GET OUTDOORS
ACTIVITIES ON THE CONNECTICUT SHORELINE
For those who look for the beauty in all nature has to offer, the Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast is a perfect home base for exploration.
For those looking to stay close to home, exploring the town of Westbrook by bike is a fun way to see the local historic homes and buildings. You can bike to the Stewart McKinney Wildlife Preserve and take the two-mile loop of the old homestead, which was a favorite visiting spot of Eleanor Roosevelt. You can find historical walking tours of the town by following this link.
The Inn sits on the Patchogue River, which is home to migratory seabirds. Borrow a kayak and explore the estuary or venture out to the Sound to explore Duck or Salt Islands. If you enjoy birding, you need not go further than the inn property. You will find many varieties of birds nesting nearby, including osprey, Red-tail hawks, Owls, bluebirds, and woodpeckers. Serious birders can check out Riverquest cruises for eagle and swallow excursions.
The town of Westbrook is committed to conserving and preserving the beauty of our waterways and forests. We have so many options for you to enjoy local hiking and discovery. Download our Heritage map, fill up your water bottle, and spend the day enjoying Westbrook's open spaces. You can also see the town's conservation and history on the town website here.
There are many other wonderful options to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Southeastern Connecticut and the shoreline. Hike the waterfalls at Devils Hopyard State Park or walk the seaside greenway trail at Hammonasset State Park. Hike the forest at Chatfield Hollow State Park, Nehantic State Forrest, when the sea meets the trees at Rocky Neck State Park. If you’d like to mix a Historic Castle into your nature walk, head to Gillette Castle or Harkness State Park. Both are beautiful and informative.
Golfers of all skill levels will score at our local courses. Fenwick Golf Course in Old Saybrook is a perfect nine-hole option overlooking the Long Island Sound. Lyman Orchards Golf Club and Cedar Ridge in Lyme provide challenging options for enthusiasts. Prefer something a little easier – try mini-golf at Saybrook Point. There’s even a rainy-day option at Essex Indoor Golf.
https://oldsaybrookct.myrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=8307
No trip to the Connecticut Shoreline is complete without getting out on the water. Beautiful seaside towns are best viewed offshore. If you prefer something with a motor over a kayak, book a sightseeing tour on Thimble Island Tours. You can also charter a sailboat with Joy Ride Charters or the Connecticut River in a vintage wooden beauty by booking a ride on Seabird Cruises. The Connecticut River Museum has a historic schooner where you can enjoy a sunset ride and jazz music on Thursdays.
