These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast

1. Calf Pasture Beach

• Where is Calf Pasture Beach located?
  • Calf Pasture Beach is located in Norwalk, Connecticut.
• How did Calf Pasture Beach get its name?
  • The beach’s name comes from its 17th-century history when the land was used by early settlers as grazing land for cows and livestock.
• What amenities does the beach offer?
  • Calf Pasture Beach is equipped with:
    • A fishing pier
    • Picnic areas
    • A playground for kids
    • Restrooms
    • Sports facilities
    • A large beach with lifeguards on duty
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Calf Pasture Beach?
  • Visitors can:
    • Sunbathe and swim
    • Rent a boat and kayak along the Island Kayak Trail
• Is there an entry fee?
  • Entry to the beach is free, but nonresidents must pay a parking fee.
• What is the contact information for Calf Pasture Beach?
  • Calf Pasture Beach Rd., Norwalk, CT 06851
  • Phone: 203-854-7806

2. Clinton Town Beach

• What is Clinton Town Beach?
  • Clinton Town Beach is a popular beach destination in Clinton, Connecticut, offering a variety of recreational activities.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Clinton Town Beach?
  • Guests can:
    • Sunbathe and swim on the beach during high tide
    • Walk out to the sand bars during low tide for a unique experience
    • Fish from an old stone bridge over the Hammond River
    • Access the beach by boat
• What amenities does the beach offer?
  • The beach features:
    • Public restrooms
    • A food concession stand
    • Picnic areas
    • A basketball court
    • A dog exercise trail
• Are dogs allowed at Clinton Town Beach?
  • Yes, but dogs must be on a lead at all times and are not allowed on any of the sandy areas.
• Do visitors need a pass or pay a fee?
  • During the summer season (June until Labor Day):
    • Residential visitors must have a pass to enter the beach.
    • Nonresidential visitors must pay a parking fee.
• What is the contact information for Clinton Town Beach?
  • 201 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413
  • Phone: 860-669-6901

3. Hammonasset Beach State Park

• What is Hammonasset Beach State Park?
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest shoreline park in Connecticut, offering over two miles of beach for visitors to enjoy.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Hammonasset Beach?
  • Visitors can:
    • Swim in the ocean
    • Sunbathe on the sandy beach
    • Relax and enjoy the boardwalk
• Does the park offer camping?
  • Yes! Hammonasset Beach offers more than 500 campsites for visitors looking to extend their relaxation with an overnight stay.
• What are the park’s operating hours?
  • For non-campers, the park is open from 8 AM until sunset.
  • Visitors with a fishing permit may access the park earlier.
• What amenities are available?
  • The park provides several amenities, including:
    • Bathrooms and showers
    • Picnic areas for outdoor meals
    • Concessions for food and drinks
• What educational programs are offered at Hammonasset Beach?
  • The Meigs Point Nature Center hosts educational programs and fun activities throughout the year.

1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Map

4. Harvey's Beach

• What is Harvey's Beach?
  • Harvey's Beach is a beautiful beach about 100 yards in length, famous for its stunning white sand.
• Where is Harvey's Beach located?
  • The beach is located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
  • It is an easy half-hour drive from New Haven along Route 95.
• What amenities does Harvey's Beach offer?
  • Visitors can enjoy:
    • A playground for kids
    • A concession stand for snacks and refreshments
    • A bathhouse for changing and showers
    • Plenty of sand, water, and sun for relaxation
• Is there a lifeguard on duty?
  • Yes! Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a lifeguard is on duty to ensure swimmers' safety.
• What activities are available at Harvey's Beach?
  • The beach hosts many activities throughout the season, including:
    • Yoga classes on the sand
    • Lessons for flying kites
  • The event schedules are listed on the official website along with further details.

Great Hammock Rd. (Route 154), Old Saybrook, CT 06475, Phone: 860-395-3152

5. Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

• What is Hole-in-the-Wall Beach?
  • Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is part of a 62-acre park located in the town of East Lyme.
  • The park is a part of Quinnipiac University’s Connecticut DEEP program.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach?
  • Visitors can:
    • Swim in the water
    • Kayak or canoe along the shoreline
    • Go fishing or crabbing
    • Hike the scenic trails
    • Enjoy stunning views of the Farm River
• Do visitors need a pass for boating?
  • Yes! Boat launch passes must be purchased for anyone who wishes to use the beach as a launching point for canoeing or kayaking.
• Are dogs allowed at Hole-in-the-Wall Beach?
  • Yes! Dogs are allowed in the park but must be on a leash at all times.

108 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 203-582-3777

6. Jacobs Beach, Connecticut

• Where is Jacobs Beach located?
  • Jacobs Beach is located on Seaside Avenue in Guilford, Connecticut.
• What makes Jacobs Beach a great destination for kayakers?
  • Jacobs Beach is a peaceful location that is great for kayakers.
  • Kayak racks are available for rent while visitors are enjoying the beach or exploring the town.
• What amenities does Jacobs Beach offer?
  • The beach features:
    • A beach volleyball court
    • A playground for children
    • A boardwalk for scenic walks
    • A bathhouse for changing and showers
    • Picnic areas for outdoor meals
• When is the best time for swimming at Jacobs Beach?
  • Swimming is best during high tide.
• Is Jacobs Beach good for seashell collecting?
  • Yes! The sandy beach is often scattered with seashells, making it a great spot for collectors and kids.
• Is Jacobs Beach wheelchair accessible?
  • Yes! Jacobs Beach is ADA compliant, with wheelchair access in parts of the site.
• What is the contact information for Jacobs Beach?
  • 140 Seaside Ave, Guilford, CT 06437
  • Phone: 203-453-8068

7. Jennings Beach, Connecticut

• What is Jennings Beach?
  • Jennings Beach is a 27-acre beach with a large stretch of sand and beautiful views of the Long Island Sound.
• What amenities does Jennings Beach offer?
  • The beach is equipped with:
    • Bathrooms for visitor convenience
    • A concession stand for snacks and refreshments
    • A volleyball court for beach sports
    • Racks for sailboats
    • A lifeguard on duty during the summer
    • Swimming lessons available for beginners
• Is Jennings Beach family-friendly?
  • Yes! Jennings Beach is a great destination for families, as it shares a parking lot with:
    • A skate park
    • A big “sand castle” playground
• What events are hosted at Jennings Beach?
  • The beach hosts lots of exciting events for all ages, including:
    • Fireworks for the 4th of July
    • Community bonfires on the beach
    • Family movie nights under the stars
• What is the contact information for Jennings Beach?
  • 880 S Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824
  • Phone: 203-256-3191

8. McCook Point Park

• What is McCook Point Park?
  • McCook Point Park is a scenic park located in East Lyme, Connecticut, overlooking Niantic Bay.
• What beaches are inside McCook Point Park?
  • The park features two sandy beaches:
    • McCook Point Beach on the west side of the bluff
    • Hole in the Wall Beach
• What amenities does McCook Point Beach offer?
  • The beach includes:
    • A boardwalk for scenic strolls
    • Walking paths for nature lovers
    • A picnic area for outdoor dining
    • Restrooms for visitor convenience
• What events take place at McCook Point Park?
  • The park hosts lots of summer events, including shows and concerts.
• When is McCook Point Park open?
  • The park is open year-round, but from Memorial Day until Labor Day, beach passes are required for entry.
• Where can visitors purchase beach passes?
  • Beach passes can be purchased:
    • At the entrance to McCook Beach on Saturdays and Sundays
    • Seven days a week at Hole in the Wall Beach
• What is the contact information for McCook Point Park?
  • Niantic, CT 06357
  • Phone: 860-739-5828

9. Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI

• What is Misquamicut Beach?
  • Misquamicut Beach is a popular beach located in Westerly, Rhode Island.
  • It spans over half a mile of sandy beaches and is a favorite destination for locals from both Connecticut and Rhode Island.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Misquamicut Beach?
  • Visitors can:
    • Sunbathe on the sandy beach
    • Relax and enjoy the ocean views
    • Swim in the water and dry off under the sun
• Is there a lifeguard on duty?
  • Yes! During the summer season, a lifeguard is on duty during certain hours to ensure safety.
• What amenities does Misquamicut Beach offer?
  • The beach is equipped with a bathing pavilion, which includes:
    • A bathhouse for changing and showering
    • Shady gazebos for relaxation
    • A concession stand for snacks and refreshments
    • A gift shop with beach-related items
• Are there any special events at Misquamicut Beach?
  • Yes! Each year, the beach hosts two annual music festivals:
    • Springfest in the spring
    • Fallfest in the fall

257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI, Phone: 401-596-9097

10. Ocean Beach Park

• What is Ocean Beach Park?
  • Ocean Beach Park is a 50-acre vacation resort offering a variety of activities and amenities.
• What beach and swimming options are available at Ocean Beach Park?
  • Visitors can enjoy:
    • A white, sugar sand beach for relaxing, sunbathing, and building sandcastles
    • Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean
    • A 50-meter long Olympic freshwater swimming pool for lap swimming and splashing
• What activities are available besides swimming?
  • Ocean Beach Park offers:
    • An 18-hole miniature golf course
    • A video game arcade
    • A carousel and amusement rides
    • A Nature Walk with a bird-watching observation deck
• Where can visitors eat at Ocean Beach Park?
  • The Boardwalk Cafe Food Court offers:
    • Meals for lunch and dinner
    • Snacks and refreshments
    • Ice cream for a sweet treat
• When is Ocean Beach Park open?
  • The park opens each year on Memorial Day and remains open until Labor Day.

98 Neptune Avenue in New London, CT, Phone: 860-447-3031