Compo Beach: A Local's Guide to Westport's Favorite Shoreline

Westport's Front Yard on Long Island Sound

Ask anyone in Westport where they spend summer evenings and you'll hear the same answer: Compo Beach. The 29-acre town park sits where the Saugatuck River meets Long Island Sound, with a long stretch of sand, a boardwalk and some of the best sunsets in Fairfield County.

It's the kind of place that works for everyone. Families claim spots near the playground, friends play volleyball, and commuters stop by after work to walk the shoreline.

The beach is open year-round. Here's what to know before you pack the car.

A Beach With Revolutionary Roots

Compo Beach played a real part in American history. On April 25, 1777, about 1,850 British troops under General William Tryon landed here on their way to raid the Continental Army's supplies in Danbury.

Three days later, on their return, local militia tried to stop them near the Saugatuck River and on Compo Hill. The British broke through with a bayonet charge. Twenty colonists were killed and dozens more were wounded in what's now called the Battle of Compo Hill.

Today the Minute Man statue marks that moment. Sculptor H. Daniel Webster's figure of a kneeling militiaman was dedicated in June 1910 and still stands along Compo Beach Road, facing Compo Road, right on your way to the sand.

What to See and Do

Compo packs a lot into one park. Most visitors split their day between the sand and the boardwalk.

  • Main beach. A wide sand beach with lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

  • South Beach. The quieter side, with picnic areas and the only part of the park where alcohol is allowed. There are no lifeguards here.

  • The boardwalk. An easy stroll along the water, and the best place to catch the sunset over the Sound.

  • The playscape. A large wooden playground that keeps kids busy for hours.

  • Volleyball. Two sand courts, usually busy on summer weekends.

  • Food and facilities. A concession stand, pavilion, restrooms and bathhouse lockers are open in season.

Ned Dimes Marina sits right next door, so you'll often see boats heading out onto the Sound. The park is also accessible, with Mobi Mats on the main and south beaches and a floating beach wheelchair available.

Planning Your Visit

Compo Beach is at 60 Compo Beach Road, Westport, CT. The beach is open year-round, but the busy season runs from May 1 through September 30.

During that season, cars need a Westport Parks and Recreation parking emblem or a daily pass, which is sold at the gate. Daily passes are limited to 125 per day. The town has posted rates of $45 on weekdays and $70 on weekends and holidays, so check the Town of Westport's Compo Beach page for current pricing before you go.

In season, parking hours are 4 am to 10 pm, and all cars must be out by midnight.

Tips Before You Go

  • Arrive early on hot summer weekends. Once the daily passes sell out, you won't get in without an emblem.

  • Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30. From October through March, leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas.

  • Glass containers are banned everywhere in the park, and smoking and vaping are not allowed on the beach or in the parking lots.

  • On the night of the town fireworks, Compo closes at 4 pm.

Make a Day of It in Westport

Compo is a short drive from the rest of Westport's favorite spots, so it's easy to turn a beach morning into a full day out.

  • Downtown Westport. Main Street and the riverfront are lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, just a few minutes from the beach.

  • Saugatuck. This neighborhood by the train station is known for waterfront dining along the Saugatuck River.

  • Westport Library. A busy community hub on the river, with events, exhibits and plenty of space to work or read.

  • Sherwood Island State Park. Connecticut's first state park sits on Westport's eastern shore if you want a second beach to explore.

In summer, traffic on Compo Road can back up near the beach entrance, especially late in the afternoon. Plan a little extra time.

Supporting the Businesses That Make Westport Work

The shops, restaurants and offices around Compo Beach and downtown Westport keep this town lively all year. Behind every one of them is technology that has to stay up, from point-of-sale systems to email and client files.

Your Tech Team provides managed IT services and cybersecurity for businesses in Westport and across Fairfield County, from our office just up the road in Wilton.

  • Proactive monitoring and help desk support

  • Cybersecurity that protects your data, email and devices

  • Local technicians who can be on-site when you need them

If your business is in Westport, Wilton, Stamford or anywhere nearby, we'd love to help. Call our team at (203) 884-8729 to start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-residents go to Compo Beach?

Yes. Without a Westport parking emblem, you can buy a daily pass at the gate from May 1 to September 30. Only 125 are sold each day, so arrive early.

Is Compo Beach open year-round?

Yes. Parking fees and most seasonal rules apply from May 1 to September 30.

Are dogs allowed at Compo Beach?

Only from October through March, on a leash and in designated areas. Dogs are banned from April 1 to September 30.

When are lifeguards on duty?

From 10 am to 6 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, on the main beach. South Beach has no lifeguards.

Can I drink alcohol at Compo Beach?

Only in the South Beach picnic area, or with a written permit from Westport Parks and Recreation. Glass containers are not allowed anywhere.

What is the Minute Man statue?

It honors the local militia who fought British troops at the Battle of Compo Hill in April 1777. It was dedicated in 1910.

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