Compo Beach

Perched on the sun-warmed edge of Long Island Sound, Compo Beach is a dynamic 29-acre escape that perfectly blends classic New England charm with modern coastal energy. Located in the vibrant town of Westport, Connecticut, this expansive park invites you to slow down, soak up the salt air, and embrace the rhythm of shoreline living.

From Memorial Day through the end of September, Compo Beach comes to life with locals and travelers relishing the season’s best moments. With its soft sands, ample recreational offerings, and thoughtful accessibility features, this beach caters to everyone from early morning walkers to families looking for a full day of sun, sports, and waterfront fun.

A Seaside Playground for All Ages

Compo Beach stretches along a generous curve of sand bordered by the tranquil Saugatuck River. The Sound’s gentle waves roll onto shore, creating a relaxed setting for swimming, sandcastle building, and peaceful lounging. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day, ensuring a safe environment for families.

Young adventurers will find joy in the large wooden playscape, where colorful slides, climbing frames, and shaded spots let kids burn off energy with giddy abandon. Adults and teens often drift toward the two sand volleyball courts, laughing through spirited matches as seagulls soar overhead.

Recreational Variety and Community Vibe

Compo Beach offers more than a place to lay down a towel. Active visitors gravitate to the multi-purpose field and the lighted basketball courts for friendly competition and community games. Skaters carve through turns at the on-site skate park and open skate area, adding a pulse of urban motion to this seaside space.

Those who prefer a leisurely pace often find comfort walking the beach’s boardwalk, where the sea breeze mingles with the scent of saltwater and sunscreen. The adjacent Ned Dimes Marina adds a nautical atmosphere, with bobbing boats and gentle clangs of halyards in the distance.

Amenities That Make a Difference

Comfort and convenience are key to the Compo Beach experience. The beach includes clean and well-maintained restrooms, lockers for valuables, and a pavilion that offers shade and seating. A concession stand provides easy access to snacks and refreshments, allowing you to extend your visit without ever leaving the sand.

Parking is regulated with a daily fee between May 1 and September 30. Hours run from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., and all vehicles must depart by midnight. While passes are limited to 125 per day, access is available by either displaying a valid Parks and Recreation vehicle emblem or purchasing a daily permit. Rates are $45 on weekdays and $70 on weekends and holidays, inclusive of Connecticut State Sales Tax.

Accessibility with Purpose

Compo Beach is designed with inclusivity in mind. Wheelchair-accessible Mobi Mats extend across both the main and south beach areas, offering direct and stable pathways over the sand. The south beach features four accessible picnic pads, creating a welcoming space for gatherings.

For those requiring extra assistance, two standard wheelchairs and one floating beach wheelchair are available. The latter must be used with the support of an able-bodied adult, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in the water. These features demonstrate Westport’s commitment to making the shoreline enjoyable for all.

A Pet-Friendly Season

While pets must be kept away during the summer season, dog lovers will appreciate that from October 1 through March 30, leashed dogs are allowed in designated beach zones. During this cooler stretch of the year, the beach becomes a haven for dog walkers and locals enjoying the quieter shoreline under winter skies.

Local Flavor and Nearby Attractions

Westport adds layers of charm to a visit to Compo Beach. After a day at the water, nearby restaurants offer everything from fresh seafood to wood-fired pizza and hand-crafted ice cream. Many visitors opt to explore the town’s shopping scene or take in local art galleries before heading home.

If you’re planning to host a special event, the Ned Dimes Marina Club House on the property is available for rental. Its location provides a scenic backdrop for casual gatherings, private parties, or intimate celebrations by the sea.

Tips for a Perfect Visit

Here are a few helpful pointers for making the most of your Compo Beach adventure:

• Arrive early during peak summer weekends to ensure access, as daily passes are limited
• Bring cash or confirm online payment options for parking to streamline entry
• Check lifeguard hours if you plan to swim with children
• Don’t forget sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and a beach umbrella for comfort
• Respect local rules, especially regarding alcohol, which is not permitted outside of the South Beach picnic area without a written permit

The Coastal Pulse of Westport

Compo Beach delivers the kind of experience that stays with you long after the tide pulls out. There’s something unmistakably satisfying about a place where sand, sky, and community come together in such balance. Whether it’s the crunch of gravel beneath your tires as you arrive early in the morning, the midday scent of grilled food wafting through the picnic areas, or the hush of twilight as the sun dips over Long Island Sound, this stretch of Connecticut coastline offers a day well spent, every time.