15 Best Things to Do in Falmouth (Maine)

Located in the Cumberland County of Maine, Falmouth is a town of around 11,000 people that is a part of the metropolitan area called “Portland-South Portland-Biddeford.”

As a northern suburb of Portland, it is bordered by Casco Bay, which features one of the largest anchorages in Maine. Falmouth hosts three private golf clubs and the Portland Yacht Club.

Falmouth has been featured in many novels written by Stephen King, including the chilling “Salem’s Lot.”

If you’re heading to this charming town, check out some of the top things to do during your visit.

1. Dine at Orchid Thai restaurant

This is a must-do if you love authentic Thai cuisine. If you have never tried it before, the exquisite flavors will have you coming back for more

The ingredients used for cooking are fresh and the seafood is locally sourced from the docks in Portland. The ambiance is pleasant and intimate prices are reasonable.

2. Grab breakfast at Bernies Foreside

Want to savor a traditional American breakfast? Bernies Foreside is the best place for this in Falmouth. With a convenient location just outside of Portland, there are small shops nearby if you need a bit of retail therapy.

The restaurant is warm, friendly and traditional – perfect for enjoying a relaxing breakfast with family or friends. The menu is varied enough to meet all tastes and requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

With such delicious food, it’s no wonder that this place is always full. Sometimes you might have to wait a bit for a seat, but it will definitely be worth it.

3. Relax at Fabu Salon & Day Spa

Need some time out and pampering? Pay a visit to Fubu Salon & Day Spa. With various options for beauty and relaxation – including massages and a sauna – you will leave feeling truly spoiled.

As soon as you walk into this welcoming establishment you will be hit with the intoxicating scent of essential oils and be treated like a queen (or king!)

4. Catch a play at Footlights Theater

Whether you love theater or are just looking for a way to spend an evening in Falmouth, Footlights Theater is a great option.

The setting is intimate and you can buy drinks – including wine – before the show. The live performances are highly enjoyable and will bring you into a unique and magical world.

5. Get back to nature at the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center

This is the perfect place for a walk. With a beautiful forest, an estuary and ponds, the trails will get you out amongst the natural beauty of the region.

You will also find a charming floral exhibit here and can learn about the many species of birds that frequent the area.

Take a picnic lunch and bring the kids along to enjoy some of the tailored programs offered at reasonable prices.

If you want to leave with a souvenir, the gift shop has a great variety of bird and nature-themed items.

6. Learn to Sail with Capt. Lyman Stuart

If you’ve always wanted to head out on the waters and tackle the big blue sea, here’s your chance! In the middle of Casco Bay, Captain Lyman will give you a master course in sailing and an unforgettable experience.

The schedule is flexible, so you can take the lesson at a time that suits you best. Once you’re learning the ropes with the wind in the sails and the salty breeze in your hair, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to learn.

7. Explore Mackworth Island

Take some time out to recharge with a relaxing wander around this hundred-acre island. It’s the perfect place for a family hike. The views of Casco Bay are stunning, and the trails take you to explore the sandy shorelines and forested areas.

Although Mackworth Island is only small, there are plenty of benches to relax on and swings for the kids to play on. There’s even a charming area forested with mature pine trees, whose scent will take you right back to Christmas.

8. Visit Presumpscot Falls Park

For an enjoyable walk or hike, the Presumpscot Falls Trail offers you an enchanting experience. Although it is only a short trail, it is quite challenging, so a great choice for those wanting a bit of a workout.

The viewpoint of Presumpscot Falls can be found at the end of the trail, very close to the location of the former Smelt Hill Dam, a well-known fishing area.

9. Peruse the shelves at Falmouth Memorial Library

If you are a book lover, don’t miss the small but busy Falmouth Memorial Library. Opened in 1952 it remains the preferred place for avid book readers to this day.

The library has a public access computer room and a large children’s section. There is also free wireless internet access. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Maine, you’ll find it within this library.

10. Be enchanted at the Maine State Ballet

Intimacy, beauty, dance, and reasonable prices; you can find all this at the Maine State Ballet. If you love watching a show full of dance, energy, costumes, and stories, this is the perfect place to go with family or friends.

All productions are well prepared by dedicated students and professionals devoted to the art of ballet.

11. Marvel at the Falmouth Nature Preserve

This picturesque preserve lies in the surroundings of Falmouth and is another chance to head into the great outdoors. Here, you can wander the trail in search of some of the local wildlife.

The Falmouth nature preserve is an area covering 76-acres near Mill Creek. The trail has a total length of three miles.

Go for a relaxing walk, a challenging hike, or ride a bike while enjoying the beautiful views, the sound of nature, and the fresh air.

12. Visit the Woods Road Heritage Museum

If you are interested in the culture and the history of Falmouth, the best place to go is to the Woods Road Heritage Museum. Here you can find a library of research material about the genealogy of several families that lived in the city.

You are more than welcome to come and visit the museum to use the research materials kept in the library; this is the main center for providing information and resources to locals and visitors.

You will have wireless internet access and, of course, a comfortable workspace to do your research.

13. Pop into the Portland Museum of Art

The Portland Museum of Art is the best regional museum in the country. It has permanent exhibitions and a nationally renowned collection for art lovers.

Among the permanent collections, you will find works of American, European and contemporary art. The Portland Museum of Art offers free school tours, family activities, curator talks, and organized tours of the Winslow Homer Studio.

14. Climb on The Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory offers a great view of the entire Portland landscape. On each floor, you will find historical exhibits related to the structure of the building.

This tower was built in order to let people know when ships approached the harbor, so they would know that unloading work was available. This is the perfect place to enjoy some great views of the area and to learn more about the history of Portland.

15. Visit the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine

If you are on vacation with your family, bring the kids along to the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. They will have a lot of fun visiting the computer lab and all the other amazing exhibits.

The staff will take them through various educational and interactive experiences, from which they will learn the beauty of life and art. They will get to drive a fire truck, an ambulance and a tractor, splash around in a stream with plastic fish and turtles, go camping, and so much more.