Woodneck Beach and Marsh

About this Location

With amazing water views and a lush natural setting, Wood Neck Beach is a destination for thousands of Falmouth residents each summer. Relax and watch the waves roll along the shores of Buzzards Bay, or get wet and muddy in neighboring Little Sippewissett Marsh, which offers a world of discovery for curious outdoor explorers.

Falmouth residents and seasonal visitors love Wood Neck Beach for its protected, natural setting. Bright green beach grass sways gracefully in the salty breeze, and colorful shells and rocks stud the sandy shores. Although the beach is a bit narrow at high tide, at low tide it’s a paradise for inquisitive kids who delight in exploring the rocks and tidal pools for crabs, minnows, and barnacles.

A big part of Wood Neck Beach’s appeal lies just next door: Little Sippewissett Marsh, one of Falmouth’s most unique and exciting coastal environments. Every summer, residents, and visitors return here to swim, snorkel, and ride the tidal current from the marsh to the beach. For a truly gorgeous view, we recommend coming here in the evening. The sunset illuminates the marsh and casts a sparkling shimmer across the water.

The combination of sand and salt marsh at Wood Neck Beach is a rich habitat that teems with wildlife. From the beach, walk along the sand to the mouth of the tidal creek that connects the marsh to the Bay. Grassy, fenced-off dunes separate these two habitats, protecting the marsh from erosion.

Gradually, the types of plants and animals change as you explore farther inland. Look for egrets and herons wading by the water’s edge, and blue crabs swimming along the bottom. Try kayaking through here, which is a great way to travel through the marsh without damaging the fragile, spongy banks.

Little Sippewissett Marsh
Behind Woodneck Beach on Buzzards Bay, the tidal creek that winds through Little Sippewissett Marsh has long been the exploration destination of many a young beachgoer equipped with a net and bucket.

Salt marshes are highly complex ecosystems that support a diverse array of species dependent on these unique land-meets-sea conditions. Little Sippewissett Marsh is home to an abundance of crustaceans, mollusks, microbes, birds and fish that would elsewhere not survive. For the human visitor, Little Sippewissett Marsh is an excellent spot for bird watching, wildlife observation and kayak exploration.

The town owns 26 acres of marsh. Salt Pond Bird Sanctuaries, Inc. owns seven acres.

Access to Little Sippewissett Marsh is by way of Sippewissett Road to Woodneck Road. The town beach and parking lot are at the end of Woodneck Road. For parking, a resident beach sticker is required in the summer.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Entrance fee

Content from Woodneck Beach and Marsh (Buzzards Bay Coalition) webpage and Little Sippewissette Marsh webpage

Last updated March 21, 2024