Falmouth and the Carrick Roads (the river Fal and its connected rivers) are world-famous as the world's third largest deep-water harbour (Sydney and Rio, if you are curious); as the country's first and last port; as a centre for watersports and as an unspoilt environment.
There is lots to see and do in the local area. As well as the Museum, look out for the award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery, the twin castles of Pendennis and St Mawes (English Heritage), the beautiful churches at St Just in Roseland and Mylor, the gardens at Trelissick (National Trust), wonderful riverside walks and beaches, and Truro with its shopping and cathedral. King Harry's Cornwall, who operate the historic King Harry Ferry also have a great website with lots of ideas for things to do in the local area.
A bit further afield is the lovely Helford River with Frenchman's Creek, Trebah and Glendurgan (National Trust) gardens and the Gweek Seal Sanctuary. The best way to explore the area is definitely by water using the Fal River Links network. Use the links in the menu on the left to get more detail: where to stay, what to see and ways to get afloat yourself.