11 Best Beaches in Connecticut

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Connecticut is a New England state known for Yale University, its natural beauty, and historic architecture.

While beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind, the state is home to some beautiful beaches. 

Most beachgoers prefer to hang out on the water during the summer months, but you can enjoy these beaches all year round.

Of course, you’ll have to be extremely adventurous to take a dip during a New England winter, but there’s a lot to be said for simply strolling down a deserted beach and watching the waves. 

11 Best Beaches in Connecticut

1. Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk

Calf Pasture Beach gets its name from its history.

In the 17th century, the area was a prime cattle grazing ground.

Today, it’s a well-appointed beach, with plenty of activities for everyone. 

There’s a large beach, and a swimming area patrolled by lifeguards, making it a great choice for families.

You’ll also find plenty of shaded areas, including picnic tables and a playground. 

There’s plenty to do on land, with a skateboard park, volleyball courts, and a baseball field.

You can also fish from the pier, or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. 

You can also visit the Norwalk Sailing School.

You can take sailing lessons and rent kayaks and sailboats. 

2. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison

Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest shoreline park in Connecticut, with more than 2 miles of beach.

It’s no surprise the park gets more than 1 million visitors each year. 

It features 10 themed gardens and over 500 campsites that are open during the warmer months.

Bicycle rentals are available through Labor Day.

The beach itself is a great place to swim, gather seashells, or fish in the saltwater.

You can also scuba dive, hike, or take a boat for a spin. 

The Meigs Point Nature Center is a great place to visit as well.

It features more than 50 species of local wildlife and provides an educational experience for the entire family. 

3. Ocean Beach Park, New London  

Ocean Beach Park is located in New London.

You’ll find a 1/2 mile beach with soft light golden sand which meets the ocean, which is bright blue.

It’s a great place for families. Swimming is safe, and lifeguards are on duty. 

If saltwater isn’t your thing, there’s also an Olympic-sized pool.

Children can enjoy the spray park and playground.  

Other activities include amusement rides including Scrambler and kids rides. 

You can also play mini-golf or arcade games, or take a trip on the triple waterslide. 

Nature lovers can enjoy the picnic area and nature trails. 

Amenities include lockers, changing facilities, restaurants, and a gift shop.

You can also check out the Boardwalk Stage, which hosts events throughout the summer season. 

4. Clinton Town Beach, Clinton

Clinton Town Beach, also known as Town Beach, is a favorite beach for Connecticut residents.

If you visit during the summer, you’ll need a beach pass to access the beach.

If you aren’t a resident, a parking pass is also required. 

Clinton Beach is essentially two beaches in one.

During high tide, you can enjoy swimming or simply sunbathing on the beach. Once the tide recedes, you can stroll out to the sandbars. 

Amenities include picnic areas, a playground, a splash pad, and snack bars.

You can also play sports, including volleyball, basketball, and hiking. 

You can bring your canine companion, but dogs are restricted to the dog walking area.

They aren’t allowed on the beach.   

5. Compo Beach, Westport

Compo Beach is a favorite beach for Westport residents.

However, it’s expensive to access if you live out of town, with prices ranging from $45 to $70 for parking. 

The biggest attraction Compo Beach offers is that alcohol is allowed at the beach.

Glass bottles are prohibited, although this isn’t strongly enforced. 

Compo Beach borders Long Island Sound and Saugatuck River.

You’ll find volleyball courts, a large playground, a skatepark, a boardwalk, and a pavilion.

It’s also handicapped-accessible. 

The 29-acre park is open year-round. Dogs are allowed in certain areas during the off-season. 

6. Harvey’s Beach, Old Saybrook 

Harvey’s Beach is small, at only 100 yards.

However, it’s white sand and calm waters make it a great place to swim, sunbathe, or boat. 

The beach has lifeguards on duty until 6 p.m. and features restrooms, a concession stand, and a playground for children.

You’ll find a beautiful coastline that is perfect for catching a sunset. 

Activities include beach yoga, kite flying lessons, swimming, paddling, and sandcastle building. 

7. Hole in the Wall Beach, Niantic

Hole in the Wall Beach also offers beautiful sunsets and a white sand beach.

It gets its name from its entrance.

You’ll take a tunnel that runs beneath the railroad tracks to access the beach. 

The swimming area is protected by a stone jetty, which provides calm waters suitable for the entire family.

Lifeguards are on duty during the peak season.

The beach is part of McCook‘s Point Park. 

You can relax at the beach, or go kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and crabbing.

You can also go hiking, or stroll the  Niantic Bay Boardwalk, which connects to downtown Niantic.

8. Sherwood Island State Park, Westport

Most consider Sherwood Island State Park the best Westport Beach.

It’s also much less expensive to access for out-of-state residents, and free for Connecticut residents. 

It’s the first state park in Connecticut.

Its best notable feature is its tri-color sand.

Watch the tide come in and out, and leave behind red, tan, and black stripes of sand.

This is because the water actually separates the minerals present in the sand, leaving behind different colors. 

There’s a lot to do here, with a total of 228 acres.

You can enjoy the beach and sand dunes, or hike through the woodlands.

You should also visit the Sherwood Nature Center during peak season, and the 911 Memorial.

The marsh can be viewed from the Sherwood Island observation platform.

9. Jennings Beach, Fairfield

Jennings Beach is easy to get to from I-95, making it a great destination for tourists who are unfamiliar with the area.

It’s the largest beach in Fairfield, at 27 acres. 

The beach features golden sand, access to Long Island Sound, volleyball, sailboat racks, and a concession stand.

There’s also a sand castle park and a skate park. 

The beach is typically busy, but not overcrowded.

Horses and dogs are allowed on the beach during the off-season.

Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer.

You can also find swimming lessons. 

10. Seabluff Beach, West Haven

Seabluff Beach is the largest beach in West Haven.

You’ll find soft golden sand and clear blue waters.

In addition to swimming, you can surf or fish at the beach. 

Like other beaches in the area, it can be busy, but it’s rarely crowded.

You can find a bit of privacy thanks to the generous coastline. 

Lifeguards are present during the summer months, and the water is gentle, making it safe for all ages. 

11. Silver Sands State Park, Milford 

Silver Sands State Park is a unique experience, thanks to its connection to St. Charles Island.

During low tide, you can take the sandbar to the island. 

Legend has it that Captain Kidd buried his final treasure on the island, before his capture.

The ruins of a 19th-century church can also be found on the island.

Be careful, because the tide can come in quickly, leaving you stranded.

Once the tide begins to rise over the landbridge, an undertow is created.

There have been several unfortunate deaths over the years due to people trying to make it back across when the tide was too high. 

The real treasure is the seabirds that nest on the island, which is why it’s a nature preserve.

You can’t visit the island during May through August, because the birds nest during this time.

However, you can view them from the beach. 

Activities include swimming, saltwater fishing, and hiking.

You can also walk the 3-mile boardwalk at the beach.

You should be aware that the beach and surrounding area are rocky, so footwear is recommended.

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• OVERALL RISK: LOW
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