Horseneck Beach, Westport, Massachusetts

Beach, sand, dunes and surf are a good way to describe Horseneck Beach.

It is a very popular place to go in the summer, and even though the beach is 4-5 miles long, it fills up early in the morning.

It is a long boring ride down a country highway with only woods to look at on both sides of the two-lane highway. As one gets closer, there are sand dunes to look at but no glimpses of the beach.

On the way there, if you have not left at the crack of dawn, you cross your fingers and listen to announcements on a radio station just for the purpose of telling you if the beach is still open. Announcements are also on this radio station as to the temperature of the water and surf conditions. Every year is the same, we listen with anticipation that the waves are going to be fierce.

When you turn into the beach road, a ranger will be standing outside his hut, in the middle of the road. No one gets by without paying the $8.00 entrance fee.

PARKING

Massive parking lots sit side by side stretching out on either side of the ranger's hut. The later you are, the further away you will park meaning a longer hike to get onto the beach. Each lot has a wooden walkway leading to the actual beach but each lot leads you to a different stretch of the beach, which does help to even out the crowds.

DUNES

There are sand dunes strung out for as far as you can see. They are now off limits to the public. The state is trying to save the dunes that are now planted with dune grass. Rangers patrol the dunes on horseback to make sure no one has entered the forbidden area. Growing up, we could walk in the dunes, find a nice quiet area to spread a beach blanket, all without ever seeing another person the whole day.

THE BEACH

Certainly, there is more than enough room for all on the 4-5 miles of ocean front to stake out a spot. On really hot days this beach does become crowded. The rangers tend to pack the beach more than I would like. Many people will bring an extra beach blanket to put on the sand, in front of or in back of their beach chairs to assure that no one will sit uncomfortably close.