How to do a Weekend in North Falmouth, MA

September is the perfect time of year to visit North Falmouth, MA. The crowds have left Cape Cod, the kids are back at school, leaving you an empty and warm beach to enjoy.

How to do a Weekend in North Falmouth, MA

(Photos: Sea Crest Beach Hotel, North Falmouth)

Hotel: Make the most of your weekend on the Cape by staying somewhere that’s convenient to get to—like the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth. It’s located just over the Bourne or Sagamore bridges. I left Boston at 5pm on a Friday night (normally a big mistake), but thanks to visiting during shoulder season (after Labor Day), was relaxing in my room by 7pm. The hotel is ideally situated, not just because of its proximity to Boston, but because it’s also just minutes to charming downtown Falmouth and the Sea to Shining Sea bike trail.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel has its own private, 700-foot white sand beach that’s just for guests to use—complete with free beach chairs, towel service, and umbrellas. There are also indoor and outdoor heated saltwater pools in case you find the ocean too chilly.

Friday: 

Even if you can’t leave until the workday is over, you’ll still arrive at Sea Crest Beach Hotel with plenty of time to enjoy your Friday night. Book an ocean-view room with a balcony so that you can unwind with a sundowner before going to dinner.

Grab a table on Red’s Restaurant & Lounge’s three-seasons porch, which is screened in and covered so you’ll be comfortable, even if the evening gets a little chilly. Named after the famous former Boston Celtics’ coach, this restaurant is full of iconic New England touches, and also serves up locally sourced food. The ever-changing list of local specials keeps the menu fresh—but keep an eye out for the cheese plate if it’s available—it’s a great way to sample some of the area’s best dairy farms. Craft cocktails also give a nod to Cape Cod, using ingredients from local breweries and distilleries to make you delicious drinks. Forget that tomorrow is a beach day and order dessert—you won’t regret it even when you’re putting on your swimsuit the next day—the s’mores crème brulee is that good!

Saturday: 

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Hopefully a good night’s sleep has given you another appetite, as Saturday should start off with brunch at Sea Crest Beach Hotel’s Ocean View Dining Room. This aptly named spot features picture windows with relaxing views of Old Silver Beach and Buzzard’s Bay, plus, one of the biggest and best brunch buffets around. Indulge in the made-to-order waffle bar and omelet station—you’ll need the fuel for your next activity.

The Shining Sea Bikeway is just minutes down the road, so rent a bike from the hotel and get ready to ride. This picturesque bike paths is one of my favorites in the whole world—it’s flat, well-maintained, and winds past beaches, cranberry bogs, and quaint New England towns. Visiting in September means that you’ll have much less bike/rollerblade/and pedestrian traffic to contend with than you would during the peak summer season.

The 10-mile each way bike path is meant to be a leisurely ride, so be sure to stop along the way to check out the local towns and sights. Falmouth is a cute small town with plenty of shops, candy stores, and restaurants along its main street, in case you’re in need of more refreshment.

The trail ends in Wood’s Hole, where you’ll discover Oceanside restaurants with docks where you can take a break and quench your thirst after a long ride.

Sunday: 

In the mood for a lazy Sunday? Pull up a chair and umbrella at Sea Crest Beach’s private beach. There’s plenty of space on the white sand so you can relax and enjoy some peace and quiet, doing nothing but catching some sun and watching the surf. If you get bored of that, there are kayaks, SUPs, and maui mats (giant floating foam pads that you can stand or walk on without sinking) available for rent. Take time and enjoy the day here, as you don’t have a long drive back ahead of you.

Bars & Restaurants

• Red’s Restaurant & Lounge
• Oceanview Dining Room
• Maison Villatte
• Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium

Attractions

• Shining Sea Bikeway
• Old Silver Beach
• Spohr Gardens

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Essential Beach Packing List
• Top 10 Beaches in the U.S.
• 10 Tips for Packing a Perfect Beach Bag

Caroline was hosted by Sea Crest Beach Hotel on her trip to North Falmouth. Follow Caroline’s adventures around Boston and the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1.