Connecticut Beaches
1.Rocky Neck State Beach- East Lyme
Just under an hour from Hartford, Rocky Neck is a large, popular beach, and for good reason. Part of Connecticut's state park system, Rocky Neckoffers something for everyone:awide sandy beach, trail system for hiking, and astone jetty for fishing blackfish or flounder. Plus, for those who want to stretch aday trip into a weekend, 160 wooded and open campsites are available. Rocky Neck fills up quickly during peak season, so it'sbest to get there early. For a post-beach sweet treat on the ride home, swing by the popular Tony D's Craft Creameryon Main Street.
2.Silver Sands State Park- Milford
Located on the southern edge of Milford, Silver Sands'somewhat remote location makes for a much less crowded experience than other beaches in Connecticut. While the amenities are few, the protected, calm waters make it perfect for families with older children. Charles Island is closed between May and September to aid bird nesting.Parking is free. Just a short jaunt from the beach, grab a quicksweet bite at the Walnut Beach Creamery.
3.Harvey's Beach- Old Saybrook
At low tide, the sand never seems to end. Tucked away off Route 154 in Old Saybrook, Harvey's Beach offers families a ton of space to comb for shells, build sandcastles, and wade in the cool waters of Long Island Sound. The crowds tend to be small, and so are the waves. Hit the beach in the morning—be sure to schedule it around low tide for maximum beach frontage—then head into town for lunch.Lenny and Joe's Fishtaleis alocal favorite.
Come see what Connecticut area beaches have to offer.Ocean Beach Park boasts a wide, sandy beach.
4.Ocean Beach Park- New London
Ocean Beach's large,smooth beach providesdirect access to Long Island Sound, views of lighthouses, and nature trails.For a sit-down meal after a day of fun in the sun, Fred's Shanty on Pequot Avenue is a popular spot for burgers and dogs. Orhead a bit further down the road to Captain Scott's Lobster Dockfor some of the freshest seafood around.
5.Hammonasset Beach State Park- Madison
What would any list of Connecticut beaches be without including the Granddaddy of them all? Hammonassetoffers a mile-longpristine beach, fishing, camping, concessions, full amenities, and much more. TheMeigs Point Nature Centerhas interesting exhibits on display when it's open.Take a drive through town after the beach and hit Friends & Company for a fabulous, family-friendly dining experience.
6.Esker Point Park Beach -Groton
Groton Long Point is a small community situated between Groton and Mystic, and almost smack in the middle is Esker Point Park.This beach offers fantastic views of the sound and Mouse Island. For fresh, local lobster, take a quick trip into the village of Noank to Abbott's Lobster in the Rough.
7.McCook Point Beach- East Lyme
Just a bit down the road from the hustle and bustle of Rocky Neck, McCook Point Beach is a local favorite of East Lyme-area families. There's a large playgroundin addition to the small but lovely little beach. Keep watch, as McCookis known for seal sightings off in the distance. The parkalso hosts concerts and other events all summer. Grab a pizza from Village Pizzaat the end of the day.
Sand castles—and mud castles—are a summer tradition!Jennings Beach photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
8. Jennings Beach - Fairfield
This 27-acre beach, the largest in Fairfield, offers great views of Long Island Sound, concessions, andbathroom facilities. Located near the Henry Rowland Memorial Playground, it is also home to an exciting play-scape and a skate park. Swimming lessons are offered during the summer. Beach access is free, but parking here doesn't come cheap: $40 on weekdays and $50 on weekends and holidays.
9. Jacobs Beach - Guilford
A well-kept summer secret (not anymore!), Jacobs Beach offers a peaceful retreat from more popular and crowded beaches. Enjoy 25-acres of sandy shoreline and watch or join kayakersfloating by. Non-residents require a daily pass, which provides access to the playground, picnic areas, grilling stations, outdoor showers, and bathroom facilities.
Eastern Point Beach is one of Connecticut's top summer spots.Eastern Point Beach. Photo courtesy of City of Groton
10.Eastern Point Beach - Groton
2023 update:starting this year an annual or daily pass will be required.
This small, family-friendly beachat the mouth of the Thames River is adjacentto the UCONN Avery Point campus.The water is shallow and the amenities are plentiful, which makes Eastern Point Beachpopular with families. Do not miss the opportunity to have lunch, dinner, or both at Paul's Pasta.
11.Sherwood Island State Park - Westport
Connecticut's oldest state park has a fantastic nature center that features wonderful (and free!) programming. There are picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and food concession.It's easy to spend a day here enjoying the summer breeze while looking for seashells.
12.Calf Pasture Beach- Norwalk
In addition to the beach at Calf Pasture, visitorscan enjoy a skate park, playgrounds, splash pad, and beach volleyball.Make sure you check outRipka'sfor fresh seafood, cold drinks, and deliciousburgers.
13.Cove Island Beach- Stamford
Cove Island features two beaches, bike paths, and a large lawn to play on. Budding naturalists will also enjoy the small salt marsh, intertidal mudflats, and prime spots to view water birds. After your time at the beach, make sure to stop at Cups n' Cones in Old Greenwich.
Don't forget to take the beach toys to Connecticut's beaches!Dubois Beach photo courtesy of the Stonington Community Center
14. Dubois Beach - Stonington
Located in beautiful and quaint Stonington, Dubois Beachis operated by the COMO in Southington. The Dubois has beachfront to play on, inlets to go looking for crabs, and a shaded gazebo to sit in. Parkingis free and day passes are available.
15. Waterford Beach - Waterford
Waterford Beach opens Memorial Day Weekend and offers great views and tidal marshes for exploring nature. This beach is great for little explorers. There are restrooms, walkways,and picnic areas.
Rhode Island's top beaches are just over the border.Misquamicut State Beach. Photo by Julian Colton/Flickr
Connecticut Area Beaches:Rhode Island Beaches
16.Misquamicut State Beach- Westerly, RI
This beach is just over the border in Rhode Island, and it's worth the trip from anywhere in CT.MisquamicutState Beach sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean, so the waves are often largeand powerful.The sand is smooth and sugary, and there's a lot of it: seven miles, to be exact. With full amenitiesand handicap accessibility, plus a slew of other attractions up and down Atlantic Avenue, this beach gets full fast during peak season. Don't forget to check out their drive-in movies too!
17.Napatree Point- Westerly, RI
UnlikeMisquamicut,Napatreesits quietly and more serenely betweenNarragansettBay and Watch Hill.In addition to the beach,Napatreeprovides year-round habitats for a variety of species of birds and other wildlife.It's worth venturing around Watch Hill, especially for the carousel, the Watch Hill Lighthouse, anda glimpse of the spectacularly stunningOcean House.
Originally published June 4, 2014. Updated June 2023.
