When the humidity hits in July, everyone in Westport automatically heads to Compo Beach. But if you want to skip the traffic and the crowded sand, the best place to be is out on the Saugatuck River.
The river runs right through the center of town down into the Sound, and getting out on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard gives you a completely different perspective of Westport. You get to glide past the waterfront homes, spot some local wildlife, and watch the rowing teams practice. It’s quiet, peaceful, and one of our favorite ways to spend a hot afternoon.
If you want to get out on the water this weekend, here is what you need to know.
Where to Get Gear
You don’t need to own a bunch of equipment or haul a kayak on top of your car to do this. We have great local spots that make it incredibly easy to just show up and go:
Westport Paddle Club: Located right on Riverside Avenue. The team here is fantastic and incredibly welcoming. You can rent single or double kayaks and paddleboards by the hour. They will get you set up with everything you need and help you launch right off their docks.
Sea Kayak Connecticut: Another excellent local choice operating right on the river. Aside from standard rentals, they run guided tours—including sunset and full-moon paddles. If you haven’t seen the sun go down over the Westport harbor from a paddleboard, you are missing out.
The Golden Rule: Check the Tides
This is the most important tip we can give you: look at a tide chart before you plan your day. Because the Saugatuck is tidal, the water level changes completely throughout the day. If you try to go out at low tide, you are going to end up dragging your paddle through shallow mudflats. Try to launch about an hour or two before high tide. That way, you can catch the incoming current to cruise upriver toward downtown, take a breather, and let the turning tide float you right back down.
Two Easy Routes to Try
Depending on what kind of workout you want, you can head in two different directions:
Head North (Toward Downtown): Launching and paddling north takes you under the bridge and right past the outdoor restaurant decks on Main Street. It’s an easy, calm paddle and a fun way to see the town center from a water-level view.
Head South (Toward the Sound): If you are a more experienced paddler, head south toward the mouth of the river. It opens up into the harbor where you can navigate the mooring fields. Just keep an eye on the wind, because the water gets a bit choppier as you get closer to the open Sound.
The Marion Filley Team Perspective
One of our favorite things about living in Westport is how quickly you can switch gears. You can be shopping on Main Street, and ten minutes later, you’re out in the middle of the river surrounded by absolute quiet.
When we show homes along the river corridor, we always tell buyers that you aren't just buying a house here; you’re buying into a lifestyle where outdoor recreation is right outside your front door. If you are exploring the area this summer and want to chat about finding your own place in town, reach out to us anytime.
