Cape cod in May

Question

As part of our New England trip we are staying in Cape Cod in a airBnB in Falmouth for 3 nights in the beginning of May on a Thurs-Sun. A few questions:

We plan going to MV one of the days ( weather permitting of course) . I understand this will be the steamship authority from wood holes. Will be foot passengers and not take the rental car. Any recommendations for a tour or can you book a driver to tour the island?

Will restaurants be open as this is early in the season? Would love to try a clam chowder/ lobster if any recommendations.

Our interests are scenic drives including the coastline, lunch with a view and exploring villages .

Suggestions of places to visit on the 2 days we have for the Cape would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer

Visiting Cape Cod in early May can be a lovely experience — the weather is usually cool but increasingly pleasant, and the crowds are minimal compared to summer. Since you’re staying in Falmouth, you’re well positioned for both Cape Cod exploration and a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard.

Regarding your Martha’s Vineyard plan:

Yes, the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole is the standard option for foot passengers. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance online, especially if you’re traveling on a weekend.
Once on the island, since you won’t have a car, you can consider hiring a local tour operator or driver for a private tour. Some options include guided van or taxi tours that will take you to highlights such as Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and scenic beaches.
There are also options for renting bikes or using the public bus system, but for a single-day visit and limited time, a private driver is usually easiest.

Restaurant availability in early May can be limited, as some seasonal places open later in the month. However, Falmouth and Woods Hole will have some options open:

For classic Cape Cod seafood, look for waterfront or harbor-view restaurants — many open by late April or early May.
Recommended early-season spots for clam chowder or lobster in Falmouth include Quicks Hole Tavern, the Glass Onion, and Flying Bridge for casual seafood with views.
On Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown has a few year-round restaurants, like the Seafood Shanty, for fresh local seafood.

For scenic drives and village exploration on Cape Cod:

Take Route 6A (Old King’s Highway) for a scenic drive through historic towns like Sandwich, Barnstable, Brewster, and Orleans. This road is dotted with quaint villages, antique shops, and coastal views.
Visit beaches such as Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Nauset Beach, or Coast Guard Beach for iconic Cape Cod coastal scenery.
Consider stopping at Provincetown at the tip of the Cape if time allows — early May is quiet, and the Provincelands and Race Point Beach are excellent for walks and wildlife spotting.
Local harbors like Hyannis and Wellfleet are charming and have opportunities for seafood, art galleries, and short walks along the waterfront.

Suggested 2-day itinerary on Cape Cod:

Day 1: Explore Falmouth and nearby villages; scenic drive along Route 6A; visit Sandwich or Chatham; lunch with water views; return to Falmouth for dinner.
Day 2: Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard; private tour or guided driver to see Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard scenery; enjoy seafood lunch on the island; return to Cape Cod in the late afternoon.

Tips: