Connecticut Beaches

ByLisa Dworkin Hours

Connecticut beaches, along Long Island Sound, offer a good selection of saltwater beaches for all tastes.

Photo courtesy of CT Out and About.

Beaches in Connecticut (CT)

Beaches in CT are found in 3 geographic areas of the state: Fairfield/Southwest, Mystic/Eastern and New Haven/South Central.

USA Today has designated these 7 beaches as the top beaches in Connecticut.

1.   Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.

2.   Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

3.   Silver Sands State Beach in Milford.

4.   Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

5.   Ocean Beach Park in New London.

6.   Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme.

7.   Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook.

Photo courtesy of cozy beach.com.

Ocean Beach CT

Ocean Beach CT, in New London, is one of the most popular beaches in the state. It’s easy to see why when you consider that Ocean Beach CT has been voted one of the most popular beaches in the U.S. by no less than National Geographic and USA Today. Ocean Beach is located in the Mystic/Eastern part of Connecticut.

There is certainly no shortage of things to do at Ocean Beach CT. In addition to the expansive sugar sand beach, the 50-acre Ocean Beach Park has the following facilities for visitors:

  • Half mile boardwalk
  • 50 meter swimming pool
  • Triple waterslide
  • Spray park
  • Self serve lockers with private changing areas
  • Sandbar Café with outdoor deck
  • Food court
  • Ice cream and snack bars
  • Playground
  • 18 hole miniature golf course
  • Family fun center with video arcade
  • Carousel and rides
  • Nature walk
  • Health Club
  • Banquet facilities
  • Corporate picnic facilities

Photo courtesy of Newport Discovery Guide.

RI Beaches

Rhode Island is a small state with a lot of beaches. In fact, RI beaches are some of the best in New England.

RI beaches are located along the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. These beaches are often categorized by region, i.e., the beaches of Newport County, South County, Block Island, West Bay and East Bay. According to the Rhode Island Travel Handbook ,

Newport County is home to smaller beaches in Jamestown, Portsmouth, Little Compton and Tiverton, as well as the larger, more popular beaches in Middletown and Newport.

South County is where you will find RI’s larger state beaches. The region has beaches with boardwalks and family-friendly attractions; beaches with great surf; and beaches with calm water, if that’s your preference.

If you decide to visit one of Block Island’s beaches, getting there on the Block Island Ferry is part of the fun! It’s a great idea for a day trip or plan ahead to spend the night at one of the island’s hotels or B&Bs.

Warwick is home to three RI beaches in the West Bay region. These small, saltwater beaches are located in local parks and neighborhoods. Don’t expect great swimming, but if you’re in the area and want to relax by the water, check out West Bay’s beaches.

The East Bay region of Rhode Island is home to the quaint towns of Barrington, Bristol and Warren. If you’re spending the day sightseeing nearby, end your day with a stop at one of these town beaches. A great water view and a little sand beneath your feet is the perfect way to end the day.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin

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