About the beaches….
Cherry and Webb is a beautiful, sandy beach on Rhode Island Sound accessed by a winding path through the dunes. The rolling surf makes it perfect for body surfing and boogie boards. The smooth sand makes it a pleasure for a long walk down the shore to an area the locals call Boat Beach with views out over the West Branch toward the knubble out in Westport Harbor. This gem is a town beach, so it does require a beach sticker available only to Westport residents and property owners, but a bit farther down the shore, you’ll find Baker’s Beach, a private beach, located between Cherry and Webb and Horseneck Beach, a public beach.
Over the causeway, Gooseberry Neck Island has walking trails and remnants of lookout towers erected during WWII. A fun place to explore, and fishing off the causeway is a popular activity.
Westport Harbor has two private beach clubs, Elephant Rock and the Howland Beach Club, but there is public beach access for those with a Town Beach sticker off of Beach Avenue toward the large rocky outcropping known as the Knubble.
Neighborhoods…
When in Westport, you’ll hear people refer to different areas, such as The Point, Central Village, The Head, and The Harbor, also referred to as Acoaxet.
Westport Point is located at the Southern end of Main Road and is an historic district. It is still a working waterfront with homes lining both sides looking much the same as they did in the whaling era. If you are considering property in this area, one should be aware of the Historic District Guidelines.
Central Village is the Downtown area of Southern Westport, dotted with a few small shops, Lees Market, a few restaurants, and Town Hall and offices.
The Head of Westport, as it is known, is located at the Northern end of Drift Road on the Head of the East Branch of the Westport River. Here you’ll find a kayak shop, country store, the historic Bell School and The Westport River Watershed Alliance.
Westport Harbor, or Acoaxet, is an area of beautiful beaches and summer homes, although people do live there year round. There are many antique homes and interesting architecture in this area. This area is sought after for the number of private clubs in this area, The Acoaxet Country Club, Elephant Rock Beach Club, Howland Beach Club, and Spindle Rock Sailing Club. There are geographic requirements for members and waiting lists. Most of the shoreline in this area is privately owned, but there is a small area of public access for Town residents.