Waquoit Bay Research Reserve Day Trip

Welcome to Waquoit Bay Research Reserve on Cape Cod (Falmouth, MA)

Sometimes you want to get outside to go hiking and take in amazing nature scenery without the crowds, and the Waquoit Bay Natural Estuarine Research Reserve on Cape Cod is a great, quiet spot for an easy hike and a variety of nature views (and photos). Located in Falmouth, MA, the reserve includes trails through wooded areas, marsh, sand dunes, a beach shoreline looking out over Waquoit Bay and a path to a historic cemetery.

And in about 30 minutes, you can experience all this natural diversity without breaking a sweat or sharing the views with big crowds. Plus, you can cap off your visit with craft beers at Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, which is right down the road.

Note, the visitor center and boating areas are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. The hiking paths (not suitable for strollers) and free parking are however self-guided and open during this time. Because of that, the main driveway gate may be shut. But you can simply go to the next driveway and turn in. 

Waquoit Bay Research Reserve Location | Detailed directions

How to get to Waquoit Bay Research Reserve (Falmouth, MA)

There are two entrances for the reserve at 131 Waquoit Highway (or Massachusetts Route 28) in Falmouth, MA and can be reached by either driving on MA 28 from Falmouth or Mashpee, MA. There are a few, free parking spots to the right of the visitor center.

What to see at Waquoit Bay Research Reserve

After parking, simply walk towards and past the visitor center to view the bay from above the shoreline. Waquoit Bay landscape and the sailboats can be seen at the edge of the property looking through the trees.

Then turn right and head to the hiking trail (this is part of the Visitors Center and Headquarters Trail), which takes you down into the bay for a variety of natural scenery and landscapes.

Within just a few minutes, you go from forest to marsh to beach. Continue onto the beach to view the boats and walk along the sand until reaching the boating area, which is closed. Younger children will especially enjoy all the adventures you can have at this spot. 

The beach is a great spot for expansive, serene views of the surrounding Cape Cod shore by the towns of Falmouth and Mashpee

Tip: The beach is a small, secluded spot to hang out and relax so bring beach chairs or a blanket.

From here, head back the way you came and look for a sign marker to the cemetery. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll reach the Falmouth Bay View (aka. Waquoit) Cemetery.

Tip: For more hiking around the visitor center, go back to the trail and walk to the other side of the center.

And because we at MassDayTripping are always stoked to sample craft MA beers, cap off your day trip by visiting Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery, which is only 1 mile down the road on MA-28. To get there, head left out of the parking lot back towards Falmouth: directions.

There are socially-distanced indoor and outdoor seating areas, including a beer meadow, and once you are seated, simply scan the QR code in your mobile phone. Children are allowed to sit outside as long as they are accompanied by adults.

During our visit, we enjoyed the Martha’s Vineyard Ale with warm pretzels; the beer cheese dipping sauce rocked. The menu includes pizzas and salads so come hungry.

Tip: Enjoy sampling the drafts on tap responsibility by getting a beer flight with four 4.75 oz. pours.

Tip: Even with ample parking available, there still may be a wait to get a spot, especially if you arrive during the mid-to-late afternoon or an event like their fall weekend market.