Although Old Silver Beach, Surf Drive Beach, and Menauhant Beach sell 1-day passes, most other Falmouth public beaches require a parking sticker instead. Day passes to Old Silver are $20, to Surf Drive $15, and to Menauhant $10. Renters can obtain temporary beach parking stickers, for $70 per week or $210 for 2 weeks, at Falmouth Town Hall, 59 Town Hall Square (tel. 508/548-7611), or at the Surf Drive Beach bathhouse in season (tel. 508/548-8623), which is open 9am to 4pm daily. The town beaches that charge a parking fee all have lifeguards, restrooms, and concession stands. Some of Falmouth’s more notable public shores are as follows:
- Falmouth Heights Beach, off Grand Avenue, in Falmouth Heights: At this family-oriented beach, the parking is sticker-only; some local inns will provide stickers to guests. This neighborhood supported the Cape’s first summer colony; the grand Victorian mansions still overlook the beach. The beach has lifeguards and bathroom facilities.
- Grews Pond, in Goodwill Park, off Gifford Street, in Falmouth: This freshwater pond in a large town forest stays fairly uncrowded, even in the middle of summer. While everyone else is experiencing beach rage, trying to find parking at Falmouth’s popular beaches, here you park for free and can wander shady paths around the pond. You’ll find picnic tables, an extra special playground, barbecue grills, a lifeguard, and restrooms.
- Menauhant Beach, off Central Avenue, in East Falmouth: A bit off the beaten track, Menauhant is a little less mobbed than Falmouth Heights Beach and better protected from the winds. There are lifeguards, bathroom facilities, and a bathhouse. Day passes are $10.
- Old Silver Beach, off Route 28A, in North Falmouth: Western-facing (great for sunsets) and relatively calm, this warm Buzzards Bay beach is a popular, often crowded, choice. This is the spot for the college crowd and other rowdy young folk. Mothers and their charges cluster on the opposite side of the street, where a shallow pool formed by a sandbar is perfect for toddlers. The beach provides several amenities, including a bathhouse with showers and bathrooms, food concessions, and lifeguards. Sailboards are available to rent in season. Day passes are $20.
- Surf Drive Beach, off Shore Street in Falmouth: About a half-mile from downtown, this beach is easily accessible (it’s a 10-minute walk from Main Street) but with limited parking. It’s an appealing beach for families: The shallow, calm area between the jetties is called “the kiddie pool.” You’ll find an outdoor shower, bathrooms, a food concession, and lifeguards. Day passes are $15.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.