One of the things we hear most frequently from our first-time visitors to ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging is that they wish they had more time to enjoy the myriad of activities, sights, attractions, and special events in Falmouth, Cape Cod and the Islands. They are often quite surprised to discover all of our charming villages, towns, and islands and how much there is to do in each one of them! When planning your vacation at our inn on the Cape, we encourage you to take full advantage of all our destination has to offer by visiting the following websites for suggestions on attractions, recreation, dining, shopping, and special events. See our suggestions for visitors of all ages.
So Many Things to Do on Your Vacation in Cape Cod
Art Galleries & Musuems
Enjoy Falmouth’s abundance of art and culture by visiting our museums and galleries during your stay.
Falmouth, Cape Cod Art Galleries – Take the opportunity to see some of the beautiful, breathtaking scenes of the area captured by talented local artists by visiting art galleries in Falmouth & other Cape Cod locations.
Read More...- Cahoon Museum of American Art
- Cataumet Arts Center
- The Cotuit Center for the Arts
- David Kelley Fine Arts
- Down’s Gallery and Sign Shop
- Falmouth Artist Guild, Inc – walking distance from the inn
- Gallery on Main – walking distance from the inn
- Karen Rinaldo Gallery – walking distance from the inn
- Local Colors Gallery
- Osborn and Rugh Gallery – walking distance from the inn
- Woods Hole Handworks
- Falmouth Museums on the Green – walking distance from the inn
- Heritage Museums and Gardens
- Historic Highfield Hall and Gardens
- Woods Hole Historical Museum
Beaches & On the Water
- Surf Drive Beach – walking distance from the inn
- Bristol Beach
- Chapoquoit Beach
- Falmouth Heights Beach
- Grew’s Pond Beach – fresh water
- Menauhant Beach
- Megansett Beach
- Old Silver Beach
- Wood Neck Beach
Boating – Sailing, Rowing, Paddle-boating, and Kayaking
Boat ahoy! Boating is another exciting and adventurous way to see Falmouth and the Cape. Couples and families can make reservations on one of the local sailboats for a day or half-day cruise of the bay. Kayaking is also a great way to incorporate some soft adventure into your visit. For a hands-on experience on one of the Cape’s beautiful inlets and marshes, “Book Smart Package” guests accommodated at ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging are invited to free use of rowboats and paddleboats and paddleboards at our sister property, Green Harbor Waterfront Lodging in East Falmouth. And, for those guests who prefer to bring their own boat, you are most welcome to use Green Harbor’s boat ramp at no charge. For more Cape Cod boating information:
- The Liberté
- Falmouth Yacht Club
- Cape Cod Canal Cruises
- Cape Cod Kayak
- Green Harbor Waterfront Lodging
Fishing
Love to fish? Your stay with us at ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging is not complete without a fishing trip on one of Cape Cod’s sport fishing charter boats!
A day trip on one of these fishing charters combines a day of relaxation on the ocean with excitement and adventure. Local charter captains are extremely knowledgeable and will bring you to those “hotspots” for stripers, flounder, tuna, sea bass, and blues. Make sure to bring your camera because you might just catch a fish that will make you the envy of all your friends back home!
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of Cape Cod’s most exciting and educational activities. Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, depart from scenic Barnstable Harbor, just 19 miles from ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging. This high-speed state-of-the-art vessel offers spectacular sightings of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Each cruise includes expert naturalists on board to provide information on the whales and ocean ecology. Discount tickets may be purchased at our front desk at the inn. Additional Cape Cod whale watching is available in Provincetown on the Dolphin Fleet.
Dining
ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging is ideally located within easy walking distance of more than twenty Falmouth restaurants. There is no need to worry about lengthy driving directions, where to park or whether to enjoy an extra glass of wine. From traditional Cape Cod cuisine of clam “chowdah,” quahogs, and lobster rolls, to retro and trendy eateries, to Italian, Irish, Indian, Greek, Mexican and Asian fare, dining in Falmouth, MA is a memorable experience. Stop by our front desk for recommendations. For guests who wish to plan ahead, the following eateries are located either within walking distance of our inn or just a few minutes’ drive.
Read More...Walking Distance from ShoreWay Acres Inn:
- Anejo
- Bean and Cod
- Bangkok Thai
- Betsy’s Diner
- Blue Fins
- Coffee Obsession
- Country Fare
- D’Angelo’s Sandwiches
- Estia Greek Cuisine
- Golden Swan Indian Restaurant
- Gourmet Garden Asian Cuisine
- Grumpy’s Irish Pub
- Liam Maguire’s
- La Cucina Sul Mare
- Maison Villatte French Bakery and Cafe
- Osteria La Civetta
- Pickle Jar Kitchen
- Quarterdeck
- Steve’s Pizzeria
- The Glass Onion
Nearby Waterfront Dining
- Captain Kidd
- Landfall
- Quicks Hole Taquiera
- Shipwrecked
- Shucker’s Raw Bar & Restaurant
- Sopranos Wharf Restaurant
- The Boat House – walkable from the inn – approx. one mile
- The Clam Shack – walkable from the inn – approx. one and a half miles
- The Flying Bridge – walkable from the inn – approx. one and a half miles
- The Raw Bar – walkable from the inn – approx. one mile
- Water Street Kitchen
- Quicks Hole Taqueria
Outdoor Recreation
Biking
Biking around Cape Cod is one of the best ways to see some of the Cape’s most charming sights, to work off all that great food and to make the most of your vacation time! During your stay at ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging, you can just leave your car at the hotel and walk over to Corner Cycle Cape Cod where you can rent bikes for yourself and your family. Then hop onto the Shining Sea Bikeway for a scenic ride along the Falmouth coast. Planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for the day? Biking is one of the best ways to explore the island’s many sights and attractions. Please visit Martha’s Vineyard’s Bike Tours for additional information.
Read More...Golf
During your visit, experience a relaxing round of golf at one of the Cape’s lush and serene country clubs. And when you are finished, some clubs offer nice options for lunch or dinner before you head back to the inn. For a great round of golf, consider:
- Brookside Country Club
- Cape Cod Country Club
- Falmouth Country Club
- Quashnet Valley Country Club
- Paul Harney Golf Course
- The Cape Club Resort
Hiking and Nature Walks
Beebe Woods located near Historic Highfield Hall at the top of Depot Avenue, Falmouth offers 383 acres of marked trails and paths.
Ashumet Holly & Wildlife Sanctuary located in East Falmouth off Route 151 offers 45 acres of nature trails and guided nature walks. Seal cruises in the Spring, cruises to Cuttyhunk Island in Summer and Fall and year-round bird watching.
Spohr Gardens located at 45 Fells Road, Sphor Gardens is one of Falmouth’s hidden gems. These beautiful seven acres were once the private gardens of Falmouth residents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sphor and are now open to the public year round during daylight hours. The gardens are particularly known for their splendid daffodil display in the Spring. We’ll always have a special place in our hearts for Charlie, who oversaw the construction of our indoor pool building at the inn in the 1960’s.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve located in East Falmouth off Route 28 is a 2500-acre reserve with nature and hiking trails, cranberry bogs, barrier beaches, and marshlands. Seasonal and year-round educational programs include such topics as Horseshoe Crab Natural History, Butterflies of Cape Cod, Wild Turkeys Back from the Brink and Atlantic White Cedar Swamps. The reserve’s Washburn Island and South Cape Beach State Park are two special features of this national treasure. Information and permits for fishing, shellfishing, and hunting are available at http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org
Falmouth Village
Historic Falmouth Village
Just a stroll around the corner from ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging is a picture postcard Main Street in Historic Falmouth Village with its one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, restaurants, parks, and recreational areas. Our hometown village green is surrounded by beautiful historic homes, churches, and house museums leading to the Queens Buyway Shops. Surf Drive Beach, site of the Battle of Falmouth in 1779 and the attack of the Nimrod in the War of 1812, is south of Main Street just a ten-minute walk from the inn. For a walking map of Falmouth Village and a list of shops, restaurants, and services; please visit the following website:
Read More...Village of Woods Hole – Falmouth’s Science and Fishing Village
Just a three-mile drive, trolley ride or bike ride from ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging, is the village of Woods Hole. Home to the scientists who discovered the Titanic, this small village is a salty blend of cutting-edge ocean science and old-time fishing village. Stroll along Water Street and discover studios, galleries, shops, and waterfront restaurants tucked into unexpected places. Take in a play at the Woods Hole Community Theater. Pause to watch the Martha’s Vineyard ferries docking in Vineyard sound or the drawbridge as it lets private boats in and out of the harbor. Allow ample time to just immerse yourself in this uniquely Cape Cod scene. For more information, please visit some of the links below:
Performing Arts
Falmouth and Cape Cod Performing Arts
- Cape Cod Theater Project – Off Broadway on the Cape
- Highfield Hall – Year-round music concerts
- Highfield Theater – Community theater dedicated to big Broadway musicals and college light opera
- Woods Hole Film Festival – Annual event screening New England-based independent filmmakers
- Woods Hole Community Theater – Year-round community theater
Family Fun
So you’ve been to the beach and Martha’s Vineyard, you’ve been whale watching or (gasp!) it’s raining outside and you’re looking for something fun and educational for the family to get excited about? Cape Cod has a wonderful array of alternative activities for hours of quality, family fun.
Here are a few suggestions to start.
- Cape Cod Children’s Museum – A unique local experience where children can make arts and crafts objects, learn about oceans, boats, pirates, stars, and so much more.
- Cape Cod Railroad – Scenic train rides, luncheon, and dinner trains.
- Coonamessett Farm – Twenty acre working farm with a general store, café, ice cream stand, Jamaican Buffet, farm activities, hydroponics, agriculture, and aquaculture.
- Falmouth Marine Park – Overlooking Falmouth Harbor. Free town band concerts on Thursday evenings in July and August. Antique car shows, crafts fairs, and other special events.
- Falmouth Museums on the Green – Two 18th century houses on the Village Green tell the history of Falmouth. Revolutionary era furnishings and pre-Civil War medicines, children’s games, and exhibits that tell of our 19th century whaling industry and the life of Falmouth- born, Katharine Lee Bates, author of “America the Beautiful.” Family Fridays.
- Falmouth Village Association – Free family “Movies Under the Stars” and summer concerts at Peg Noonan Park. Year-round village activities and events all within walking distance of ShoreWay Acres Inn & Cape Cod Lodging.
- Historic Highfield Hall – Cooking classes, art exhibits, music programs, gardening, and special events in a meticulously restored 1878 Falmouth mansion that is our cultural hub.
- Ocean Quest – A 90-minute hands-on educational ocean experience.
- Water Wizz Cape Cod – Cape Cod’s water park with wave pool, slides, pirates’ plunge, and more.
- Woods Hole Science Aquarium – Free marine research aquarium with touch tanks, shark embryos, and resident seal.
Cape Cod Shopping
- Falmouth Village Association – Unique, one-of-a-kind shops on Main Street.
- Falmouth Mall
- Falmouth & Christmas Tree Shop Plaza
- Cape Cod Winery – Family-owned winery located on Oxbow Road in Falmouth. Grape varieties include cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, and pinot grigio, together with Seyval and Vidal. Tours and tastings on weekends.
- Queens Buyway Shops
