Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
You'll recognize Cherry & Webb by the line of cars angled into the sand itself, bumpers facing Buzzards Bay like spectators at a drive-in. The beach takes its name from the department store that once owned this stretch, and though the retailer shuttered decades ago, the families who've been coming here since childhood haven't budged. Grandmothers still arrive at eight in the morning to stake out the same weathered picnic benches their daughters once climbed on. The water is the main event: shallow and calm, protected from ocean swells, ideal for toddlers who teeter in knee-deep pools while older siblings hunt for hermit crabs near the rocks at low tide. Bring water shoes—the bottom shifts from soft sand to patches of smooth stone. Kite-flyers claim the grassy area behind the beach on breezy afternoons, their nylon tails snapping against a sky that turns peach and lavender by seven-thirty in summer. The beach operates without pretense. No snack shacks, no chair rentals, no lifeguard towers. You bring what you need, you leave with what you brought, and if you're lucky, you leave with a sunburn that smells faintly of Coppertone and low tide.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Cherry & Webb Beach.
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Cherry & Webb Beach is generally calm and family-friendly, making it suitable for children. The beach sits along Buzzards Bay with relatively gentle waves compared to ocean-facing beaches. However, always supervise children closely as conditions can vary with tides and weather. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. Check local tide charts and weather forecasts before visiting. The shallow waters near shore are typically safe for wading, but be aware of currents and rocky areas.
Summer months (June through August) offer the warmest water temperatures and best swimming conditions at Cherry & Webb Beach. However, this beach is accessible year-round and offers scenic beauty in every season. Fall provides colorful foliage views and fewer crowds, while spring and winter are ideal for peaceful beach walks and wildlife observation. Water temperatures peak in July and August, reaching the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends during peak summer season.
Cherry & Webb Beach is located off East Beach Road in Westport, Massachusetts. Parking is available in a small lot near the beach, but it's limited and requires a Westport beach sticker during summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Non-resident parking permits may be available for purchase at the Westport Town Hall. The beach is accessible by car from Route 88. Arrive early during summer weekends as the lot fills quickly. Street parking regulations should be observed.
Cherry & Webb Beach has minimal on-site amenities—no restrooms, concessions, or facilities. Visitors should bring their own food, water, and beach supplies. The nearby town of Westport has restaurants, convenience stores, and markets within a few miles' drive. For more dining and lodging options, the historic whaling city of New Bedford is approximately 20 minutes away, and the popular tourist destination of Newport, Rhode Island, is about 30 minutes east. Plan accordingly and pack everything you'll need for your beach visit.
Cherry & Webb Beach remains relatively quiet because it's primarily a residential beach with limited parking and minimal amenities. Unlike larger public beaches like Horseneck Beach nearby, it lacks facilities, lifeguards, and commercial development that draw bigger crowds. The beach sticker requirement for parking during summer also limits access primarily to Westport residents and those who purchase permits. This makes it ideal for families seeking a peaceful, scenic beach experience away from tourist crowds, though you must be self-sufficient with supplies.
