Cape Cod can be expensive, especially during the tourist season. So, how can you enjoy the ambiance of the Cape while not spending any money? Luckily, Benny and I have found five free things that you can do in the Cape Cod town of Falmouth. And yes, you can do these free things during the summer!
1. Tour the NOAA aquarium
A free aquarium? On the Cape? It’s true! This two-story aquarium charges no admission and has a plethora of fish to view. Upstairs, there’s a small area where you can get up close and personal with sea life, as long as you’re gentle and only use two fingers.
Benny was enthralled with this crab. I had to pry him away from the glass! Staring for hours at these fish while making me very impatient is one of his favorite things to do in Falmouth.
The aquarium also cares for seals, but unfortunately, there were no seals the day we visited. Perhaps you’ll have better luck on your trip.
The aquarium is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 4 pm during the winter. For more information, check out the Woods Hole Laboratory website. It’s perfect for families of all ages.
2. Visit Nobska Light
Lighthouses dot Cape Cod. Find the Nobska Lighthouse and you’ll be awarded with spectacular views of Vineyard Sound. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Martha’s Vineyard and some of the Elizabethan Islands.
Helpful hint: The parking lot is small. The earlier you go, the better. For more information, check out our post on the Nobska Lighthouse.
3. Hike near the sea at The Knob
Exploring this easy, family-friendly seaside trail in Falmouth is a perfect way to spend an hour or two while on Cape Cod. Follow the trail for about a mile, and it will lead you by amazing ocean views before guiding you to this this island-like peninsula. Stop along the way and enjoy the beach! This one of the very popular free things to do in Falmouth.
Parking can be a bit tough, so we suggest you get there early in the day.
Check out our post on The Knob for more info.
4. Bike along the Shining Sea Bikeway
Cyclers, rejoice! Bike the 10.7 miles from the Steamship Authority’s parking lot to County Road. Along the way, you’ll roll through the Sippewissett Marsh, overlooks of the beach, cranberry bogs, and the Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary.
Benny and I haven’t yet biked this path, but it’s on our list of things to do. If you have, let us know what you think about it!
For more info, check out the Shining Sea Bikeway site, and print or download a map here.
5. Stroll through protected land
There’s more to the Cape than just the beach. I know that may shock some, but it’s true! We came across the Bourne Farm, which is managed by the Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries. Yes, it’s the same organization that maintains The Knob, but we thought it was worth putting a non-beach or ocean-free activity in a section of its own.
When we visited, we meandered past old farm buildings, past Crocker Pond, and through a few short wooded trails. Benny managed to get himself stuck in an apple tree. If you’re looking to spend quality, outside time on the Cape, then you should definitely check them out.
The 300 Committee is another non-profit organization that conserves and protects land in Falmouth. To date, they protect over 2,500 acres of land that can enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. They have many places to explore. Needless to say, Benny and I haven’t yet explored all of them, although that’s definitely on our list of things to do in Falmouth.
You can find of all of the 300 Committee’s locations here.
Do you know of anything else that’s free to do in Falmouth? Let us know!
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Looking for more things to do on Cape Cod? Check out these posts:
- The Knob, Falmouth
- Hidden Lawrence Island, Bourne
- Nobska Lighthouse, Falmouth
- The Sandwich Boardwalk, Sandwich
- Sagamore Hill, Sandwich
- Seal Watching
- 5 Free Things to do in Falmouth
- The Cape Cod National Seashore
Check out our map of places we’ve been in New England!
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