What to do and see in Connecticut, United States: The Best Beaches

February 19, 2022 Kelli Reichel

Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theater. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.
Restaurants in Connecticut

1. Hammonasset Beach State Park

1288 Boston Post Rd South of I-95 Exit 62, Madison, CT 06443-3444 +1 203-245-2785 http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325210
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 564 reviews

Hammonasset Beach State Park

Sandy beach ideal for walking.

Reviewed By war1today - Kauai, United States

Where can you find 2 miles of beach that is part of a nearly 1000 acre park with biking, walking and jogging trails, a nature center, picnic tables and grills throughout the park including pavilions with seating, showers, changing rooms and bathrooms, a campground and some of the best views in Connecticut? The answer is easy: Hammonasset Beach State Park! In the Fall, Winter and Spring Hammonasset becomes a dog walker paradise with miles of hikes through the campground, as well as on the beach and on a newly paved walkway along the beach that connects the campground to Meigs Point on the opposite end of the park- more than 2 miles, flat and perfect for walking, jogging and bicycling... and don’t forget the awesome views. The park is free for Connecticut residents and there is a fee for non Connecticut residents. Easy access from 95 and you also have access to downtown Madison about 1 mile south on Route 1 which is one of the classic and beautiful New England towns offering boutique stores, restaurants and one of the best bookstores in New England.

2. Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

4 Baptist Ln Niantic, McCook's Point Park, East Lyme, CT 06357-3143
Excellent
56%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Hole-in-the-Wall Beach

3. Compo Beach

60 Compo Beach Rd, Westport, CT 06880-6853 (203) 341-5090 [email protected] http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/compo-beach
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 200 reviews

Compo Beach

Reviewed By RockerDoll - Cathedral City, United States

Don't miss the chance to come to the beach and wander around. Take a walk down the jetty, see what you can find in the tidal pools or go play on the playground, ORRR park yourself in your chair and just listen to the waves and ZEN out.

4. Walnut Beach

113 E Broadway, Milford, CT 06460-6102
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

Walnut Beach

Reviewed By acalixto0919 - Newington, United States

I only came here to shoot the sunset during the off season. There was plenty of parking for residents and non residents alike. The drive in is easy and dreamers can admire all the beautiful homes on the way in. There’s a pier that makes for nice photos as well. Initially, there’s a fishy smell, but maybe it was just that particular day. It “goes away” or you get used to it if you’re there long enough.

5. Sasco Beach

1401 Sasco Hill Road, Fairfield, CT 06890
Excellent
53%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Sasco Beach

Reviewed By SailSunJay - Fairfield, United States

The third largest town beach that you can swim at even at low tide. The beach is more remote than the main beach, at the end of Sasco Hill Road. Limited parking and may be full on weekends. Because it is more remote it is more laid-back and quite.

6. Gulf Beach

Milford, CT 06460 http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/gulf-beach
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8 reviews

Gulf Beach

Reviewed By 83RobertM83 - Fairfield, United States

Lots of sand for the children to play in. Food available to be purchased on site. Parking limited to residents with a valid sticker.

7. Harvey's Beach

Route 154, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Excellent
37%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 105 reviews

Harvey's Beach

Reviewed By amyHoya - Louisville, United States

Lovely beach on Long Island Sound. Pavilion with picnic tables & shade, “free library” offers reading material, great sunsets & seashell hunting. Seagulls abound, offering photography opportunities. Ample parking & restrooms.

8. Woodmont Beach

21 Beach Ave # 31, Milford, CT 06460-8202
Excellent
43%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 7 reviews

Woodmont Beach

Reviewed By montwood - Milford, United States

This is neighborhood beach that is great for kayaking, fishing, lounging or walking along the shore. Lots of dog walkers all yer long.

9. McCook Beach & Park

East Lyme, CT
Excellent
35%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 37 reviews

McCook Beach & Park

Reviewed By makarandj2014 - East Lyme, United States

McCook Beach & Park in Niantic is one of the best local parks to take a walk anytime of the day!! There are parking spots available to park your car. It is very accessible from I-95 Exit 72.

10. Short Beach

Dorne Drive, Stratford, CT
Excellent
40%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 95 reviews

Short Beach

Reviewed By OldeBear - Hamden, United States

Hi Folks. If you are a bird watcher like I am, you will enjoy it here. There are all sorts of sea birds. Regards, OldeBear

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