
Mayflower II, pilgrims and crew relive the hardships of their voyage to the New World.
At
Plymouth Plantation
step back to a day in 1627; all the original settlers are there
including John Alden, Priscilla Mullens and Governor William Bradford. At Cranberry
World,
everything you ever wanted to know about cranberries is explained. Stop by the Visitors
Center on Water Street for more info.
How to Get There from Falmouth:
Take Rte 28 North to the rotary at the approach to the Bourne Bridge
(approx. 15 miles from Falmouth center). Take the 1st exit out of the
rotary (to Route 6 - Sagamore Bridge). Follow and go straight under
bridge, turn right onto Adams Street (at Canal View Apts.). Turn right at
stop sign. Cross over the Sagamore Bridge, take Rte. 3 north heading towards Boston. Take
exit 6, turn right onto Rte. 44. Continue on Rte. 44 until you see the Harbor.
Park....You’re there!
Travel time approx. 40 Minutes.
Other attractions:
Lobster Tales;
Passengers haul traps and learn about marine life; touch tank.
Capt. John Boats Whale Watch; 3 hour narrated cruise across the Cape Cod Bay,
Guaranteed Whales
Paddleboat Tours
Ferry to Provincetown
Harbor Tours
Amphibious Tours
Martha's Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard sits only 7 miles off Falmouth Harbor, making it easy to escape to
the "storybook island" for a day of touring. Carly Simon, Walter
Cronkite, Art Buchwald, and many others called the Vineyard home;
it was a favored vacation spot for
the Clintons and many other rich and famous. In Oak Bluffs you’ll find the bustling
tourist shops, an antique working carousel, and the colorful little gingerbread cottages
at the Methodist Campgrounds. Gaze at magnificent sea captain’s homes in historic
Edgartown. Once an important whaling center, an abundance of antique shops, boutiques and
art galleries are here to explore. "Up island" is the Native
American community of Aquinnah (formerly Gay
Head) and its spectacular varicolored clay cliffs. At Menemsha you’ll find the
picturesque little fishing harbor featured in the movie "Jaws".
How To Get there from Falmouth:
Ferry Boats:
Island Queen
Falmouth
Heights Rd., 548-4800. 30 Minutes to Oak Bluffs.
Falmouth Ferry Service 278 Scranton Ave.,
548-9400. 60 Minutes to Edgartown. Reservations required.
The
Steamship Authority Woods Hole Dock.
477-8600. 45 Minutes to Oak Bluffs & Vineyard Haven.
Other Attractions:
Cottage Museum Trinity Park Oak Bluffs
Harbor Tours
Schooner Cruises
Provincetown
The site of the first landing of the Pilgrims, Provincetown has a rich and diverse
history. A 19th century
fishing and whaling port, it has evolved into a Portuguese
fishing village and renowned art colony. Many call Provincetown a "state of
mind." Explore its museums, galleries and boutiques. Pristine beaches and dramatic
dunes, dune buggy rides, whale watching, bike
rentals, and a myriad of activities are yours to enjoy. Stand at Lands End and understand
what Henry David Thoreau meant when he said, "A man can stand and place his back on
all of America."
How to Get there from Falmouth:
By auto:
Rt. 28 south heading towards Hyannis. Turn left on Rt. 149 in Marstons Mills.
Take Rt. 149 to Rt. 6 East (Mid-Cape Highway). Continue on Rt. 6 to the end....You’re there.
Travel time 90 Minutes, Mid-Summer 2 Hours.
By ferry - my favorite!
Cape Cod Cruises from the State Pier, next to the Mayflower II in Plymouth. Cruise
departure time: 10:00am daily. Cruise Time: approx. 90 Minutes; (if whale sightings en
route - 2 hours). (508) 747-2400.
Other Attractions:
The Cape Cod National Seashore - Miles of beaches, sand dunes, wild grasses and pine
forests.
Nantucket
The "Little Grey Lady," as Nantucket Island is known, welcomes you to step into
a world of history and charm. In the early 19th century it was the
world’s whaling capital and much has remained unchanged since that time. From the cobblestone streets to
the beautifully maintained, restored homes and architectural gems, the island is a treat
for the eyes. With numerous shops and restaurants, you are invited to stroll and explore
the endless nooks and narrow lanes, or just relax and refresh your spirits....Nantucket is
30 miles from our coast.
How to get there from Falmouth:
30 miles off
the coast.
Air
Barnstable Airport, Hyannis
Cape Air (800) 352-0714
Nantucket Airlines
(800) 635-8787 All flight
times: 15 Minutes
Ferry
at Ocean Street Dock, Hyannis
Hy-line Ferry (508) 778-2600 Cruise time: 2 Hours
Hy-line High-Speed Catamaran (508) 778-0404
Cruise time: 1 Hour
Other Attractions:
Whaling Museum, Maria Mitchell Observatory
Newport, RI
Newport has a rich seafaring heritage and, even today, retains its colonial seaport
appearance. For the past century Newport has been the summer playground for the affluent
and super rich. Although it is the yachting capital of the East, it is probably best known
for the magnificent estates that America’s first wealthy industrialists built and
referred to as their "Summer Cottages." Most of these are open to the public.
Tour the Hammersmith Farm, the wedding reception site of Jacqueline Bouvier and future
President John F. Kennedy and the famed 10-Mile Drive, as it winds along the shoreline
with its many oceanfront estates. Explore the bustling harborfront area, chock full of
interesting shops, sites and attractions before your return to Falmouth.
How to get there:
From the Bourne Bridge, stay on Rt. 25 to Rt. 195 West heading towards Providence, RI.
Continue to Rt. 24 South in Fall River, MA. Follow Rt. 24 South to Rte. 114; it will take
you to downtown Newport.
Travel time: Approx. 70 Minutes.
Other Attractions:
Cliff Walk - 3.5 mile walk
offers a unique way to experience Newport’s rich heritage and shore line.
The Tennis Hall of Fame.
New Port Jazz Festival.
World Class Yacht Racing.
Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod, settled in 1637, having many beautiful buildings
dating back
to the 1600’s. Stroll down Water Street and visit the Dexter Grist mill,
dating to 1654, where corn is still ground. Nature and Peter Rabbit are the highlights at
the Thornton Burgess Museum. Gain an understanding of early Colonial life at the Hoxie
House, built in 1675. Famous for its glass manufacturing in the 19th century, many
original pieces are on display at the
Sandwich Glass Museum. At
Heritage Museums & Gardens
wander among the gardens planted with over a thousand varieties of trees, flowers, shrubs,
and the prize-winning Dexter rhododendrons. Currier and Ives lithographs, Josiah
Lilley’s one-of-a-kind collection of antique and classic cars, firearms and military
miniatures and even an antique, working carousel are situated on the many acres.
How to get there:
Take Rt. 28 to Bourne Bridge Rotary, bear right, and head up the Canal road. Continue
through traffic light. (Rt.6) Note, Rt.6A will begin at that intersection. Follow Rt. 6A
to Rt. 130. Bear right onto Rt.130 to Sandwich Village and
Heritage Museums & Gardens ... Bring
the camera!
Boston
Boston, the cradle of American
freedom, has jealously guarded its rich history and treasured historical sites, while at the same time moving forward into the high-tech 21st
century. The city is truly a blend of the old and new. A tour of old
"Beantown" showcases the famous Freedom Trail, the Back Bay,
Public Gardens, and Beacon Hill. Shop and eat at Faneuil Hall and Quincy
Marketplace. Visit the Old North Church and the U.S.S. Constitution,
"Old Ironsides." Across the Charles River in Cambridge is
Harvard University and the always busy Harvard Square, a unique landmark
and state of mind!
How to get
there:
Due to the heavy traffic on the highways
and ongoing construction leading into Boston, recommend leaving your car
here and taking the bus (for your ease and convenience). The
Peter Pan Bus
Lines terminal is
located on Depot Avenue in Falmouth
Village. Click the link above for schedules or call
1-888-751-8800. Departures are approximately every hour.
