Inspire your inner traveller when you make a trip to Westport in Fairfield County, Connecticut, one of the most interesting towns in the United States. Located 52 miles (83.6 kilometres) from New York City and 40 miles (64.3 kilometres) from Manhattan, Westport is easily accessible by road or railway as it has two train stations in town. Be amazed by its natural surroundings when visiting its public beaches or going paddleboarding along the Saugatuck River. Be delighted by the culinary delights at the famous restaurants in town. Be thrilled by the eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary art at the local museum. Go on a shopping spree at the many local boutiques. Read on further to discover the best things to do in Westport, Connecticut.
1. Watch a play at Westport Country Playhouse
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A non-profit regional theater in Westport, Connecticut, Westport Country Playhouse was a1830s tannery converted to a regional theater in 1931 by Lawrence Langner. This cultural landmark of Connecticut is home to classic and new plays as well as performing arts that bring the community of theater lovers under one roof. The theater has produced over 700 plays to this date, out of which 36 of the plays were moved to Broadway. Although it has been renovated tremendously, the theater still maintains its original charm and character.
Westport Country Playhouse
Address: 25 Powers Ct, Westport, CT 06880
Website: Westport Country Playhouse
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 12pm - 6pm; Thu - Fri: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
2. Learn about history at Westport Historical Society
Founded in 1889, Westport Historical Society is a museum that educates visitors about the town’s history through a holistic approach. The museum helps in increasing people’s knowledge of historic buildings and landmarks. Westport Historical Society comprises a museum called Bradley-Wheeler Barn, a cobblestone barn that houses a unique shop, archives, and historic house research. Apart from that, the museum is known for hosting events and several programs for both adults and children.
Westport Historical Society
Address: 25 Avery Pl, Westport, CT 06880
Website: Westport Historical Society
3. Admire the fine art at MoCA Westport
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Made your reservations for this weekend at MoCA yet? Come see the works of almost 200 High School artists across CT! https://mocawestport.org/exhibition/hindsight-is-2020/
Posted by MoCA Westport on Saturday, February 6, 2021
An art museum in Westport Connecticut, MoCA Westport stands for Museum of Contemporary Art and was once called Westport Arts Center. The museum is dedicated to locals by creating inspiring visual and performing arts. There are exhibitions and performances featured all year that cater to art enthusiasts of all ages. Also, the museum showcases works from international and local artists alike.
MoCA Westport
Address: 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT 06880
Website: MoCA Westport
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon, Tue & Wed)
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4. Learn new skills at Longshore Sailing School
If you’re looking for a fun place to spend the summer, Longshore Sailing School is for you. This public club in Westport, Connecticut, is known for teaching sailing as well as renting out watercraft. It is also considered the oldest and the most renowned sailing program in the United States. If that isn’t enough, this school has also been awarded the most prestigious sail training award in the country. Here, you can learn lessons about paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. They also have programs for both adults and juniors. Longshore Sailing School offers rentals for kayaks and paddleboards.
Longshore Sailing School
Address: 260 Compo Rd S, Westport, CT 06880
Website: Longshore Sailing School
Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 6pm, 9pm - 12am; Tue: 12am - 5pm; Wed - Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
5. Take a tour of Hummock Island Oyster Farm
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled near Compo Beach, Hummock Island Oyster Farm is known for growing oysters using best-in-class technology. The oysters here are featured at The Whelk and sold all across the United States. While here, make sure to sign up for a tour that starts with a short boat ride where you will also learn about farming and the ancient craft of harvesting. Aside from that, you will also be able to learn how to shuck an oyster.
Hummock Island Oyster Farm
Address: 100 Compo Mill Cove, Westport, CT 06880
Opening list: 24 hours (daily)
6. Enjoy walking and eating along the boardwalk at Compo Beach
A sunny sky above and a sandy beach below is the perfect recipe for a wonderful day out at Compo Beach in Westport. Watch the waves roll in at this gorgeous beach with a 29-acre (11.7-hectare) green park that features recreational amenities such as a skate park, a softball field, 2 lighted basketball courts and a multi-purpose field. Best of all, the boardwalk at Compo Beach is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or enjoying food by the beach with family and friends. In addition to the beach being handicapped-accessible, dogs are also allowed at designated areas provided they remain on a leash.
Compo Beach
Address: 60 Compo Beach Road, Westport CT
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Explore marsh life at Sherwood Island State Park
A spectacular place for nature lovers, Sherwood Island State Park is Connecticut’s first state park and encompasses over 234 acres (94.6 hectares) of natural wetlands, woodlands, and beach. Located on the shore of Long Island Sound in Westport, this park is a natural wonderland where visitors come for nature strolls, biking, swimming, bird-watching, kite-flying, recreational sports or picnicking under the shady trees. Within the park is Sherwood Island Nature Center, where guests learn about the wide variety of flora and fauna. For the more adventurous, there is surf and shore fishing along the shoreline and a salt marsh nature trail to explore.
Sherwood Island State Park
Address: Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880
Website: Sherwood Island State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: Free for vehicles licensed in Connectic; Out-of-state vehicles: 15 USD (weekdays), 22 USD (weekends), 7 USD (after 4pm)
8. Go back in time exploring Westport Museum for History & Culture
Discover the fascinating history of Westport at Westport Museum for History & Culture, a historic landmark that celebrates the town’s collective heritage since 1889. On the museum’s premises is Bradley-Wheeler House, which kids will love thanks to its interactive elements, gift shop and activities such as WiFi games and art and recreation. Making history an educational experience, the museum features walking tours, author talks, film showings, history happy hours and entertaining exhibits. What’s amazing is the wealth of historic artefacts, archives, textiles and art that trace the town’s impressive heritage.
Westport Museum for History & Culture
Address: 25 Avery Pl, Westport, CT 06880, United States
Website: Westport Museum for History & Culture
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD (adults), 3 USD (seniors and members), free for children aged 10 and below
9. Dig into the best stuffed burger at Black Duck Café
Black Duck Café is actually a historic barge that floats on the Saugatuck River and serves a delicious menu of local culinary delights. With a rich history of being the fastest rum-runner boat in the 1920s, the barge has now been transformed into a brilliant restaurant. It celebrates the best of seafood and signature dishes with spectacular river views. The wide menu includes classic American favourites such as burgers, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers that are best enjoyed with their selection of wines and beers. Best of all, the cafe offers Sunday brunch, kid’s meals, tasty stuffed burgers, and outdoor dining.
Black Duck Café
Address: 605 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880, United States
Website: Black Duck Café
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 2am; Sun: 11:30am - 11pm
10. Try paddleboarding on the Saugatuck River
The Saugatuck River in Westport is one of the most popular attractions in town where families and friends gather to spend relaxing moments together. Spanning 23.7 miles (38 kilometres), the beautiful river offers picturesque views and calming azure waters surrounded by nature’s beauty. Looking for excitement? Try paddleboarding, swimming, or fishing along the Saugatuck River to catch trout, striped bass, and bluefish. It’s a great place as nature enthusiasts can explore river wildlife along the sandy beach and rock pools. Just as impressive is the Saugatuck River bridge that was built across the river in 1884 and remains the town’s oldest movable bridge.
Saugatuck River
Address: Elaine Road, Westport
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Stroll around the Saugatuck area and discover local boutiques
Enjoy shopping at the wide array of local boutiques, gifts shops, and local chain stores in the Saugatuck area, located in downtown Westport. There are so many things to see, do, and explore around the Saugatuck area. It is a scenic destination where New England ambience meets contemporary charm. Tuck into culinary delights at the many restaurants and cafes along the riverside or discover the historic landmarks and galleries in the vicinity. Have an exciting day out at the indoor and outdoor entertainment attractions while strolling along the river and enjoying the lovely atmosphere.
Saugatuck area
Address: Westport, CT 06880, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Explore the wildlife museum of Earthplace
Learning about nature, science, and the environment becomes an exciting experience at Earthplace, a nature discovery centre dedicated to building a sustainable future for Earth and its community. Enter the wildlife museum packed with interactive nature displays, an animal hall, a Connecticut birds of prey exhibit, as well as interesting animal programmes for visitors. What’s amazing is its wildlife sanctuary encompassing 62 acres (25 hectares) of open space with creatures such as amphibians, lizards, ferrets, birds, insects, and wild animals. Go for an energetic stroll along 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of walking trails in the sanctuary and explore the wondrous flora and fauna in the forest, ponds, and streams.
Earthplace
Address: 10 Woodside Ln, Westport, CT 06880, United States
Website: Earthplace
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm
Price: Free
13. Delight yourself with hand-decorated desserts at Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates by Aarti
Indulge in sweet temptations at Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates by Aarti. It is a delightful desserts shop for artisanal chocolate lovers. In fact, this shop has been voted the best chocolate shop in Westport for six years in a row and was recently voted as the best desserts shop in town. What keeps customers coming back are the pretty hand-decorated desserts, chocolate cakes, and beautiful packaging that make their chocolates perfect for gifting. Delight yourself with the wide range of gourmet desserts such as hand-rolled chocolate truffles, frozen chocolate mousse bites, toffee, fudge, chocolate-covered fruits, and plenty more.
Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates by Aarti
Address: 190 Main St, Westport, CT 06880, United States
Website: Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates by Aarti
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
14. See the wonders of the night sky at Rolnick Observatory
Watch the starry skies come alive at Rolnick Observatory, now known as Westport Observatory, the astronomical observatory located at the highest point in town. Originally a Cold War radar site, this domed tower is today a popular place to catch lunar eclipses, shooting stars, and whizzing comets. Within the observatory is a giant telescope to view distant galaxies, interesting exhibits, helpful staff to answer questions, and a gift shop to take home stellar souvenirs. The Rolnick Observatory is perfect for kids and stargazers who love to see the many wonders of the night sky.
Rolnick Observatory
Address: 182 Bayberry Ln, Westport, CT 06880, United States
Website: Rolnick Observatory
Opening hours: Wed: 8:15pm - 10pm (closed from Thu - Tue)
Price: Free
15. Savour the sunset view at Old Mill Beach
Find serenity at Old Mill Beach, a quiet, sandy beach with a 1.8-acre (0.7-hectare) park along the shores of Long Island Sound. If you prefer to stay away from crowded beaches in Westport, this beach is the ideal place to kick back and relax with the fresh sea breeze. Although the beach has no restroom facilities and limited parking spaces, it remains a popular destination for locals to enjoy the sunshine during the day and chill out with drinks at night. Just rising early to catch the splendid sunrise or strolling by to watch the sunset makes Old Mill Beach a must-visit attraction. It’s a great place for kids to explore the seashells and critters among the rock pools whilst parents rest on the park benches.
Old Mill Beach
Address: Westport, CT 06880, United States
Website: Old Mill Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Discover what's wild and wonderful in Westport, Connecticut
There are so many wonderful reasons to visit Westport. In addition to being a beautiful town, Westport offers a rich history, stunning beaches, parks, and several places of interest. Bring your family and friends to experience the best things to do in Westport, Connecticut
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions and restaurants may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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