For such a small state, Connecticut has more than its share of beaches. From the unmodified natural sand dunes at Waterford State Park to the white sand beaches at Harvey's Beach, there's something for everyone. During the summer time, most beaches in Connecticut require a parking pass, but many offer seasonal passes as well.
Whether visitors are looking for an all inclusive experience complete with mini golf, an Olympic sized swimming pool, and a food court or a weekend camping near the water with access to nature centers and hiking trails, Connecticut has it all.
1. Calf Pasture Beach, Connecticut
Calf Pasture Beach is located in Norwalk, Connecticut. Its name comes from its history in the 17th century when the land was used by early settlers of the United States as a grazing land for their cows and livestock. The beach is equipped with a fishing pier, picnic areas, a playground for kids, restrooms, sports facilities, and of course, a large beach with lifeguards on duty. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, or rent a boat and kayak along the Island Kayak Trail. Entry to the beach is free, but nonresidents must pay a parking fee. More places to visit in Connecticut
Calf Pasture Beach Rd., Norwalk, CT 06851, Phone: 203-854-7806
2. Clinton Town Beach, Connecticut
At Clinton Town Beach, guests can sunbathe and swim on the beach during high tide and walk out to the sand bars during low tide for a different experience. Boat access is available, as is an old stone bridge over Hammond River for fishing. During the summer season (June until Labor Day), residential visitors must have a pass to enter the beach, and nonresidential visitors must pay a parking fee. The beach features public restrooms, a food concession stand, picnic areas, a basketball court, and a dog exercise trail. Dogs must be on a lead at all times and are not allowed on any of the sandy areas.
201 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413, Phone: 860-669-6901
More ideas: Milford Beaches
3. Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest shoreline park in the state of Connecticut, with over two miles of beach for visitors to use and enjoy. Besides swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and enjoying the boardwalk, Hammonasset also offers more than 500 campsites for visitors looking to extend their relaxation. For non-campers, the park is open from 8am until sunset, except with a fishing permit for earlier access. Bathrooms, showers, picnic areas, and concessions are available for guests inside the park, and the Meigs Point Nature Centers hosts educational programs and fun activities throughout the year.
1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443
More ideas: Best Glamping in Connecticut
4. Beaches Near Me: Harvey's Beach, Connecticut
Harvey's Beach is a beautiful beach about 100 yards in length that is famous for its stunning white sand. Located in Old Saybrook, Harvey's Beach is an easy half hour's drive from New Haven along Route 95. The beach features a playground for kids, a concession stand, a bathhouse for changing and showers, and of course, plenty of sand, water, and sun. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is a lifeguard on duty for swimmers. Harvey's Beach is host for many activities throughout the season, including yoga classes and lessons for flying kites. The schedules are listed on the website along with further details.
Great Hammock Rd. (Route 154), Old Saybrook, CT 06475, Phone: 860-395-3152
More ideas: Mystic Beaches
5. Hole-in-the-Wall Beach, Connecticut
Hole in the Wall Beach is on a 62-acre park located in the town of East Lyme. The park is a part of Quinnipiac University's Connecticut DEEP program, and within its bounds are opportunities for visitors to swim, kayak or canoe, go fishing or crabbing, hike, and enjoy stunning views of the Farm River. Boat launch passes must be purchased for anyone who wishes to use the Hole in the Wall Beach as a launching point for canoeing or kayaking. 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
More ideas: Best Glamping in Connecticut
6. Closest beach to me: Jacobs Beach, Connecticut
Located on Seaside Avenue in Guilford Connecticut, Jacobs Beach is a lovely and peaceful location that is great for kayakers. With kayak racks available for rent while visitors are enjoying the beach or exploring the town, Jacobs Beach has plenty to offer its visitors. A beach volleyball court, a playground for children, a boardwalk, bathhouse, and picnic areas are just a few things you'll find there. Swimming at Jacobs Beach is best during high tide, and at any time the sandy beach is scattered with seashells that are great for collectors or kids. Jacobs Beach is ADA compliant, with wheelchair access in parts of the site.
140 Seaside Ave, Guilford, CT 06437, Phone: 203-453-8068
7. Jennings Beach, Connecticut
At Jennings Beach, the 27-acre site with its large stretch of sand and its views of the Long Island Sound are just the beginning. The beach is equipped with bathrooms, a concession stand, a volleyball court, and racks for sailboats, with a lifeguard on duty during the summer and swimming lessons available. Jennings is a great destination for families, as it shares a parking lot with a skate park and a big “sand castle” playground. It also hosts lots of exciting events for all ages, including fireworks for the 4th of July, community bonfires on the beach, and family movie nights.
880 S Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, Phone: 203-256-3191
More ideas: Connecticut Hotels & Resorts
8. Connecticut Beaches: McCook Point Park
McCook Point Park is located in East Lyme, Connecticut, and the beach overlooks Niantic Bay. Inside the park are two sandy beaches, McCook Point Beach and Hole in the Wall beach. McCook Point Beach is on the west side of this beautiful bluff and has a boardwalk, walking paths, a picnic area, and restrooms. The small beach and the park in which it lies are host to lots of summer events including shows and concerts. The park is open year round, but from Memorial Day until Labor Day, beach passes are required for entry. Passes can be purchased at the entrance to McCook Beach on Saturdays and Sundays or seven days a week at Hole in the Wall Beach.
Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 860-739-5828
9. Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI
With over half a mile of sandy beaches, Misquamicut Beach is one of the most popular destinations for locals of both Connecticut and Rhode Island. During the summer season, a lifeguard is on duty during certain hours, and the sandy beach is a great place for sunbathing, relaxing, or drying off after a swim. Misquamicut Beach is equipped with a bathing pavilion, which is a village-like structure that includes several buildings such as a bathhouse, shady gazebos, a concession stand, and a gift shop. Each year, two annual music festivals – Springfest and Fallfest – are held on the beach.
257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI, Phone: 401-596-9097
More ideas: Connecticut Campgrounds
10. Beach Near Me: Ocean Beach Park
Ocean Beach Park is an entire vacation resort packed into one 50-acre park. From the white, sugar sand beach, visitors can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, relax in the sun, and build sandcastles, and from the 50 meter long Olympic freshwater swimming pool, they can swim laps, splash, and swim in a closed environment. For those looking to get away from the water there is an 18-hole miniature golf course, a video game arcade, and a carousel and rides. The Boardwalk Cafe Food Court offers meals as well as snacks and ice cream, and the Nature Walk offers a bird watching observation deck. Ocean Beach Park opens each year on Memorial Day and is open until Labor Day.
98 Neptune Avenue in New London, CT, Phone: 860-447-3031
More ideas: New England Day Trips
11. Pear Tree Point Beach, CT
Pear Tree Point Beach lies at the mouth of Goodwives River in the town of Darien. The 8-acre beach is actually made up of two great sandy beaches, equipped with a concession stand, a bathhouse, and an excellent boat launch. Pear Tree Point Beach also has an expansive picnic area with gazebos and grills that is handicap-accessible, which makes it a wonderful destination for a picnic. The beach is also home to the Darien Boat Club, and its marina is perfectly suited to visitors looking to launch their boats for a day out on the water.
Pear Tree Point Rd, Darien, CT 06820, Phone: 203-656-7325
12. Beaches in Connecticut: Rocky Neck State Park
Located in East Lyme, Rocky Neck State Park offers varied terrain for all its visitors. From the salt marsh to Tony's Nose and of course the white sandy beach with its clear waters, a day at Rocky Neck is much more than just a day at the beach. Hiking trails will take visitors through the park to Baker's Cave and the Shipyard, and keen-eyed hikers may even spot some of the abundant wildlife within Rocky Neck, which includes ospreys, mute swans, and herring. At the beach, visitors can swim, picnic, play on the sand, and enjoy the bathhouse and concession stand. There are also 160 campsites in various settings at Rocky Neck for beachgoers who think one day at this beautiful park is not enough.
244 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, Phone: 860-739-5471
More ideas: East Coast Beaches
13. Romantic Beaches in Connecticut: Shady Beach Park
Shady Beach is located in Norwalk, Connecticut, just east of Calf Pasture Beach. This lovely stretch of sand is a picturesque place for a relaxing day at the beach, especially with the shady grove of trees that gives this park its name. Shady Beach is equipped with lots of picnic tables for a perfect day out at the beach, all beneath the shade of trees, and has lots of grills for barbecues and gatherings. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season for swimmers at the beach.
Canfield Road, Norwalk, CT 06855, Phone: 203-854-7806
More ideas: Connecticut Flea Markets
14. CT Beaches: Sherwood Island State Park
Sherwood Island State Park is Connecticut's first state park, established in 1914 after a commission decided it was the best location in the county for a shore park. Today, Sherwood Island stands up to that reputation. The beach at Sherwood Island has a designated swimming area with a lifeguard on duty and picnic areas. The park has hiking trails through salt marshes and a nature center where visitors will find a variety of exhibits and displays about the history of the park, and the nature that can be found within.
Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880, Phone: 203-226-6983
15. Waterford Beach Park, CT
Waterford Beach is nearly a quarter mile long with sandy hills. It is a very rare example of a natural beach, with one of the best in tact systems of dunes in the state of Connecticut. Waterford is an unmodified natural beach, with tidal marshes and a spectacular view of the Long Island Sound. At Waterford Beach Park, visitors will find picnic areas, restrooms, and supervised swimming by a lifeguard. Waterford is a great place to fish for visitors with a permit, and there are also tennis courts for those looking to use them.
317 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, Phone: 860-437-4385
16. Best Beaches in Connecticut: Silver Sands State Park
Located on 297 acres of woods, salt marsh, and of course, beaches, Silver Sands State Park is connected to Milford, CT's Walnut Beach Park by a boardwalk that stretches nearly a mile. Silver Sands is a great place for swimming, fishing, crabbing, and picnicking. During low tide, a gravely, sandy bar called a tombolo connects the park to an offshore island. Access to this island is prohibited from the beginning of May until the end of August in order to protect nesting birds that make their homes there. Because of this, Silver Sands is a perfect spot for birdwatchers, with plenty of herons and egrets in the area.
1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460, Phone: 203-735-4311
The 15 Best Beaches in Connecticut near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Calf Pasture Beach, Connecticut
- 2. Clinton Town Beach, Connecticut
- 3. Hammonasset Beach State Park
- 4. Beaches Near Me: Harvey's Beach, Connecticut
- 5. Hole-in-the-Wall Beach, Connecticut
- 6. Closest beach to me: Jacobs Beach, Connecticut
- 7. Jennings Beach, Connecticut
- 8. Connecticut Beaches: McCook Point Park
- 9. Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI
- 10. Beach Near Me: Ocean Beach Park
- 11. Pear Tree Point Beach, CT
- 12. Beaches in Connecticut: Rocky Neck State Park
- 13. Romantic Beaches in Connecticut: Shady Beach Park
- 14. CT Beaches: Sherwood Island State Park
- 15. Waterford Beach Park, CT
- 16. Best Beaches in Connecticut: Silver Sands State Park
More Ideas in CT: The Scranton Seahorse Inn
Historic charm meets modern hospitality at the Scranton Seahorse Inn in Connecticut. Located in the heart of the pleasant little village of Madison on the shores of Connecticut and housed in an 1833 Greek Revival home, this delightful and inviting Inn offers the convenience of stylishly appointed accommodations along with the ambiance of a historic New England homestead. Opened 2006, the Scranton Seahorse Inn is ideally placed for enjoying the beaches, stylish boutiques, elegant restaurants and excellent outlet shopping that Madison has to offer.
The Scranton Seahorse Inn features seven splendidly appointed guest rooms with contemporary décor and modern furnishings, private en-suite bathrooms with deluxe amenities such as rain showers, whirlpool tubs, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products, and luxurious conveniences such as air-conditioning, gas fireplaces, flat-panel televisions, and complimentary wireless Internet.
The Madison Getaway is a luxurious suite located on the first floor that features a queen-size pillow-top bed dressed with luxury linens, high-quality linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower, a large two person whirlpool, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products. Vast windows flood the room with light and boast beautiful views of the village of Madison and the Inn’s gardens, and a private sun porch is a perfect place to relax with a book.
The Seaside Garden is reached by a beautiful hand-painted stairway, and private entrance and is decorated in soothing tones. The room features a comfy queen-size bed dressed with luxury linens, high-quality linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower, a large bathtub, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products. A spacious sitting area has a large walk-in closet, comfortable seating and a flat-screen television and views over the Main Street from the second floor of the Inn.
The Long Island Mist Room is decorated in a nautical theme with original artworks and features a comfy queen-size bed dressed with luxury linens, high-quality linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products.
The Sunlight Serenade Room is decorated in the warm hues of the earth and the sun and features a queen-size bed dressed with luxury linens, high-quality linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower, a handcrafted mosaic sink, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products.
The Ocean Dreams Room is decorated in ocean hues of green and blue and features a queen-size bed dressed with luxury linens, high-quality linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower and a whirlpool tub, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products. A sunny nook in the room is a perfect spot for morning coffee.
Named after the homestead’s first owner, Serano’s Retreat is tucked away in the rear of the house and is bright and sunny with beautiful views over the back garden. The room features a double bed dressed with luxury linens, high-quality linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products.
The Town Views Room offers just that - panoramic views from five large windows and excellent natural light. A cozy nook houses a table and chairs and a queen-size bed is dressed with luxury linens, high-quality linens, and hypoallergenic pillows. The room has an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower and a whirlpool tub, thick towels and bathrobes and organic bath products.
A hearty gourmet breakfast is served in the dining room every morning and features culinary delights such as homemade frittatas, local farm eggs and cheeses, freshly baked muffins, bread, and coffee cakes, homemade granola and honey from local apiaries. Lunch and dinner are available by special request and afternoon tea, fresh fruit, sodas, water and cheese and wine are served at different times during the day.
In addition to beautifully appointed guest rooms with private bathrooms, modern amenities, and sweeping views, the Scranton Seahorse Inn has a cozy dining room in which a gourmet breakfast is served every morning. The Inn has complimentary wireless throughout the property, and guests can enjoy cheese and wine in the evenings and complimentary soft drinks throughout the day. On-site massage services can be arranged with a professional therapist who offers massage in the comfort of the guest rooms, ranging from Swedish and Deep Tissue to Sports and Pre-Natal Massages.
The Scranton Seahorse Inn offers a range of specials and packages throughout the year, including Friday Night Dinner Specials, and Couples Getaway, Madison Dinner Date, Chocolate Lover’s and Cocktails and Tarot Cards Packages.
Couples Getaway Packages include massages, bottles of wine, cheese platters, dinner reservations and more, while the Madison Dinner Date package includes an all-inclusive two-night stay at the Inn with special extras such as a bouquet of flowers, a $50 gift certificate and a gourmet breakfast in the morning. The popular Cocktails and Tarot Cards Package features an evening with celebrity tarot card reader Leslie Singer and includes group readings, two martinis per guest, and a gourmet breakfast in the morning.
818 Boston Post Road, Madison, Connecticut 06443, Phone: 203-245 0550
More Ideas in CT: Hyatt Regency Greenwich
The Hyatt Regency Greenwich lies in the heart of Old Greenwich, a historic southwest Connecticut neighborhood found right on Long Island Sound. Despite its modern accommodations and fine dining options, the hotel reflects the town’s historic charm with lush gardens, a gazebo and flowing fountain under the sky lit atrium. A wide range of professional planning services, venues and nearby attractions make the Hyatt Regency Greenwich the perfect setting for a wedding, business meeting or family vacation.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel at Hyatt Regency Greenwich offers 373 rooms and suites in several styles, each with modern decor and furnishings, comfortable seating and workstation, free wireless Internet, large flat screen TVs and in-room refrigerators.
Guests can choose standard rooms from 265-230 square feet with either one King or two double beds. Atrium View and Regency Club rooms offer the same accommodations with views of the hotel’s atrium, plus a granite bath in the Atrium View King room and access to the Regency Club Lounge for guests staying in the Regency Club rooms. The larger Deluxe rooms include a sitting area with chaise lounge, King-sized bed, and deluxe granite bath in 385-500 square feet of space.
The hotel also offers allergy-friendly rooms and ADA-accessible rooms with accessible showers and tubs.
The 800-square-foot Greenwich Suite features a walk-in closet, oversized King bed and living area overlooking the hotel grounds. The Fairfield Suite includes a dining table for four, separate bedroom with King-sized bed and 930 square feet of space. The hotel’s largest accommodation, The Presidential suite spans 3,294 square-feet with a private King master bedroom, large sitting area, and dining table for six.
Dining
Winfield’s at Hyatt Regency Greenwich serves East Coast cuisine with regional favorites for breakfast and dinner. Guests can grab a complimentary coffee or tea throughout the day from the Torrefazzione Italia beverage bars located on every guestroom floor. The Gazebo Bar & Grill in the hotel’s sky lit atrium sets the scene for a romantic meal near the pond and water fountain, or happy hour drinks and shareables in the al fresco bar. Room service is available for an in-room meal or snack.
Weddings & Conferences
Hyatt Regency Greenwich offers services and venues to accommodate both simple and elaborate weddings. Professional wedding planners are available to help couples choose from three venues, themed wedding options and custom catering services for up to 1,200 guests. The hotel also offers special overnight rates for wedding guests and complementary honeymoon room nights.
The event planning and catering staff can also help plan business meetings and conferences hosted at the Hotel. Gor guests needing business center access 24/7, they can find complementary transportation services connect guests with off-site meetings and events.
Recreational Activities
Hyatt Regency Greenwich offers a glass-enclosed heated lap pool and whirlpool in the hotel atrium. A 24-hour fitness center comes equipped with cardio and strength-training machines and free weights. Regency Club members have exclusive access to the Regency Club Lounge, with complimentary continental breakfast, beverages, snacks and more.
Things to do Nearby
Several cultural attractions lie within just 5 miles of The Hyatt Regency Greenwich. The Greenwich Public Library houses the Flinn Gallery, showing the work of local and regional artists including glasswork, botanical prints, and photography. The historical Bush-Holley house served as a boarding house for artists and writers during the 18th century and now shows American impressionist pieces and features a recreated artist’s studio. The Bruce Museum began as the home of a wealthy textile merchant in 1853. The home now features exhibits on natural history, anthropology, and fine art.
Hotel guests can also find plenty of green space near the hotel. The Babcock Preserve is the largest park in Greenwich and covers 300 acres of wooded trails for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and horseback riding. Located in the heart of Old Greenwich, Binney Park offers waterfront views, scenic walking trails, a seasonal ice-skating pond and large playground.
The nearby E. G. Brennan Golf Course is a public 18-hole course with a full-service restaurant onsite. For more outdoor recreation, Bruce Park includes a baseball diamond, three tennis courts, and a croquet court on 60 acres of green landscapes.
Families can also spend the day at Rye Playland, a theme park with roller coasters, mini golf, and carnival rides and games.
Shopping along Greenwich Avenue includes fine clothing, jewelry, and gifts with a small-town main street feel.
1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT 06870, < Phone: 203-637-1234
More Ideas in CT: New Haven Hotel
This grand hotel is just a few minutes away from the historic Yale University, the New Haven Hotel in New Haven, Connecticut provides its guests with premium luxuries and high-end hotel amenities. During their stay at the New Haven Hotel, guests can explore the eccentric, historic New Haven, experiencing all its extraordinary views, tastes, and favorite destination sites.
Lodging
King Guestroom – This guestroom is 300sf, with a plush king-size bed, premium bedding, and duvet offering its guests a refreshing night of rest. Guests can unwind at night in front of their 42” HD television while wearing a comfortable robe. Business professionals can get work done on the work desk complete with an ergonomic chair for maximum efficiency. Additional amenities include a gourmet tea and coffee service, iron and ironing board, electronic safe, microwave, and refrigerator.
Executive King with Sleeper Sofa – Guests who enjoy a more spacious lodging area can enjoy their 350sf Executive King guestroom. Guests sleep on a super comfortable king-sized bed and an extra sofa sleeper for additional guests. A comfortable chair, 42” HD television, and two-tiered writing desk can also be found in this guestroom. Guests can then retreat to their spa-inspired bath, enjoying bath amenities and experiencing ultimate comfort and relaxation. All other standard room amenities are included in this room.
Two Queen Guestroom – This room is 350sf and includes two queen-size beds. Also, guests can enjoy a work desk with an ergonomic chair, complimentary Internet service, and comfortable, plush robes. Guests can also disconnect at the end of the day with a DVD player and 42” HD television.
King Suite with Separate Living Room – In the spacious 550sf suite, guests can rest in a king-size bed with deluxe bedding. Other accommodations include a work desk and chair, as well as a living area with a full-size sofa sleeper. The King Suite also includes a fully stocked kitchen, including a refrigerator, sink, and cooktop. It is essential that guests know that the King Suite cannot be reserved online. This suite is known as the ideal location for guests planning to stay long-term.
Two Queen Bedded Suite – This suite is the largest offered at the New Haven Hotel with 650sf. This suite has two queen-size beds along with a full-size sofa sleeper option. A full kitchen includes a refrigerator, sink, and cooktop. This suite has a large living and sitting area, premium bath toiletries, and two-tiered work desk.
Hotel Amenities
The Lobby and Living Room – The amply built Lobby and Living Room are 2500sf, complete with 20-foot tall ceilings, fireplace, and 40-foot accent wall. This wall extends upward toward the second-floor hotel restaurant. The Lobby offers its guests premium, plush seating options, flat-screen televisions, and a 14-foot long marble communal table with outlets and data ports. This Lobby is the ideal location for guests to finish their work or check e-mails.
Business Center – This center is the perfect spot for guests working on projects or work. The Business Center offers its guests Apple and PCs, depending upon their preference. A daily dry-cleaning service is also available to guests, as well as a tea and coffee service. The hotel has a 24-hour on-site fitness center, allowing guests to fit in a quick workout between meetings.
Dining
Second Floor Restaurant – True to its name, this restaurant is located on the second floor of the New Haven Hotel. The Second Floor Restaurant was recently renovated and updated, providing its guests with an elegant and relaxed dining environment. Guests can indulge their taste buds each morning with the Second Floor Restaurant’s hearty breakfast options.
Market – At the Market, guests can browse amongst the wide selection of teas, coffees, and soft drinks offered, as well as sparkling waters and fruit beverages. The Market also includes an impressive variety of desserts and healthy snacks. Its convenient location in the New Haven Hotel’s lobby allows guests to grab a bite to eat or drink while they are on their way out.
Wine and Cheese Reception – A distinct and beloved feature of the New Havel Hotel is the Wine & Cheese Reception. The Wine & Cheese Reception offers the New Haven Hotel’s guests the perfect way to unwind after a long day of business, travel or adventure. All cheese and wine are complimentary.
229 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, Phone: 203-498-3100
