Best Connecticut Beaches for Summer Water Fun

July 22, 2021 8:24 am

The Connecticut shoreline is home to miles of picturesque beaches and inviting seaside towns brimming with New England charm. During the summer months, these coastal towns come to life with vacationers, a vibrant dining scene, and sunny days at the beach. 

While some beaches are reserved for town citizens only, most are part of the state park system and open to the general public. Here’s our guide to the best beaches to visit in Connecticut this summer, many of which are located just minutes from our Delamar locations.

Calf Pasture Beach – Norwalk 

In addition to the 3/4 of a mile of scenic coastline, visitors to Calf Pasture can enjoy a skate park, picnic tables, baseball/softball, beach volleyball, and a splash pad. There are also special events scheduled all summer long ranging from classic car shows to free concerts. 

Jennings Beach – Fairfield

The largest of Fairfield’s beaches, this large 27-acre sandy beach offers a concession stand, volleyball poles, sailboat storage racks, and amazing views of the Long Island Sound. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season and even offer swimming lessons. The beach also hosts many family-friendly events such as bonfires and movie nights. 

Sherwood Island State Park – Westport

Known for being Connecticut’s first state park, Sherwood Island State Park is home to spectacular three-color sand beaches. In addition to the tan color you’d expect from beach sand, you can also find red and black colored sand in the mix. The entire park consists of 235 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and sandy shores. Visitors to Sherwood Island can also enjoy the park’s volleyball facilities, kite-flying, and marsh life. 

Silver Sands State Park – Milford

With over a half-mile of shoreline and three-quarters of a mile of all-weather boardwalk, Silver Sands State Park is perhaps best known for its sandbar access to Charles Island. Known as the “thrice-cursed island,” rumor has it that Captain Kidd buried his last treasure here back in 1699. Today, Charles Island is a bird sanctuary and a nesting ground for many sea birds. 

If you’re hoping to walk out to the island, please be aware that the sandbar between the park and Charles Island overwashes twice daily with tidal flooding, producing dangerous currents and undertow. 

Ocean Beach Park – New London

This state park is home to a half-mile of soft sand beach, beautiful views of the Long Island Sound, lighthouses, and nature trails. There is even an Olympic-size swimming pool for some salt-free water fun. The park holds special events throughout the summer months, as well as regular live entertainment on the Boardwalk Stage. 

Rocky Neck State Park – East Lyme

Rocky Neck State Park is home to the half-a-mile long soft-sand West Beach, as well as a boardwalk stretching its length. Visitors to the beach can enjoy food from a large concession area, as well as a bathhouse with restrooms and showers. The 710-acre park also includes hiking trails, camping areas, fishing spots, and salt marsh viewing platforms to watch ospreys, cranes, and herons. 

Hammonasset Beach State Park – Madison

With 2-miles of shoreline along the Long Island Sound, the beach at Hammonasset State Park is the largest in Connecticut. A boardwalk accompanies a large stretch of the beach, with concession stands and seating. Visitors can enjoy swimming, saltwater fishing, and camping at the park. Lifeguards are on duty Wednesdays through Sundays. 

Lighthouse Point Park – New Haven

This 82-acre park on Long Island Sound is home to a beach, nature trails, picnic areas, a bird sanctuary, an antique carousel, and the 1847 lighthouse. Dolphins frequent the shoreline, and gopher tortoises can be found in sandy areas. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and there is a $10 admission fee per vehicle. Carousel rides are 50 cents per person. 

Book Your Beach Vacation at Delamar

Location is key when visiting Connecticut. Delamar has three distinct locations throughout the state in Greenwich Harbor, Southport, and West Hartford, allowing you to explore and venture out, while enjoying the utmost level of excellence and luxury in hospitality. The beaches that line the Long Island Sound are available within a few minutes of our Southport and Greenwich Delamar locations, and within a 20-minute drive of Delamar West Hartford.