Five Reasons to Visit Falmouth in the Fall
There’s no denying the allure of Cape Cod summer, but here at Falmouth Visitor, we’ve got a little secret: September and October are equally spectacular. Discover Falmouth in the fall, where you can savor some of the high season’s biggest draws, like white sand beaches, killer sunsets, and succulent seafood, all accompanied by a more relaxed vibe.
1. Explore Deserted Beaches
Don’t let the calendar fool you; there’s still plenty of summer weather on the horizon. If you’re an ocean lover, there’s no better time than late summer and early fall to enjoy Falmouth’s wide range of beaches, boasting waters pleasantly warm enough for swimming well into October. No need to worry about paying for a beach sticker or wondering if the lot is full. Enjoy the free parking and the solitude as you recharge your batteries.
2. Linger over Sunset Cocktails
Locals usually don’t have time to make it to our favorite spots in summer, so we look forward all season to returning to some of Falmouth’s most beloved, and busy, local haunts. Grab a famous, freshly-squeezed cocktail at the Landfall Restaurant in Woods Hole. Take a seat on the dock out back where you can dip your toes in the water and watch the Steamship Authority traveling to and from Martha’s Vineyard. On chilly nights, head out to the patio and curl up in front of the outdoor fire. Either way, you’ll have a front row seat as the sun descends over Great Harbor, which is always a sight to behold.
3. Stop and Smell the Sunflowers
While summer in Falmouth is synonymous with strawberries at Tony Andrews Farm in East Falmouth, fall is also a special time. Get lost in stunning fields of majestic sunflowers, and bring the kids to pick your own pumpkins for fall decorating and carving. You can also stock up on local produce and other goodies at their indoor farm stand.
4. Day Trip to Martha’s Vineyard
As the iconic jingle suggests, “Sail Away From Falmouth on the Island Queen.” The Falmouth Heights passenger ferry departs from Falmouth Harbor through Columbus Day Weekend. The scenic 40-minute ride delivers you to Oak Bluffs, where you can grab the golden ring at the country’s oldest Carousel and check out the iconic pastel gingerbread houses. Make sure you stop by Nancy’s for one of Donovan’s famous Dirty Bananas. Part of the fun when ordering this “adult milkshake” is watching the artistry that accompanies the preparation. Needless to say it also makes the boat ride back to Falmouth even more relaxing.
5. Run the Falmouth Road Race and the Cape Cod Marathon
Can’t stand the heat? Or the crowds? We get it. Experience the world-famous Falmouth Road Race without oppressive August temperatures and elbow-to-elbow traffic. Falmouth in the Fall harkens back to the humble beginnings of the Falmouth Road Race, featuring fewer runners but the same breathtaking course ending in Falmouth Heights (pictured below). This year’s event will be staged on Sunday, November 3. Distance runners flock to Falmouth each fall for Cape Cod Marathon weekend, this year on October 26 and 27. The Boston-qualifying course includes a half marathon and relay, culminating in a post-race party on Main Street featuring The Quarterdeck’s famous clam chowder. It doesn’t get more Falmouth than that…
Discover Salt Pond
Fall is the perfect time to explore the off the beaten path tranquility of Salt Pond.
Secrets of Salt Pond
