Surf Drive Beach is Falmouth's main town beach, fronting the Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse a short walk from Main Street. It has the widest facilities of any Falmouth beach and both a public pay lot and the separate Surf Drive Extension lot.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $20 daily or sticker
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week
Season
Lifeguarded late June through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; open access outside that season.
From late JuneAccessibility
Beach wheelchairs available 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily; reserve at least one day ahead by calling (508) 548-8623.
Dogs
Not allowed on the beach or in the parking lot May 1-October 1.
Banned now · back October 1Managed by
Falmouth Beach Department
(508) 548-8623 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$20 daily or sticker
Surf Drive lot
Details unconfirmed
Surf Drive lot
Cost$20 daily or stickerSpacesunconfirmed
Public welcome.
Surf Drive Extension lot
Cost$20 daily or stickerSpacesunconfirmed
Access points along this beach
Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse
Beach Dept headquarters and sticker sales point.
Trunk River pocket (east end)
Small rocky pocket beach along the same shoreline, no facilities of its own.
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse, 56 Surf Drive
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Surf Drive Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 39° | 37° | 41° | 48° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 74° | 70° | 62° | 54° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Woods Hole (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Surf Drive Beach in Falmouth open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is there parking at Surf Drive Beach, and what does it cost?
Paid lot ($20 daily or sticker). Surf Drive lot
Are there restrooms at Surf Drive Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Surf Drive Beach?
Water at Surf Drive Beach averages about 37°F in February and 74°F in August, based on NOAA readings at Woods Hole from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Surf Drive Beach?
Alcoholic beverages, open flames and grills are not permitted on the beach or in the parking lot. Smoking and vaping prohibited on the beach.
Can you swim at Surf Drive Beach?
Yes. Surf Drive Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Surf Drive Beach?
Not allowed on the beach or in the parking lot May 1-October 1.
Is there an entry fee at Surf Drive Beach?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Surf Drive Beach?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. $20 daily or sticker.