Fall in Love with Autumn on Cape Cod

Cape Cod might be most popular during the summer months, but a well known local fact is that the Cape is gorgeous year-round  – especially in the fall. Rustling leaves and cool breezes usher in the colder months and prep the coast for the quintessential quiet Christmas Village-esque winter. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, and soon winter, here are some of our favorite autumnal activities to enjoy.

The Cape and Islands are full of quintessential coastal towns that bring unique aspects to every season. Fall is lovely on the Cape: less traffic, warmer temperatures, and tons of local spots for exploring and relaxing. Whether you are looking for a walk to enjoy the scenery or a bite to eat with family and friends, the Cape has tons to offer, and the Falmouth Visitor can help you start to plan your adventure.

Outdoor Activities

Over recent years, the Cape has noticed a longer fall season, allowing for more time to enjoy everything we have to offer before the snowy months. One of our favorite activities is to explore the conservation areas and beaches that are open to the public. However, note that because we are coastal, our fall and winters can be a bit breezy, so dress in layers if you’re sensitive to the cold!

Nobska Lighthouse

Nobska Lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses on the Cape, and regardless of the season, it can be pretty picturesque. Head into Falmouth by bike, car, or foot to get a beautiful view across Nantucket Sound and watch the ships pass through while learning about the history of the lighthouse. One of the holiday favorites, Holidays by the Sea, has an event called the Nobska Lighthouse Open House. Wander around the beach and enjoy the fresh air and cool coastal breeze.

The Knob

The Knob is a great spot beloved by locals for the coastal views and easy walking paths. Take a stroll around the loop with your furry friends and family and enjoy the beautiful of Buzzards Bay.

Cranberry Bog Walks

Massachusetts is bountiful with cranberry bogs – one of the most iconic images of the autumn season – and there are plenty to walk on the Cape. We love our bog walks for the gorgeous views, exercise, and fresh air. The Shining Sea Bikeway cuts through one of the most iconic farms, and you don’t even have to leave the trail. Enter the north entrance of the bike trail and enjoy coastal views, cranberry bogs, fall foliage and local spots.

Families can explore the bogs with their children and find dragonflies, frogs, other insects and wildlife!

Some of our other favorite bog walks include the Cataumet Greenway, Red Brook Road Conservation Area, and Bourne Sisters Woodland. Cataumet Greenway is large enough that you could explore it on multiple trips, while Bourne Sisters Woodland has a bit of a steep incline for a slightly more strenuous walk. There’s a walk for everyone depending on what conditions you’re looking for, but if you go at the right time, expect vibrant reds, oranges and perfect fall weather.

Local Restaurants and Food Scenes

Main Street in Falmouth is one of our favorite places on the Cape, with areas like Mashpee Commons and Woods Hole also getting lots of love. The reason we love these areas is there’s a lot of different restaurants to select from and try – Tex – Mex, fresh seafood and sushi, traditional American grub, and many more unique spots. Keep in mind that the fall is typically when a lot of our seasonal storefronts and restaurants begin to limit hours or close until the spring, so check their websites for hours.

Main Street in Falmouth is filled with local food spots. Some of our favorites that typically have fall and winter- themed events would be Anejo Mexican Bistro (another location is also in Hyannis!), La Cucina sul Mare, Bluefins, and the Glass Onion. However, check out our restaurants and bars tab to find the right fit for you!

In Mashpee, there are even more dining options. Cape Cod Coffee (with a multitude of locations), Trevi, Bleu, and if you’re looking for a sweet treat, Cupcake Charlie’s is an absolute must. (once featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars!)

Active Cape Cod

Golf

Golf is by far one of the most popular pastimes on the Cape, and if you are around during the season, you are surrounded by beautiful fall colors, and there are many public courses open up and down the Cape depending on what you are looking for. There are a plethora of private courses, but there are also many public courses for visitors.

For the Upper Cape (Falmouth, East Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee, Sandwich), we are big fans of Falmouth Country Club, the Cape Cod Country Club, and the Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds.

If you are looking for something closer to the mid-Cape (Hyannis, Yarmouth Port, Dennis, Yarmouth, Osterville, Cotuit), our recommendations are Dennis Highlands, Hyannis Golf Course, and Blue Rock in South Yarmouth.

For the Lower Cape, (Brewster, Chatham, Harwich) we love Chatham Seaside Links and the Captain’s Golf Course. Both have quite the bit of space for golf enthusiasts.

If you are located on the Outer Cape (Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown, Eastham), there are the Highland Links and Chequessett Yacht and Country Club.

Arts and Crafts

The Cape is full of local artisans and craft makers who are both proud of their craft and happy to share them with the public.

For your own crafting experiences, Highfield Hall in Falmouth offers tons of unique classes from basket weaving, ornament making, culinary classes, the Holidays at Highfield, and so many more! We cannot recommend their programs enough. They sell out quickly, though, so make sure you reserve your spot!

Color me Mine is a great location for you and your family to make some sweet mementos for the season. From cookie jars, plates, piggy banks and options for mom and dad too, unleash your creative side by painting your personal items to your hearts’ content.