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Falmouth, MA

Frequently asked questions

Falmouth, MA

Falmouth is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 32,517 at the 2020 census, making Falmouth the second-largest municipality on Cape Cod after Barnstable. The terminal for the Steamship Authority ferries to Martha's Vineyard is located in the village of Woods Hole in Falmouth. Woods Hole also contains several scientific organizations such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), the Woodwell Climate Research Center, NOAA's Woods Hole Science Aquarium, and the scientific institutions' various museums. 

For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Falmouth, please see the articles on East Falmouth, Falmouth Village, North Falmouth, Teaticket, West Falmouth, and Woods Hole. Falmouth also encompasses the villages of Hatchville and Waquoit, which are not census-designated places and fall within the village of East Falmouth based on postal service.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 54.4 square miles (141.0 km2), of which 44.1 square miles (114.1 km2) is land and 10.3 square miles (26.8 km2), or 19.04%, is water. Most of Falmouth, like the rest of Cape Cod, sits on glacial sands composed of glacial outwash deposits. However, the soil in the southwestern part of the town, consisting of moraine deposits, is more rocky and dense, like the rest of New England, and many glacial erratics are scattered about, having been dropped by the retreating glaciers. The climate is temperate marine. There is no exposed bedrock. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year and averages 2 to 3 in (50–75 mm) per month.

Falmouth lies on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod. It is bordered by Bourne and Sandwich to the north, Mashpee to the east, Vineyard Sound to the south, and Buzzards Bay to the west. At its closest point, Falmouth is approximately 560 yards (510 m) from Nonamesset Island, the easternmost island of the town of Gosnold, and the Elizabeth Islands. It is approximately 3+ 1⁄3 miles (5.4 km) north-northwest of Martha's Vineyard, the closest land to the island. Falmouth is approximately 14 miles (23 km) south of the Bourne Bridge, 22 miles (35 km) west of Barnstable, and 77 miles (124 km) south-southeast of Boston.

Falmouth's topography is similar to the rest of Cape Cod's, with many small ponds, creeks, and inlets surrounded by the pines and oaks of the Cape and often rocky beachfront. Falmouth's southern shore is notable for a series of ponds and rivers spaced very closely together, all of which travel some distance into the town. These include, from west to east, Falmouth Inner Harbor, Little Pond, Great Pond (which leads to the Dexter and Coonamesset rivers), Green Pond, Bourne's Pond, Eel Pond (which leads to the Childs River), and Waquoit Bay, which lies along the Mashpee town line. The Buzzards Bay side of the town is primarily bays divided by necks, and peninsulas connected to land by isthmi. The largest inlet is Megansett Cove along the Bourne town line. The Buzzards Bay shore of Falmouth is punctuated by several hamlets, including, from north to south, Megansett, New Silver Beach, Old Silver, Chappaquoit, Sippewisset, Quissett, and Woods Hole.

Falmouth places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Falmouth Hospital offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Experience the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being through classes offered at Gratitude Hot Yoga Falmouth, The Yoga Collaborative Cape Cod, and Calm Studio Cape Cod. Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, or walking along scenic trails at Shining Sea Bikeway. Join fitness classes at 241 Fitness, USA Fitness 24/7, and Planet Fitness which offer a range of activities like yoga, Pilates, and strength training.

Top sites in Falmouth, MA are Highfield Hall & Gardens, Woods Hole Science Aquarium, Shining Sea Bikeway, and Nobska Lighthouse.

Population: 33,128 (2023). ZIP code: 02536 (East Falmouth); 02540 (Falmouth); 02543 (Woods Hole); 02556 (North Falmouth). Area codes: 508 / 774. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 54.4 square miles (141.0 km2).

FAQs

What is Falmouth MA known for?

Located in the southwest corner of Cape Cod is the picturesque New England town of Falmouth, well known for its beautiful beaches, and crystal clear waters of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound warmed by the Gulf Stream. Falmouth’s eight distinctive villages are filled with character and charm: East Falmouth, Falmouth, Hatchville, North Falmouth, Teaticket, Waquoit, West Falmouth, and Woods Hole. The town is the closest mainland point—and the Cape’s primary gateway—to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, located seven miles offshore. Daily, scheduled ferry service between Woods Hole and the Vineyard is provided year-round by the Steamship Authority, and seasonally aboard the Island Queen.

Is Falmouth, MA worth visiting?

It’s hot, it’s humid, and there's nothing like a weekend escape to Cape Cod to keep your cool. A short vacation 'down The Cape' is a perfect antidote to the dog days of summer, and Falmouth, MA, is a prime destination. Known for having some of the warmest water on the Cape, Falmouth also boasts 68 miles of beaches and an active cultural scene that draws from the area's nautical history.

Is Falmouth, MA considered Cape Cod?

Falmouth lies on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod. It is bordered by Bourne and Sandwich to the north, Mashpee to the east, Vineyard Sound to the south, and Buzzards Bay to the west. At its closest point, Falmouth is approximately 560 yards (510 m) from Nonamesset Island, the easternmost island of the town of Gosnold, and the Elizabeth Islands. It is approximately 3 1⁄3 miles (5.4 km) north-northwest of Martha's Vineyard, the closest land to the island. 

Sources

Town of Falmouth

Wikipedia

Cape Cod Chamber

New England Inn Sand Resorts

Highfield Hall & Gardens 

Woods Hole Science Aquarium 

Shining Sea Bikeway 

Nobska Lighthouse

Falmouth Hospital 

Gratitude Hot Yoga Falmouth

The Yoga Collaborative Cape Cod

Calm Studio Cape Cod

241 Fitness

USA Fitness 24/7

Planet Fitness

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