The 10 Best Beaches in Connecticut

Connecticut offers miles of picturesque shoreline with tiny islands and quaint New England beach towns as a backdrop. Stretching over 330 miles along the Long Island Sound, Connecticut’s coast features clear blue water, white sand beaches, and, of course, plenty of activities. Check out these top picks for the best beaches in Connecticut and discover why they are so well-loved.

1. Ocean Beach Park

As one of New England’s best beaches, Ocean Beach Park is more than just a stretch of sand. It is an all-inclusive vacation destination featuring an Olympic-size pool, playgrounds, a restaurant, rides, an arcade, water slides, and a golf course. Plus, the sand is sparkling white, and the ocean is clear blue. Ocean Beach is in New London and is perfect for the whole family. While the park can get pretty busy during the summer, everyone has enough room to spread out.

2. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Located in Madison along the Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach covers two miles of shoreline and is the largest beach park in the state. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Connecticut. You can splash and play in the clear water, stroll along the boardwalk, relax in the sand, or camp in a grassy patch. You can also hike, fish, and bike. And there are plenty of amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and concessions. 

3. Jennings Beach

The largest beach in the city, Jennings Beach spans 27 acres in Fairfield, Connecticut. It features miles of white sand, lifeguards, and a snack bar. This large beach is great for those wanting a little more privacy and space to stretch out. Jennings Beach is a great family-friend area with a wooden playground, grills, picnic tables, and views of the lighthouse. 

4. Calf Pasture Beach

Early settlers once used this historically significant beach and park area as grazing land for cows. Today, it contains 38 acres of shady beaches, picnic areas, fishing piers, volleyball courts, and a skate park. You will find this beach in Norwalk along The Sound, and it is a perfect spot for family-friendly fun in a peaceful atmosphere. However, non-residents of Norwalk must pay $40 to park, which some find a bit steep.  

5. West Beach

Located in Stamford, West Beach is a multi-use park featuring a beachfront and sports fields. You have views of Salt Island, Menunketesuck Island, and Duck Island, and the beach itself is not overly crowded. West Beach is the perfect place to spend the day and decompress. It is small and quiet, surrounded by quaint communities. You can swim in the sea, visit a food truck, birdwatch, and let your kids play in the children’s park.

6. Eastern Point Beach

Eastern Point Beach is small and family-oriented, featuring lifeguards, picnic tables, concessions, and a playground. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching. The views are spectacular, and the beach atmosphere is friendly and quiet, great for families wanting to stay away from the party crowd. Be sure to bring cash with you, as the entry fee and concessions cannot be paid by card. 

7. Oak Street Beach

Oak Street Beach is in West Haven and features a scenic spot for casual strolls and relaxing beach days. Along with sandy beaches and calm waters for swimming and splashing, Oak Street has walking trails, a playground, restrooms, and nearby restaurants. It is also a great area for seashell collecting and kayaking. Plus, this beach does not get crowded, and it’s suitable for families. 

8. Seabluff Beach

Seabluff Beach is another popular spot in West Haven and actually one of the largest. While it can get pretty busy during peak season, there is plenty of room to spread out. You can enjoy picturesque views, tidal pools, sand bars, marine life, and seashell collecting. There are also several volleyball nets, swings, restrooms, and nearby seafood restaurants.  

9. East Haven Town Beach

East Haven Town Beach is a small residential beach open to the public. However, the parking lot is only for residents. But you will find excellent amenities, such as showers, shaded picnic areas, a playground, a splash pad, and a nearby restaurant. You can swim, collect shells, relax in the sand, or take a stroll along the shoreline.

10. Hole in the Wall Beach

Hole in the Wall is a very small beach in East Lyme. It is a favorite spot among the locals, but it is still quiet and peaceful. You have to access it through a short tunnel under the railroad tracks, hence the name. But once you arrive, you will be met with white sand and blue water. There is a long boardwalk, a scenic cliff, a jogging track, a playground, and restrooms. Plus, it’s dog friendly!

The Best Beaches in Connecticut: A Recap of the Top 10