Quick Summary:

  • Does Connecticut have a lot of beaches?
    • Yes! Despite being a small state, Connecticut has an abundance of beaches to explore.
  • What types of beaches can visitors find in Connecticut?
    • Connecticut offers a variety of beaches, including:
      • Unmodified natural sand dunes at Waterford State Park
      • White sand beaches at Harvey's Beach
      So, there’s truly something for everyone!
  • Do Connecticut beaches require a parking pass?
    • During the summer season, most beaches in Connecticut require a parking pass.
    • Many beaches also offer seasonal passes for frequent visitors.
  • What kind of beach experiences are available?
    • Connecticut offers a variety of experiences, such as:
      • An all-inclusive beach experience with mini golf, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a food court.
      • A weekend camping trip near the water with access to nature centers and hiking trails.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Calf Pasture Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Calf Pasture Beach | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of duke2015 - Fotolia.com

2. Clinton Town Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Clinton Town Beach | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of duke2015 - Fotolia.com

3. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Category: Activities
Hammonasset Beach State Park | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Sergey/stock.adobe.com

4. Harvey's Beach

Category: Beaches
Harvey's Beach | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of Francis - Fotolia.com

5. Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

Category: Beaches
Hole-in-the-Wall Beach | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of kandhal - Fotolia.com

6. Jacobs Beach, Connecticut

Category: Beaches
Jacobs Beach, Connecticut | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of Francis - Fotolia.com

7. Jennings Beach, Connecticut

Category: Beaches
Jennings Beach, Connecticut | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of vitalart - Fotolia.com

8. McCook Point Park

Category: Activities
McCook Point Park | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of Christian Hinkle - Fotolia.com

9. Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI

Category: Beaches
Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of artfood - Fotolia.com

10. Ocean Beach Park

Category: Activities
Ocean Beach Park | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of Susan Reed - Fotolia.com

11. Pear Tree Point Beach, CT

Category: Activities
Pear Tree Point Beach, CT | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of artfood - Fotolia.com

12. Rocky Neck State Park

Category: Activities
Rocky Neck State Park | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of Jacopo - Fotolia.com

13. Shady Beach Park

Category: Activities
Shady Beach Park | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of artfood - Fotolia.com

14. Sherwood Island State Park

Category: Activities
Sherwood Island State Park | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of duke2015 - Fotolia.com

15. Waterford Beach Park, CT

Category: Activities
Waterford Beach Park, CT | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com

16. Silver Sands State Park

Category: Activities
Silver Sands State Park | These Connecticut Beaches Are Some of the Nicest on the East Coast
© Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com

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