Fairfield County offers so much potential homeowners: Astonishing beauty. Superb schools. Wonderful amenities, like libraries, culture and recreation. But for many, what sets Westport and Fairfield apart from other communities is our beaches. For a few dollars a year, residents enjoy access to the shore -- and much, much more.
We start our online tour at Compo Beach. The jewel of Westport’s coast is both historic (the British landed here in 1777, commemorated by two iconic cannons) and modern.
The south beach at Compo - perfect for BYOB picnics and sunsets
It’s a mile from one jetty to the other; a third marks the end of South Beach, where picnickers (and sunset-watchers) gather at dozens of grills.
There is something for everyone at Compo: a marina with hundreds of boats, and a nearby kayak launch; basketball volleyball and pickleball courts; a softball field, skate park, large community-built playground, and the Hook’d concession stand (we recommend the lobster roll).
Compo Beach Playground
Compo is also where 15,000 folks gather for July 4th fireworks – and where, every other day and season of the year, Westporters head for healthy walks. You can even bring your dog (from October to March).
A short stroll from Compo (along perhaps the most popular route in town) is Old Mill Beach. Much smaller than Compo, it’s great for quiet contemplation. (Except when the tide is very low; then people party on the sand bar).
Across the way, magical Sherwood Mill Pond teems with oysters. Egrets, ospreys and other wildlife find it a welcome waystation.
Grassy, shaded picnic areas are on top of Burying Hill, overlooking its sandy beach
Another small Westport beach is Burying Hill. Its jetty is being rebuilt, but the tidal marshes and grill atop the hill that gave it its name (and offers spectacular views all the way to New York) are as timeless as ever. Fun fact: Some scenes from the 2008 movie Revolutionary Road were filmed at Burying Hill, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet!
245 acres and loads of waterfront to swim and fish at Sherwood Island
Between Burying Hill and Old Mill, some of the most prime beach property in Westport belongs to the state. Sherwood Island was Connecticut’s first state park (and, we think, still the prettiest). With dunes, walking trails, a Nature Center and 9/11 memorial, even a model plane runway, we share this gem with all our landlocked neighbors.
Most Westporters who visit go weekdays or in non-summer months. But it’s always free, with a Connecticut license plate.
You’ll find another Westport beach at Longshore. Though more of a town “club,” with an 18-hole golf course, tennis and racquetball courts, pool, marina, inn and restaurant (and a wintertime skating rink), Longshore also offers water to swim in, and sand to sun on.
Canal Beach, peaceful and beautiful
Residents of Saugatuck Shores, west of the train station, enjoy private Canal Beach.
Fairfield residents love their beaches too: Southport, Sasco, South Pine Creek, Penfield and Jennings. When the tide is low, hardy beachgoers walk them all the way to aptly named Beachside Avenue.
Waterfront offers strolling opportunities in Fairfield
Jennings Beach is the largest in town and where locals head for sun and fun. With a snack stand, volleyball courts, and Sandcastle Playground, the beach is vibrant and busy. Lifeguards are at the ready. Family movie night and bonfires extend the allure into the evenings. Naturally, this is also one of the best spots around for 4th of July firework viewing. For the adventurous, if timed at low tide you can walk out on the jetty to the lighthouse which is roughly 1.4 miles round-trip.
Penfield Beach pavilions offer wonderful views
Penfield beach is part of the Penfield Complex, where two pavilions offer banquet venues, magical for special occasions. On every other day, Penfield beach is a great place to enjoy living along Long Island Sound. Sail boat racks, lockers, picnic tables and charcoal grills plus a snack bar add to the appeal. The playground at Penfield celebrates the life of Jessica Rekos, a victim of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary and is one of the 26 playgrounds built under The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play Project.
South Pine Creek is the smallest of the town beaches, with bathroom facilities and limited parking. Those in the neighborhood love it! Southport beach is similar, quiet and serene — a beach where neighbors gather.
Sasco Beach is located just south of the Southport Harbor and adjacent to the Country Club of Fairfield. Somewhat secluded, this 9.9 acre beach has parking only for residents. It is a great place to watch the boats come into and out of the harbor or to sit with a book, enjoying the beauty of the sound and the smell of the ocean air. And the sunsets! Sasco beach is an amazing place to watch the fiery orange ball dropping into the Sound. With a picnic, even better!
Sasco Beach (tucked in on the bottom right) offers amazing sunset viewing.
We hope you enjoyed our online tour. We’d be happy to take you on a live one — where you can smell the salt air, feel the sun and see the sand.