Westbrook ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westbrook, Connecticut.
1. West Beach
SHORELINE PARADISE
West Beach is a scenic coastal destination offering soft sand and lovely sunsets. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach with chairs and umbrellas available from local accommodations. The beach is within walking distance from the Westbrook Inn, making it a convenient spot for travelers to experience Connecticut's shoreline.
2. Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED COASTAL ECOSYSTEM
Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge offers incredible vistas across 274 acres of protected shoreline in Westbrook. Nature lovers can explore numerous hiking trails while observing the diverse coastal ecosystem and seabirds. The refuge provides a perfect opportunity to experience Connecticut's natural beauty and maritime environment.
3. Patchogue River
KAYAKING PARADISE
The Patchogue River is a scenic waterway that gently meanders through Westbrook to the Long Island Sound. Visitors can enjoy leisurely kayaking or paddleboarding, with equipment rentals available from Black Hall Outfitters. The river offers excellent opportunities for viewing seabirds and experiencing the town's maritime charm.
4. Joyride Charters
PRIVATE SAILING ADVENTURES
Joyride Charters provides private sailing experiences for 2-6 guests out of Westbrook Harbor. They offer one-of-a-kind adventures on the blue waters off the Connecticut coast and sailing lessons for beginners. This charter service allows visitors to experience Westbrook's maritime heritage while enjoying personalized excursions.
5. Florence Griswold Museum
AMERICAN IMPRESSIONIST ART
The Florence Griswold Museum is a renowned cultural institution showcasing American Impressionist art near Westbrook. Housed in a historic boarding house where American Impressionist artists lived and worked, the museum features extensive art collections and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the artistic heritage that flourished along the Connecticut shoreline in the early 20th century.
6. Connecticut River Museum
MARITIME HISTORY HUB
The Connecticut River Museum offers educational river tours and evening sails on a vintage schooner from nearby Essex. Located on the Connecticut River, the museum preserves and celebrates the maritime history of New England's largest river system. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, boat tours, and special events that highlight the region's rich nautical heritage.
7. Gillette Castle
MEDIEVAL-INSPIRED MASTERPIECE
Gillette Castle is a unique medieval-inspired stone mansion built by actor William Gillette, famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. The castle features eccentric touches throughout, including built-in furniture, unusual doorknobs, and a system of hidden mirrors. Visitors can tour the castle and explore the surrounding 184-acre state park with hiking trails and picnic areas.
8. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
VINTAGE TRANSPORTATION EXPERIENCE
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a nostalgic journey combining a vintage steam locomotive ride with a riverboat cruise on the Connecticut River. Passengers travel through the picturesque Connecticut River Valley in historic rail cars before boarding the Becky Thatcher riverboat. This unique attraction provides stunning views of unspoiled countryside and wildlife along one of America's most scenic waterways.
9. Hammonasset Beach State Park
EXPANSIVE COASTAL RECREATION
Hammonasset Beach State Park features Connecticut's largest shoreline park with over 2 miles of beach along Long Island Sound. The park offers a greenway trail that includes access to Meigs Point Nature Center, camping facilities, and diverse recreational activities. Visitors can swim, fish, hike, bike, and observe wildlife in this expansive natural setting.
10. Mystic Seaport Museum
LIVING MARITIME VILLAGE
Mystic Seaport Museum is America's leading maritime museum featuring a recreated 19th-century coastal village and historic vessels. Visitors can explore more than 60 historic buildings, climb aboard tall ships, and watch traditional craftspeople at work. The museum offers an immersive experience into America's seafaring past through exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
11. Stonington Vineyards
PREMIER WINE TASTING
Stonington Vineyards is open year-round for wine tastings and tours in the scenic countryside near Westbrook. The vineyard specializes in barrel-fermented Chardonnay and European-style wines that showcase Connecticut's growing wine region. Visitors can enjoy tastings, picnic on the grounds, and attend seasonal events in this picturesque setting.
12. Little House Brewing Company
HISTORIC CRAFT BEER
Little House Brewing Company creates local craft beers in an almost 200-year-old building in nearby Chester. The brewery combines historic charm with modern brewing techniques to produce unique, flavorful beers. Visitors can stop in for an ice-cold beer, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, and experience Connecticut's growing craft beer scene.
13. Lyman Orchards
YEAR-ROUND AGRICULTURAL DESTINATION
Lyman Orchards is Connecticut's premier orchard with family-friendly events, pick-your-own fruit, and an award-winning farm market. The property features seasonal attractions including sunflower and corn mazes, as well as a year-round golf course. Visitors can enjoy fresh baked goods, agricultural activities, and scenic beauty at this historic farm dating back to 1741.
14. Thimble Islands Cruise
ARCHIPELAGO BOAT TOUR
Thimble Islands Cruise offers relaxing 45-minute boat rides through a unique archipelago of small islands in Long Island Sound. Passengers can learn about the geology, history, and folklore of these granite islands that were once the haunt of Captain Kidd. The narrated cruise provides spectacular views of historic summer cottages, exclusive island homes, and natural beauty.
15. Devil's Hopyard State Park
DRAMATIC NATURAL WONDER
Devil's Hopyard State Park features a dramatic 60-foot waterfall called Chapman Falls cascading over a series of steps in a Scotland Schist formation. The park offers numerous hiking trails through hemlock groves and along the Eightmile River. Visitors can explore the unique geological features, enjoy picnicking, fishing, and camping in this scenic natural area.