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One of the best things about being in Connecticut is you’re always a short drive away from the beach. With so many beautiful beaches to explore it can be difficult to decide where to go. That’s why we’re here to help and have rounded up some of the best watery escapes in Connecticut. From beautiful state park beaches, through to unique beaches with a combination of red, white and black sand, here are our top picks:
1. Clinton Town Beach, Clinton
One of Connecticut’s most popular coastal spots is Clinton Town Beach. During low tide, the beach has spectacular sandbars where visitors can walk out and gaze back at the shoreline, take fun pictures and splash around in the shallow water. The beach is well equipped with picnic tables, a kids’ playground, basketball, and volleyball courts, meaning there’s always something fun for you to do. The beach is one of the area’s busiest spots on Labor Day, just don’t forget to bring a pack of beers and a cooler.
2. Rocky Neck State Park, Long Island Sound
Rocky Neck State Park, located on Long Island Sound, is made up of over 700 acres of shoreline, beaches, and tidal marshes. The park features several stunning beaches, where you can swim or fish to your heart’s content. It’s also known as a top spot to see wildlife and you can catch a glimpse of swans, herons, and cranes in the surrounding salt marshes. The beach has good public facilities including restrooms and picnic areas.
3. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
Hammonasset Beach State Park, found in Madison, has over two miles of beautiful coastline. It’s a great sandy beach to visit with family or a group of friends, and there are surrounding hiking trails and camping spots close to the beach if you want to wake up to the sound of the waves.
4. Jacobs Beach, Guilford
Jacobs Beach is known to be one of the most peaceful beaches in Connecticut. The beach, which is located in Guilford, is accessible with a small fee and you can spread across 25 acres of the sandy stretch. There are several picnic spots, grilling stations, showers and parking spaces to make your day at the beach even more comfortable.
5. Ocean Beach Park, New London
Ocean Beach Park is known as one of the best beaches in the United States and it’s easy to see why. The beach has sugar-white sand, a freshwater swimming pool (if you don’t want to take a dip in the sea) and fun attractions including a games arcade, carousels, rides and plenty of places to eat. The beach gets very busy on weekends and national holidays.
6. Harvey Beach, Old Saybrook
Harvey Beach is known for its picture-perfect white sand, clear water, and stunning sunsets. It’s one of the less busy beaches in Connecticut, meaning you can really get some peace and quiet. It’s got facilities such as a kids’ playground, showers, and restrooms, meaning it’s a great place to visit with the family.
7. Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
Sherwood Island State Park features over two hundred acres of coastline, sandy beaches, wetlands, and forests. It’s a stunning beach area, known for its unusual sand colorings, which are a combination of red, black, and white sands. Top things to do at the beach include diving, fishing and wildlife spotting.
