So, you’ve booked your vacation home and researched things to do on Cape Cod with your family, but before you pack your bags and head to the Cape, have you considered your vacation might be the perfect time to update those old family photos? Or, perhaps you’re celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, or the arrival of the newest member of your family. Why not capture the joy of those moments with Cape Cod as your dreamy backdrop?
Whether you envision your photos to be set before a beach, lush gardens, or historic landmarks, Cape Cod has an endless amount of scenic options to photograph your family and vacation memories. If you’re staying in Falmouth, we’ve put together a list below of our favorite sites.
Falmouth Photography Locations
Each of the locations listed below are easy to find, have places to park, and are generally within 20 minutes of most areas of Falmouth, with the exception of Woods Hole. Many come with amenities like bathrooms and picnic benches for your convenience. Most of the settings featured are dog-friendly if you are looking to snap some pictures with your favorite furry friend, but you’ll want to check in advance as places like Old Silver Beach are only open to dogs during Cape Cod’s off-season.
The Knob
48 Quissett Harbor Road, Woods Hole
Located at the tip of Quissett Harbor in the village of Woods Hole is a scenic point known as “The Knob” that overlooks Buzzards Bay. As a protected area of conservation, the Knob has walking trails, beach access, and stunning ocean views that are perfect for photos, especially if you are looking to include the ocean and other natural elements like the dunes and foliage.
Old Silver Beach
296 Quaker Road, West Falmouth
A local and tourist favorite, Old Silver Beach in West Falmouth is the place to go if you are hoping to use the colors of the sunset and the sparkling ocean as your backdrop. Try to arrive an hour before sunset to capitalize on those beautiful golden hues. Just across the road from the beach is an estuary that offers a second location for photos with wildlife, beach grass, and white sand.
Bourne Farm
6 North Falmouth Highway, Falmouth
Dating back to 1775, Bourne Farm encompasses 49 acres of walking trails and freshwater ponds. Situated closest to the road is a picturesque farmhouse and barn that is preserved and maintained by Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries. Open to the public, Bourne Farm is frequently used by photographers for its rustic charm and beautiful landscape. Be sure to check the schedule of events listed on their website if you are planning to do photos on a weekend as the farm frequently hosts private and community events.
Nobska Point Lighthouse in Woods Hole
Nobska Lighthouse
233 Nobska Road, Woods Hole
Set atop a hill, Nobska Lighthouse is situated in Woods Hole and overlooks the Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands and Martha’s Vineyard. Established in 1828, the lighthouse and caretaker’s house are historical landmarks that provide stunning backdrops of interest for your family photos. Parking can be tight at this location, especially around the sunset hour so be sure to arrive with plenty of time to hunt down a parking spot.
Spohr Gardens
45 Fells Road, Falmouth
If your vision of family photos has nothing to do with a beach setting and includes flowers and greenery, Spohr Gardens is a beautiful 6-acre garden on Oyster Pond. With a vast array of seasonal blooms like azaleas, rhododendrons, and daylilies, the bright colors and stone bridges of Spohr Gardens will provide a beautiful background. If you are visiting Falmouth in April, Spohr Gardens is home to thousands of daffodils, and when they are all in bloom the setting is unrivaled.
Highfield Hall
46 Highfield Drive, Falmouth
Located off the beaten path is the historical estate known as Highfield Hall. This location has so many options to snap beautiful photos, including an elegantly restored mansion, formal gardens for each of the seasons, old stone walls, and woodsy walking trails. Though the inside of the mansion is used for community art shows and other events, the interior is off-limits for photographs, so plan to stick to the outdoors.
Rent a Vacation Home on the Cape
Foley Vacation Rentals is ready to serve you. If you’re looking for a rental home for your next trip to Cape Cod, our local team is here to help.
Tips For Great Photos
- Hire a local photographer who is familiar with your location. Knowledge and experience with the lighting and features of the property will likely make for a more seamless experience.
- Know the style of photographs you gravitate towards. Do you want candids or more traditionally posed pictures? Communicate with your photographer in advance and be sure to check out their work and previous reviews before you book.
- Choose basic or neutral colors of clothing so that you are the focal point and not your clothing.
- Arrive early; most photographers will suggest you meet them at least an hour before sunset because that is when the lighting is best. If you are there early, you’ll have time to scout locations and deal with any last-minute mishaps without encroaching on your daylight.
- Have FUN! The more relaxed you are, the more your photos will be an authentic reflection of yourselves.
Photo Locations on the Upper Cape
- Heritage Museum and Gardens, 67 Grove Street, Sandwich
- Sandy Neck Beach, Sandy Neck Road, Sandwich (Upper Cape Beaches)
- Pocasset Harbor, Bourne
- South Cape Beach, 668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee
Photo Locations on the Mid-Cape
- Hyannis Village Green, 767 Independence Drive, Hyannis
- Dowses Beach, 348 East Bay Road, Osterville (Mid-Cape Beaches)
- Armstrong-Kelley Park, 675 Main Street, Osterville
- Sesuit Harbor, Sesuit Harbor Road, Dennis
- Yarmouth Port Historic District, 229 MA-6A, Yarmouth Port
Learn more about our favorite Mid-Cape beaches that may also make great photo locations: The 5 Best Beaches In Barnstable Cape Cod
Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown on a beautiful summer day
Photo Locations on the Lower/Outer Cape
- Lighthouse Beach, 30 Main Street, Chatham (Lower Cape Beaches)
- Orleans Village, 220 Main Street, Orleans
- Herring Cove Beach, on Route 6A in Provincetown
- Fort Hill, 70 Fort Hill Road, Eastham
- Truro Vineyards, 11 Shore Road, North Truro
Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?
If you’ve not already made plans to visit Cape Cod, reach out to the local agents at Foley Vacation Rentals. Not only will we help you to arrange a stay at your perfect vacation home on the Cape, but we will also listen to your wants and needs and provide suggestions and referrals to make your experience one to remember.