Things to Do in Westport, CT
Most visitors' Westport day starts at Sherwood Island State Park, Connecticut's first state park, with more than a mile of beach, a Nature Center and the state's 9/11 memorial — free for Connecticut cars. From there, Westport adds town beaches and parks, two of Fairfield County's best-known stages, and kayaking on the Sound. CT DEEP's own list of nearby attractions is a good starting map.
Westport at a Glance
1. Sherwood Island State Park
The anchor of any Westport visit: East and West beaches, the Nature Center, the salt marsh trail, disc golf, fishing from the jetties and the 9/11 Living Memorial on Sherwood Point. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily (plan your visit).
2. Compo Beach
Westport's lively 29-acre town beach at the mouth of the Saugatuck River, with a boardwalk, playscape, concession, courts and a skate park. Non-residents pay a $45–$70 daily fee in season (Compo Beach).
3. Burying Hill and Old Mill Beaches
Two small, quieter town beaches. Burying Hill sells daily passes; Old Mill is emblem-only (Westport beaches compared).
4. Longshore Club Park
DEEP lists Longshore Park among the attractions near Sherwood Island. It is a Town of Westport park with a golf course, and DEEP also lists the Inn at Longshore among nearby places to stay.
5. Westport Country Playhouse
A professional theatre named on DEEP's list of nearby attractions. Pair a matinee with a morning at the beach.
6. Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
An outdoor performing-arts stage, also on DEEP's list, with concerts and shows in the warm months.
7. Kayaking and Paddling
DEEP's list includes Sea Kayak Connecticut and Connecticut Island Outfitters, local outfitters for paddling Long Island Sound. Note that kayaks and canoes are not allowed at Burying Hill Beach, and Westport limits launching from its beaches in season.
8. Connecticut Audubon's Tree Farm
The Connecticut Audubon Society's H. Smith Richardson Tree Farm is on DEEP's list too — a quieter, wooded walk inland, good for birding after a morning at the salt marsh.
9. Southport Beach (Fairfield)
Just over the town line in Fairfield, Southport Beach is another small beach on DEEP's list of nearby attractions.
10. Eat in Town
With the Sherwood Island snack bar closed for 2026, plan lunch in town. DEEP's park page lists about a dozen nearby restaurants; downtown Westport is a short drive from the Connector.
A Westport Day Plan
- Morning: Sherwood Island — swim at East Beach, walk the marsh trail, visit the Nature Center.
- Midday: lunch in town.
- Afternoon: paddle with an outfitter or walk Compo's boardwalk.
- Evening: a show at the Playhouse or the Levitt Pavilion.
Getting Around
I-95 exit 18 serves Sherwood Island; downtown Westport and Compo Beach are a few minutes west (parking and directions).
Where to Stay
DEEP's park page lists nearby hotels, including the Inn at Longshore in Westport and a cluster of hotels in Norwalk, a few miles west, and in Fairfield and Southport to the east. Staying nearby makes it easy to reach Sherwood Island when the gates open at 8 a.m., before the summer lots fill.
Things to Do in Westport, CT FAQ
What is there to do in Westport, CT?
Beaches (Sherwood Island State Park, Compo, Burying Hill), the state's 9/11 memorial, the Westport Country Playhouse, the Levitt Pavilion, kayaking and Longshore Park.
What is the best beach in Westport for visitors?
Sherwood Island State Park: it is free for Connecticut cars and much larger than the town beaches.
Is Sherwood Island in Westport?
Yes. The park's address is the Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880, off I-95 exit 18.