Stony Beach sits on the coast of Woods Hole in Falmouth. This sandy, north-facing beach owned by the Marine Biological Laboratory and managed by the Town of Falmouth is a sweet summer spot. Just a quick walk or bike ride from the bustling village, Stony Beach provides a refreshing perspective of Buzzards Bay from one of its southernmost mainland views.

Ditch the crowds and join the fun at Stony Beach, a hidden gem tucked away from the heart of Woods Hole Village. Make your way from the village center through the neighboring community, home to the Marine Biological Laboratory, and you’ll find this small beach that embodies Woods Hole’s low-key style. Visit at low tide, when you can wade out and try snorkeling in these shallow waters.

The waters off Stony Beach are clear and shallow, making them a perfect place for kids to get introduced to snorkeling.

Despite its name, Stony Beach has mostly sandy shores. The beach is nestled between two rock jetties, which shelter its waters from the wind on most summer days. Herring gulls soar over happy beachgoers in summer. Along the jetties, watch cormorants dry their black feathers in the breeze as you search for small crabs and periwinkles with your kids. The jetties are also a great place for beginner snorkelers, with many crabs and small fish living in and around the rocks, and occasionally, large fish like striped bass coming in for lunch!

Woods Hole is in the town of Falmouth in Barnstable County. It lies at the extreme southwest corner of Cape Cod, near Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands.

It is the site of several marine science institutions, including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Marine Biological Laboratory, the Woodwell Climate Research Center, NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (which started the Woods Hole scientific community in 1871), the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, a USGS coastal and marine geology center, and the home campus of the Sea Education Association. And the headquarter of the Climate Foundation.

It is also the site of United States Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England (formerly USCG Group Woods Hole), the Nobska Light lighthouse, and the terminus of the Steamship Authority ferry route between Cape Cod and the island of Martha's Vineyard.

Woods Hole is located at the southwest tip of the town of Falmouth (and of Cape Cod). The term "Woods Hole" refers to a strait named Woods Hole, which separates Cape Cod from the Elizabeth Islands (specifically, Uncatena Island and Nonamesset Island) and which boats, yachts, and small ferries can use to travel between Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay. The strait is known for its extremely strong current, approaching four knots.

Much of Woods Hole centers around the enclosed harbor of Eel Pond. The Eel Pond Bridge, a bascule drawbridge at the mouth of the harbor, allows boats to enter and exit the harbor according to a fixed schedule posted on the side of the bridge.

Nobska Light, a lighthouse at Nobska Point, is operated by the United States Coast Guard, and the accompanying house is the home of the commander of the Coast Guard base at Little Harbor.

The local landmark The Knob is a rocky outcropping that overlooks Buzzards Bay and Quisset Harbor. It is a part of the privately owned Salt Pond bird sanctuaries.