Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Westport, MA

This quintessential New England coastal town is situated at the western edge of Buzzards Bay, adjacent to the Massachusetts/Rhode Island border.

The shoreline of Westport is replete with striking scenery, with the stunning Horseneck Beach extending for two miles, bordered by dunes.

At the eastern end of the beach lies Gooseberry Island, protruding into Buzzards Bay, providing breathtaking ocean vistas.

Inland, Westport is characterized by pastoral farmland, interspersed with stone walls and dotted with historic homes, a mill that has been operational since the 17th century, a notable winery, contemporary art galleries, and opportunities for tranquil country walks.

1. Horseneck Beach State Reservation

A location of unspoiled natural beauty, this 800-acre public recreation area features two miles of sandy barrier beach, dunes, marshlands, and a protected estuarine habitat.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer, with lifeguards present from July 1 through Labor Day.

The beach faces southwest, characterized by a sandy crescent bathed in low, rolling waves and naturally adorned with cobblestones; therefore, it is advisable to bring water shoes if you plan to wade in its shallows.

A campground is situated at the eastern end of the beach near Gooseberry Neck, offering 100 sites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.

2. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary

Located to the east of Horseneck Beach, the ecologically diverse Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary safeguards an array of habitats, both coastal and inland.

Spanning over 600 acres, with seven miles of trails, visitors can explore a beach (1.5 miles long), woodlands, Allens Pond, marshes, and agricultural fields featuring winding stone walls.

Throughout your exploration, you will encounter multiple vantage points to observe the sanctuary’s rich wildlife, with more than 300 bird species recorded on the premises.

A notable inhabitant is the piping plover, which nests on the beach during the summer months. The quaint Stone Barn, established in the mid-19th century, hosts a schedule of wildlife-related programs, and on a sunny summer day, the butterfly garden is a delightful highlight.

3. Gooseberry Island

Connected to the mainland by a short causeway, the secluded Gooseberry Island is located at the southern tip of Horseneck Beach State Reservation.

Exposed to ocean breezes, you can easily spend an hour or two exploring the island via the looping sandy path, stopping occasionally to take in the sweeping views of Buzzards Bay.

This location has served as a lookout for many years, and during WWII, it became a strategic site for a concrete observation tower, which remains in place, used to spot German U-boats.

The west side is exposed to strong winds, with waves crashing against the rocky coast, whereas the east side is better sheltered, featuring a sandy beach lapped by gentler surf.

4. Osprey Sea & Surf Adventures

One of the most enjoyable activities to engage in during summer in Westport is embarking on a paddling journey along the town’s safe waterways.

To assist with this, the Osprey Sea & Surf Adventures outlet is located right on the navigable East Branch of the Westport River, offering rentals and sales of all necessary equipment for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding experiences.

This location serves as an ideal launching point, eliminating the need for road transfers. Osprey Sea & Surf Adventures remains active throughout the summer, organizing camps, tours, and lessons, educating participants on essential paddling techniques, vessel control, and safety protocols.

5. Handy House

Owned by the Westport Historical Society, the Colonial Handy House serves as a fascinating exhibit of architectural trends prevalent in southern Massachusetts during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The house, which consists of three bays on the eastern side, was constructed in three distinct phases between approximately 1710 and 1825, ultimately expanding to eight bays.

The interior is minimally furnished, allowing visitors to discern the various stages of construction while closely examining the walls, plasterwork, floors, hinges, windows, and other architectural features. The Handy House is generally open on Saturdays during the summer months.

6. Gray’s Grist Mill

By the state line on Adamsville Rd, visitors are greeted by a scene reminiscent of a storybook.

The shore of Gray’s Mill Pond, which dates back to the 17th century, is lined with charming old structures, including this water-powered grist mill. Utilizing massive 54-inch granite stones, this mill has been grinding corn consistently for over 360 years.

Currently, the cornmeal produced at Gray’s Grist Mill comes from locally sourced Narragansett Flint Corn, cultivated in open-air corn cribs exposed to the elements.

The store offers special mixes for jonnycakes and pancakes/waffles, as well as Rhode Island maple syrup, locally roasted coffee, and cookbooks.

7. Buzzards Bay Brewing

While craft breweries abound in Massachusetts, few possess the strong reputation of Buzzards Bay Brewing.

Located on a farm amidst pastoral fields surrounded by woods, the brewery uses locally grown ingredients, including its own wheat.

Two standout beers include Flounder, an unfiltered blonde ale crafted from a mix of white wheat malts and local barley.

Buzzards Bay IPA is more than a typical IPA, as it incorporates a new crop of hops each year, resulting in distinct aromas and flavors.

In addition to more than a dozen other beers in regular rotation, the taproom offers a homely atmosphere in winter and ample outdoor space during warmer months.

8. Portas Da Cidade

Southeastern Massachusetts has a rich Portuguese heritage, established since the late 19th century due to immigration from the Azores and Madeira.

This influence is evident in cultural festivities, churches, and, notably, the cuisine, making for an excellent opportunity to experience authentic Portuguese dishes with recipes passed down through generations.

This is true at Portas Da Cidade, which offers a variety of codfish (bacalhau) prepared in numerous styles: breaded, stewed, grilled, or baked.

Popular choices include Mozambique-style shrimp, grilled sirloin with stuffed shrimp, and the classic Bife à Portuguesa, a sirloin topped with egg in a rich sauce.

9. The Bayside Restaurant

Located near Westport Point, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers stunning views of Buzzards Bay, the Elizabeth Islands, and a segment of Allens Pond Sanctuary.

The Bayside Restaurant specializes in New England-style seafood, sourced from the Atlantic and obtained from the New Bedford and Boston waterfronts.

Expect to find dishes such as lobster rolls, fried scallops, fried clams, and fish & chips. Many of these recipes have been cherished in the family for generations, including a selection of delicious house-baked pies, featuring flavors such as lemon, apple, blueberry, and meringue.

10. Westport Town Farm

Overlooking the East Branch of the Westport River, this 40-acre preserve is managed by the Trustees of Reservations and holds a compelling narrative. For more than a century, the property served as Westport’s poor farm and infirmary.

The site includes a farmhouse, barn, corn crib, and colonial stone walls that reflect its historical significance. Beginning at the barnyard, visitors can traverse through landscapes of hillside pastures, hay meadows, and paddocks framed by ancient stone walls.

The mile-long loop offers scenic views of the tidal river and its salt marsh before rejoining the barnyard.

11. Camara Conservation Area

The Westport Land Conservation Trust manages several small natural areas throughout the town, with one notable location being this 43-acre parcel featuring mixed hardwood forest and freshwater adjacent to the expansive South Watuppa Pond.

Half a mile of trails traverse the property, providing an opportunity for a brief respite during the day, with a spur path leading north to a significant glacial erratic.

The Camara Conservation Area is situated in a region rich in public open space, extending into Fall River and Tiverton, Rhode Island.

12. Dedee Shattuck Gallery

Named after its proprietor, this contemporary art gallery is situated within a picturesque forest and meadow setting, designed with inspiration drawn from Westport’s historic Quaker architecture.

As a cultural hub for Westport, the gallery serves as a platform for a continually evolving roster of emerging local artists alongside recognized regional, national, and international figures.

Open from April through December, the Dedee Shattuck Gallery hosts engaging solo and group exhibitions, along with a dynamic schedule of events, including live performances, readings, lectures, and discussions.

13. Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

Since its establishment in 1982 and opening in 1986, this vineyard is operated by a family with a legacy of four generations in winemaking.

This picturesque expanse was selected for its well-drained, rich New England loam soils, coupled with the temperate climate of Southeastern Massachusetts, influenced by the Gulf Stream.

Emulating renowned regions such as Burgundy and Champagne, Westport Rivers employs traditional methods and minimal processing to create varietal wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Grüner Veltliner, as well as a selection of sparkling wines.

The winery is accessible for tours and tastings from Monday to Saturday and regularly hosts enjoyable activities, including a summer sunset concert series and vineyard hayrides in the fall.

14. Weatherlow Farms

Founded in 2014, Weatherlow Farms specializes in grass-fed meats (beef, lamb, chevon, pork), as well as pastured poultry and eggs.

Additionally, the farm cultivates flowers for special events, which are grown and arranged on-site, while the sophisticated post-and-beam barn serves as a venue for weddings, parties, and other private events.

If you happen to be passing through, feel free to stop by the farm store situated at 845 Sodom Rd, which offers high-quality meat and poultry, alongside flowers, plants, baked goods, dairy products, homemade sauces, pickles, frozen prepared meals, and even treats for pets.

15. Gray’s General Store

Situated just a few steps from Gray’s Grist Mill in Adamsville, Rhode Island, you will encounter a rustic building adorned with a sign reading Gray’s on the porch.

This establishment is believed to be the oldest continuously operating general store in the United States, having opened in 1788 and remaining in operation until 2012, when its proprietor Grayton Waite passed away.

He was the sixth generation to manage the store, which resumed operations in 2013 under his son, who rented the property to his father’s cousin, a former employee of 16 years.

In the early 19th century, this building housed the first post office of the village of Little Compton. Gray’s General Store offers collectibles, gifts, antiques, frozen desserts, bagged candy, and additional items.