About the Area
Settled in 1638 as the Pochaug (or Patchogue) community of the Saybrook Plantation, Westbrook was renamed in 1810 and incorporated as a separate town in 1840. The primary industry was shipbuilding, in this coastal town, until steamship and railroad transportation took precedence. David Bushnell, born in Westbrook in 1742, created maritime history when he built the wood and steel ‘Turtle’. He was an American inventor during the Revolutionary War, who combined his proven theory that gunpowder exploded underwater, and his idea of using water as ballast, to create America’s first submarine ever used in combat.
Today, a replica of his first submarine is available for viewing at the nearby US Nautilus Museum in Groton, and the David Bushnell house is open Thursdays for tours in Westbrook.
Westbrook is a cozy community on the Connecticut shoreline. Tucked on the banks of Long Island Sound, midway between New York and New England, and just west of the entrance to Connecticut River, Westbrook is a centrally convenient location for boaters. Whether visiting for a few days, or choosing Brewer Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook as your ‘summer home’, there are plenty of things to do.
By water, enjoy day or weekend excursions to ports such as Sag Harbor, Greenport; the Hamptons; Fishers Island; western CT and Long Island, NY ports; Mystic, Block Island; and more! Or, explore the meandering Menunketesuck and Patchogue Rivers in your dinghy through the protected wildlife refuge adjoining Pilots Point Marina. Bring your binoculars, as there are spectacular opportunities for birding.
On land, Westbrook offers a town beach, shops and restaurants; and nearby Old Saybrook and Essex are popular tourist towns. Factory outlet shopping in Westbrook or Clinton attracts visitors and local shoppers to scope out retail bargains. Other Connecticut coastal communities are worth exploring, as well.
Courtesy transportation is available for local attractions.
Enjoy Westbrook, a friendly port.