Located just an hour outside of New York City, Westport is a charming town offering visitors and residents a host of fun, family-friendly attractions that last year-round. Travel with us as we walk through the best things to do in Westport the next time you come to visit.
Relax on Compo Beach
Situated between the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound, Compo Beach is Westport’s premier beachside area and one of the town's most visited locations. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Compo Beach is fully staffed by lifeguards. It also has a great playground for kids, and a convenient small grocery store and deli with an expansive menu close by known as, Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Visit Westport and enjoy all Compo Beach has to offer including its basketball courts, skate park, softball fields, volleyball areas, and more. A daily parking fee for non residents is charged May 1 to Sept 30 of $45 weekdays and $70 on weekends and holidays. From October 1 through March 30 dogs are allowed in designated areas but must be kept on leash. The Compo Beach area is also perfect for sightseeing some of the premier Westport homes in the area.
Visit Westport and enjoy all Compo Beach has to offer including its basketball courts, skate park, softball fields, volleyball areas, and more. A daily parking fee for non residents is charged May 1 to Sept 30 of $45 weekdays and $70 on weekends and holidays. From October 1 through March 30 dogs are allowed in designated areas but must be kept on leash. The Compo Beach area is also perfect for sightseeing some of the premier Westport homes in the area.
Get artsy at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) in Westport has drawn some of the nation’s top talents for generations. It’s no wonder since the town is centrally located between many of the East Coast’s leading performance venues. This non-profit visual and performing arts center, recently moved to the Newtown Turnpike, offers a wealth of cultural nourishment for all.
Whether you’re a fan of sculpture, live plays and chamber music, painting, or movies, MoCA has a little something for everyone. The museum is especially inviting for the younger members of the family. It boasts a circulating schedule of lectures, art classes, and artist talks throughout the year that will captivate anyone with a flair for art.
Do some shopping Downtown
After you’ve taken in some local art and culture, it might be time to unwind with a bit of shopping in Westport’s historic downtown shopping district. Because Westport is a relatively small town with fewer than 30,000 residents, it’s easy to traverse the entire shopping area. Westport’s red-bricked walkways host many of the world’s top fashion brands, like Lululemon, Tiffany & Co., Vineyard Vines, and Anthropologie and small boutiques like Fred and Great Stuff. For a quick break between stores, check out GG & Joe, Rye Ridge Deli, or Mrs London’s Bakery & Cafe. Parking is plentiful for all visitors downtown.
Sample local fare
Known for its variety of eating options, Westport is a mecca for delicious restaurants and adventurous foodies. A few local favorite eateries include:
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The Granola Bar of Westport, with its popular breakfast and lunch menus
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Rainbow Thai, a local dining spot with a large variety of options
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bartaco, a popular riverside restaurant where it’s best to make reservations
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NÔMADE offers global cuisine in a bohemian setting with natural wood decor
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Casa Me specializes in elevated Italian fare. Try their pasta made in house.
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Don Memo, with its focus on Oaxacan flavors with creative flare
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Spotted Horse Tavern, affectionately called the “jammin' little hideaway”. Great for families.
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Pink Sumo, a world-class dining experience for sushi and sashimi lovers
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The Cottage, an elegant setting for New American plates
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Rive Bistro, a Sunday brunch staple serving casual French fare by the river
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Gabriele’s an upscale Italian Steakhouse
Get a little dirty at Earthplace
If you and your family have a bit of a green thumb, look no further than Westport’s famous outdoor wildlife sanctuary, Earthplace. This 62-acre green space is open from daybreak to dusk year-round. Its popular Animal Hall and Birds of Prey exhibits are perfect for kids or kids at heart, as are the fascinating Frog Hollow Pond and the wooded areas that encircle this beloved Connecticut landscape.
The Swamp Loop Trail offers an accessible entryway to enjoying this spacious area — be sure to bring your own meals and snacks because it can take upwards of an hour to navigate the entire length. Don’t forget your binoculars since Earthplace has been known as a haven for some of the East Coast’s most spectacular fauna, including owls, wild turkeys, and much more.
Visit Connecticut’s first state park at Sherwood Island
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Sherwood Island, which opened in the early 20th century, isn’t only Connecticut’s first state park — it’s also a must-see for anyone stopping by Westport. Covering over 325 acres of explorable land, Sherwood Island is one of the state’s most treasured attractions. It offers dozens of activities to enjoy along the Long Island Sound.
Pack a picnic lunch and venture inside to walk among some of the state’s oldest preserved areas. Please remember to leave pets at home, since management doesn’t currently allow them within the park perimeter.
Have fun on the water
Any trip to Westport wouldn't be complete without a day on the water. The town provides a wealth of options when it comes to renting or purchasing watersports goods like paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and surfboards.
Also, the beloved Longshore Golf Course located within Westport Longshore Club Park, is a perfect spot to play a round of golf, rent a sailboat or play tennis overlooking the water.
See a show
The nationally-recognized Westport Country Playhouse has been producing acclaimed shows and plays in its 578-seat auditorium for nearly 100 years. If you’re looking for an outdoor experience, hop over to the Levitt Pavilion to enjoy one of the country’s longest-running outdoor summer festivals. There, you can see a variety of music concerts featuring pop, jazz, folk, big band, cabaret performers, and children’s shows on Wednesdays. BYO picnic blanket, lawn chair, and snacks!
Contact a local real estate agent today
Have any questions or comments about Westport real estate or things to do in the town? Get in touch with Cindy Raney & Team today!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
