Just south of Fall River close to the Rhode Island border lies Westport, MA. Here you’ll find a blend of farm and sea.

Horseneck Beach is the closest beach to my house, so I find myself spending a few days every summer in Westport. However, as someone with skin that turns red, not brown, in the sun, I can’t spend all that much time at the beach. This means that in order to make the hour drive worth it, I pair it with at least one other adventure in the area.

But, let’s start with the beach: Horseneck State Beach Reservation is a 2 mile long beach that boasts multiple parking lots, a few beach houses w/ bathrooms and snack shacks, a bike path, and a camping area. There are sometimes additional food trucks as well. It is also a state park, so if you’re like me and get a state park pass each year, this beach is essentially free. If you don’t, check the rates before going. Have a credit card ready to pay at one of the kiosks or pay through Yodel – the state parks app.

Note: there is little to no cell reception at the beach, so make sure to download the app before you arrive.

The beach is pretty rocky – especially if you move outside the main area – and can have some waves, so I would suggest bringing water shoes (and a boogie board if so inclined). The rocks subside once you get past the tide line, but they can be tough to navigate without shoes.

If you’re looking to go for a walk outside of the beach, there are two nice options nearby. Gooseberry Island shares the same shore as Horseneck beach, but requires you to drive across a narrow causeway to get to the small parking lot. It can be hard to find parking here on a Summer’s day as some people opt to set up their beach day from this lot. However, if you’re lucky enough to get a spot, the 1 1/2 mile walk around the island is a nice way to stretch your legs, see some birds, and enjoy the shore from a different vantage point. The walk also takes you to two abandoned and graffitied painted towers. These are relics from the 1940s as the military prepared for possible WWII battles on US soil. Luckily, these never had to be used as intended.

If interested in learning more about Gooseberry island’s history, check out this blog.

A little further is the Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, a Mass Audubon property. Trails leave from a small parking lot just up the road from the town beach (don’t park there). Allen’s Pond has 2 main trails. The trails take you through the salt marsh lands, along the water, and into the grasslands. As most Audubon properties. it is a great place for bird watching.

After all that beaching & hiking, I’m always looking to end the day with a beverage or snack. Since I’m near the coast, I often get a craving for local oysters, and luckily Westport Sea Farms is right there to satisfy this. Located at the marina at the end of Main Rd, Westport Sea Farms is a small counter service place with a small outdoor seating area right along the Westport River. They serve a few varieties of oysters, beer, wine, and some other seafood.

If you’ve had enough of the water and want to experience the farm setting, Westport boasts both a great winery, Westport River Vineyards, and brewery, Buzzards Bay Brewing. Both offer tastings, food trucks, and music within a peaceful setting. Check the times for the music/food part of their venues.

And since I’m in the area, I sometimes stop by Matouk Factory Outlet (if the timing works out) Located north of Fall River, Matouk Factory Outlet, is the place to high end linens (bedding & towels) at a reasonable price. Because it’s an outlet, you never quite know what you’re going to find in terms of designs, but there are always soft & beautiful linens to browse through.

Google map of places mentioned.