DESTINATION
Westport, Massachusetts
Beaches, wineries, farm stands, and a coastline the crowds haven't found yet. The South Coast's quiet alternative to Cape Cod.
Summer 2026 — select weeks still available
About Westport, Massachusetts
Westport is a sprawling coastal and agricultural town on the South Coast of Massachusetts, stretching from the Rhode Island border to Buzzards Bay. It's a place where working farms share the landscape with saltwater estuaries, where stone walls line roads that end at the ocean, and where summer still feels like it did decades ago. Most people driving to Cape Cod pass right through the area without realizing what they're missing.
The town is anchored by the east and west branches of the Westport River, which wind through marshes and farmland before emptying into the bay. At the southern tip of the east branch sits Westport Point — a historic waterfront village with a harbor, fishing pier, and a character entirely its own. It's the kind of place where lobster boats still tie up at the town dock, folk musicians gather on Wednesday evenings, and the oyster bar is a short walk from your front door.
Westport, MA has two exceptional beaches. Horseneck Beach State Reservation draws surfers, families, and sunset chasers with nearly two miles of open sand. Cherry & Webb Beach offers calmer water and a more intimate feel. Both are within a 10-minute drive of Westport Point. Beyond the beaches, you'll find Westport Rivers Winery pouring award-winning vintages on a hilltop vineyard, Buzzards Bay Brewery serving craft beer with harbor views, and farm stands scattered along every major road selling corn, tomatoes, flowers, and berries straight from the field.
What makes Westport, Massachusetts special as a vacation destination is what it doesn't have: no boardwalks, no miniature golf, no chain restaurants fighting for attention. This is agricultural New England meeting the Atlantic — honest, unhurried, and still affordable compared to the Cape. Newport, Rhode Island is a 30-minute drive. Fall River and New Bedford, with their own history and dining scenes, are 20 minutes north. But most guests find that once they settle into Westport, they don't feel much need to leave.
What To Do in Westport
Horseneck Beach
Nearly two miles of sand on Buzzards Bay with strong surf, dunes, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. One of the best beaches in Massachusetts — and a 10-minute drive from 2042 Main Road at Westport Point.
Westport Rivers Winery
An award-winning vineyard on a rolling hilltop in the heart of Westport, MA. Tastings, tours, and weekend events on gorgeous grounds. Their sparkling wines have beaten French Champagnes in blind tastings.
Buzzards Bay Brewery
Local craft brewery with a taproom, outdoor seating, and a rotating lineup of beers. A Westport staple and a perfect afternoon stop after the beach.
Farm Stands
Westport is farm country. Roadside stands throughout town sell fresh produce, cut flowers, local honey, and berries in season. Pick up dinner ingredients on your way back from the beach and cook them in the gas kitchen at 2042 Main Road.
Cherry & Webb Beach
A quieter, calmer beach perfect for families with young children. Less surf than Horseneck, warmer water, and never crowded. One of Westport's best-kept secrets.
The Westport River
Two branches — east and west — wind through marshes and farmland before meeting at Westport Point. Kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or just watch the tides shift. Kayaks and a canoe are available at 2042 Main Road.
Trails & Conservation Land
Westport is full of trails — coastal walks, forested paths, conservation land through working farms. The Westport Land Conservation Trust maintains properties throughout town. Westport Town Farm on Drift Road has an easy trail with river views. The Buzzards Bay Coalition runs Westport Woods with nearly three miles of trails.
Summer Evenings
This is what summer in Westport, Massachusetts looks like after the sun goes down. The fire pit at 2042 Main Road, the harbor going still, and nowhere you need to be.
A Family on This Coast
Three Generations in Westport
The Long family has been on this coast for three generations. A grandfather who served thirty years as a Massachusetts State Representative. Letters from Senator John F. Kennedy — years before he became the 35th President — and a handwritten note from Senator Edward M. Kennedy in the family archive.
2042 Main Road is where the family gathers — the boathouse, the dock, the fire pit at sunset, the backyard that runs down to the river. When you stay here, you're part of that tradition for the summer.
From the family archive — Senator John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westport MA a good vacation destination?
Westport, Massachusetts is one of the best-kept secrets on the South Coast. With miles of beaches at Horseneck and Cherry & Webb, award-winning wineries, local farm stands, and a pace of life that feels genuinely slow, it offers everything Cape Cod does without the traffic, crowds, or inflated prices. The historic village of Westport Point adds a waterfront charm that's hard to find anywhere in New England.
What beaches are in Westport MA?
Westport has two outstanding public beaches. Horseneck Beach State Reservation is the star — nearly two miles of sand with strong surf, dunes, and spectacular sunsets over Buzzards Bay. Cherry & Webb Beach is quieter and calmer, making it ideal for families with young children. Both are about a 10-minute drive from Westport Point.
How far is Westport MA from Cape Cod?
Westport, Massachusetts sits just across Buzzards Bay from Cape Cod. The Bourne Bridge is roughly 35 minutes east. Many visitors discover that Westport offers the same coastal beauty — beaches, harbors, seafood — without the bridge traffic and summer congestion that define Cape Cod weekends.
What is there to do in Westport Massachusetts?
Westport is a town built for summer. Swim and surf at Horseneck Beach. Taste wines at Westport Rivers Winery or craft beer at Buzzards Bay Brewery. Browse farm stands for fresh produce and flowers. Kayak or canoe the Westport River. Walk the historic streets of Westport Point. Catch Wednesday night folk music at the fishing dock. Eat oysters by the harbor. It's an unhurried, authentic coastal experience.
Are there vacation rentals in Westport MA?
Yes. Westport has a growing selection of summer vacation rentals, particularly in the waterfront village of Westport Point. 2042 Main Road is a 3-bedroom waterfront colonial right on the harbor — a top 5% Airbnb with a 4.92-star rating and Superhost status. It's available as a seasonal summer rental from June through August.
Is Westport MA near Newport RI?
Newport, Rhode Island is about 30 minutes from Westport, Massachusetts. It's an easy day trip for mansion tours, sailing, Thames Street shopping, and the Cliff Walk. Westport's location on the Massachusetts–Rhode Island border gives you access to both states' coastlines without committing to Newport's prices or crowds.