10 BEST CONNECTICUT BEACHES YOU NEED TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

Connecticut might not be the first place that comes to mind for an epic beach day, but the state’s shoreline along Long Island Sound is full of great beaches that are worth exploring. From long stretches of rocky coast to beaches with tons of family-friendly amenities, Connecticut has quite a few options for beachgoers to choose from so that they can tailor their experience to what they're looking for that day. And that's why I wrote this blog! This guide to the best beaches in Connecticut will help you find the perfect spot—plus give you the details on parking, costs, and highlights so you can make the most of your day by the water. And if you're looking to do more than just a beach day, make sure to check out the top 50 things to do in Connecticut this summer so you can mix and match activities for the best day ever!

1. HammoNASSET BEACH STATE PARK IN MADISON, CONNECTICUT

Hammonasset Beach State Park is a classic option. It's the first beach to come to mind when I think of Connecticut beaches, and that's likely because of how large this beach is. With approximately two miles of sandy coastline, it's the longest natural beach in the state, attracting over three million visitors annually. But don't worry- there's plenty of room for everyone, and there are three large separate parking lots to choose from. There's also multiple snack shacks, asphalt paved paths for walking or biking, and even a campground area. If you plan on coming camping here though, make sure to reserve it about 6-8 months in advance. It's such a sought out place that it books up SUPER quickly.

2. SILVER SANDS STATE PARK IN MILFORD, CONNECTICUT

Silver Sands State Park is a very unique beach. While it has all the classic aspects of a beach that visitors know and love, like a mile of sandy shoreline, dunes, salt marshes, and grassy meadows, it also features an island that beachgoers can walk out to during low tide. This island is known as Charles Island, which has been rumored to contain pirate treasure buried by Captain Kidd, but today is more locally known as a bird sanctuary. Silver Sands State Park also has a beautiful, long boardwalk and TONS of seashells for you to collect.

3. OCEAN BEACH PARK IN NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT

Ocean Beach Park in New London is the beach you go to if you're planning on having some SERIOUS fun. This park isn't just a beach. There's a boardwalk with multiple little snack shacks and a small gift shop, an Olympic-sized pool, a splash pad for kids, amusement park rides, water slides, and a gazebo that is always hosting events and bands that play live music. While most of these extra amenities do cost money, and the parking at Ocean Beach Park is more expensive compared to other beaches in the state, it's worth it if you plan on making the most of this beach. I personally advise that even if you don't go on the amusement rides, atleast go on the waterslides. It's pretty cheap and they give you a blue mat to slide down. To me, it's a right of passive if it's your first time going to this beach.

4. ROCKY NECK STATE PARK IN EAST LYME, CONNECTICUT

Rocky Neck State Park is a beautiful sandy beach with a snack shack, picnic areas, a sprawling trail system through salt marshes with viewing platforms, and more. There is also a pavilion that overlooks the beach known as Ellie Mitchell Pavilion that's super popular for events like weddings. This is the beach I continually went to as a child, and my favorite part about it has always been the tidal river that goes through the beach because the water is warmer to swim in and it's a great place for kids to play.

Waterford Beach Park is a white sand beach with an interesting history. There are two main structures on the property that make this beach park super unique: the Roman Renaissance Revival-style Eolia mansion previously owned by the Harkness family, and the former Seaside Sanatorium. The Eolia mansion was built back in 1906 and purchased by the Harkness family in 1907 as a summer home. It features 42 rooms, six unique gardens, and a pergola. It became a state park in 1952 after Mary Harkness sold it to the state. The Seaside Sanatorium, located on the opposite side of Waterford Beach Park, was created in 1932 as a sanatorium for children with tuberculosis. Today, visitors of Waterford Beach Park can enjoy the sun, sand, and water while also perusing the grounds of both of these adjacent areas and learning about a piece of Connecticut's history.

6. HARVEY'S BEACH IN OLD SAYBROOK, CONNECTICUT

Harvey's Beach is the ultimate family-friendly beach. With shallow water, a concession stands, lifeguards, and indoor restrooms, this is the ideal place to spend a day in the sun making sand castles, swimming, and enjoying a Connecticut summer. It also gives a great view of the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse, which is only a 10-minute drive down the coastline away if you want to make a stop on your way home!

7. HOLE-IN-THE-WALL IN NIANTIC, CONNECTICUT

Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is one of my favorite private beaches in Connecticut. Despite the fact that it's smaller and can be rather expensive compared to other beaches in the area, it's absolutely gorgeous. Located right in between the famous Niantic Boardwalk and McCook's park and beach, the water is calm and clear, the sand is perfect, and you're only a few minutes walk from the main street in Niantic. If you go to this beach, make sure to also read about top things to do in Niantic while you're there for a day! Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is directly off the main strip so you'll be super close to everything and able to fit a few things into your day if you want to.

8. WALNUT BEACH IN MILFORD, CONNECTICUT

Walnut Beach is another great place to go with family or a big group of friends. With one of the longest boardwalks and fishing piers in Connecticut, multiple volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a playground, there's plenty to do if you're looking for activities besides swimming, tanning, and building sand castles. This is a favorite among Milford locals, and it's easy to see why, especially if you take a look at pictures like the one above of the beach. What a perfect place to spend a summer day at!

9. PENFIELD BEACH IN FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT

Penfield Beach in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a popular spot on Long Island Sound with calm waters, a picnic area, snack bar, playground, and nearby parking. Its location close to downtown Fairfield makes it easy to combine a beach visit with local dining or shopping, and it’s a good choice for swimming, walking, or spending time by the water. It's also directly next to Jennings beach and forms part of the Fairfield Beach neighborhood, so you have multiple different beach options in this area.

10. CALF PASTURE BEACH IN NORWALK, CONNECTICUT

Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk offers swimming, a fishing pier, sports courts, a playground, and boat rentals. It’s lifeguarded in the summer, has a café, and is known for its clean water, making it a popular spot for a day by the Long Island Sound if you're in the Norwalk area. There are also occasional events at Calf Pasture Beach including a summer concert series. And if you want to get out on the water and do a little more than swimming, make sure to snag a paddleboard rental for only $50!

MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE CONNECTICUT THIS SUMMER

Whether you’re looking for a quick beach day or planning a full summer getaway, Connecticut has plenty of great spots to explore along the shoreline. Since I live here, I’ve spent years finding the best local spots—but I also write about destinations all over the world, from my travels to 17 different countries. If you’re planning more adventures in the state, check out my guides on the Top 50 Things to Do in Connecticut This Summer, What Connecticut is Known For, Waterfront Hotels in Connecticut, Top Boardwalks in Connecticut, and 10 Free Things to Do in Connecticut. Scroll down for even more Connecticut blogs to help you make the most of your time here.