Towns – Westbrook

A Seaside Gem for Elegant Escapes and Relaxed Living

Westbrook, Connecticut is a shoreline town with timeless charm. Nestled between Old Saybrook and Clinton along Long Island Sound, Westbrook is an inviting destination for Westbrook CT vacations and a refined place to call home. Travelers discover unspoiled beaches, historic inns, fresh seafood, and a genuine New England community. Residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle that blends shoreline living, strong traditions, and easy access to regional attractions.



The Three Two Store, 1762 Boston Post Road, US Route 1, Westbrook, CT 06498
Welcome to The Three Two Store! A new art studio and boutique, The Three Two Store, has launched at 1762 Boston Post Road. The venue features hands-on workshops, local artwork, and unique goods, highlighting regional makers and fostering community connection.
Visit The Three Two Store - Westbrook, CT

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Map of Westbrook, Connecticut

A Short History: From Oyster River to Independent Town

Westbrook began as part of Old Saybrook in the mid-1600s, first known as Oyster River Quarter. Settlers farmed the fertile land, built ships, and harvested clams and oysters from the tidal estuaries. In 1840, Westbrook was incorporated as an independent town.

The Boston Post Road, the great colonial thoroughfare, shaped the town center. Houses, churches, and schools sprang up around the green, and Westbrook developed its own rhythm — equal parts maritime village and country parish. Today, historic homes, clapboard churches, and the preserved town green continue to embody Westbrook’s origins.

Westbrook Today: A Balanced Seaside Lifestyle

Westbrook today is both welcoming to visitors and comfortable for year-round residents. The town has a cozy center with boutique shops, casual restaurants, and preserved buildings that reflect centuries of New England life. In recent years, local entrepreneurs have revitalized downtown with tasteful taverns, small cafes, and colorful public art.

Summer is a lively season with beaches, boating, and seasonal visitors filling local inns. The rest of the year, Westbrook enjoys a slower pace where residents appreciate quiet streets, community events, and the natural beauty of the shoreline.

Westbrook Town Information

• Size: 15.7 square miles of land, plus coastal waters and salt marshes

• Region: Lower Connecticut River Valley

Population and Demographics

Westbrook has a population of just under 7,000. Families, retirees, and second-home owners all find appeal in its blend of small-town friendliness and shoreline beauty. The town is largely residential, with neighborhoods ranging from modest seaside cottages to larger homes on wooded inland roads.

Incorporated: 1840
County: Middlesex

Westbrook Zip Code: 06498
Westbrook, CT Population:
2005: 6,599
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 41.1745
Longitude: -72.2751

Westbrook, CT Local Information
Westbrook Police Dispatch: 860-399-7304
Westbrook Fire Department: 860-399-9492
Ambulance Service: 860-399-7000
Town Hall Telephone: 860-399-3044

Westbrook Historic Sites and Architectural Highlights

Westbrook’s Town Center Historic District includes an impressive array of preserved homes and civic buildings dating from the 1700s through the early 20th century. The triangular town green remains a gathering place, bordered by Colonial, Greek Revival, and Victorian structures.

The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge’s Salt Meadow Unit adds natural heritage to the town’s cultural history. Its salt marshes and estuaries provide scenic trails and habitat for migratory birds, reminding visitors that conservation is part of Westbrook’s legacy.

Attractions for Visitors and Residents

Westbrook is an excellent choice for Westbrook CT vacations because it offers a mix of leisure and natural beauty without the crowds of larger resort towns. Popular attractions include:

• Westbrook Town Beach – a family-friendly beach with soft sand and gentle surf.

• Hammonasset Beach State Park (nearby) – Connecticut’s largest beach park, only minutes away.

• Salt Meadow Refuge – tranquil boardwalks and excellent birdwatching.

• Town Center Dining – intimate taverns, cozy restaurants, and fresh seafood spots that capture the spirit of New England.

Life in Westbrook

Life in Westbrook is defined by community and coastal living. Residents enjoy:

• A strong sense of community and neighborliness

• Walkable downtown with seasonal events

• Good local schools

• Civic pride reflected in volunteer groups and historical preservation

For many, Westbrook provides the ideal combination of shoreline leisure and everyday convenience.

Westbrook Real Estate and Home Values

The Westbrook CT real estate market is shaped by location. Waterfront cottages and beach houses command premium prices, while inland homes offer more space and value. The town appeals to families seeking permanent homes, retirees drawn to coastal living, and second-home buyers from nearby cities.

Median home values tend to run above state averages, especially for waterfront properties. Buyers will find a mix of Colonial homes, mid-century residences, and new construction, along with the occasional historic property ready for restoration.

Dining and Small Business

The dining scene in Westbrook favors intimate, chef-driven concepts. A historic building might house a gastropub, while a clapboard storefront becomes a café known for creative breakfasts. Small businesses thrive here, from galleries to specialty shops, contributing to the town’s authentic character.

Famous People from Westbrook

Westbrook has been home to several notable individuals, including Oscar-winning actor Art Carney, whose career spanned stage, screen, and television. The town has also produced inventors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders whose legacies continue to shape Connecticut’s cultural history.

Where to Stay in Westbrook CT

Visitors planning Westbrook CT vacations or seeking Westbrook CT resorts will find welcoming inns and bed & breakfasts that blend history, comfort, and hospitality.

Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast — Westbrook Inn Bed & Breakfast
976 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, CT 06498

The Captain Stannard — The Captain Stannard
138 South Main Street, Westbrook, CT 06498

Bushnell House Inn — Bushnell House Inn
106 South Main Street, Westbrook, CT 06498

These lodging options showcase the heart of Westbrook CT resorts: restored historic architecture, personal hospitality, and close proximity to beaches and attractions.

Nearby Day Trips

• Old Saybrook – classic shoreline town with shops and dining

• Mystic Seaport and Aquarium – world-famous cultural attractions

• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat – nostalgic excursion through the Connecticut River Valley

• Clinton Outlets – shopping destination minutes away

Community and Conservation

Westbrook takes pride in preserving both its history and its environment. The town invests in shoreline resilience, protects salt marshes, and maintains community traditions through festivals, local boards, and volunteer projects.

Final Thoughts: Westbrook CT Vacations & Resorts

Westbrook, Connecticut is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic New England seaside retreat. For Westbrook CT vacations, it offers beaches, historic charm, and intimate inns. For those considering relocation, Westbrook provides a comfortable lifestyle where history and community matter as much as the stunning shoreline.

Whether you’re booking a weekend at a Westbrook CT resort, searching for real estate, or simply strolling the town green, Westbrook delivers timeless New England beauty with understated elegance.

To share any Westbrook, CT information with us, please contact us.

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