The Ultimate Beach Guide to the Connecticut Shoreline
There’s a stretch of Connecticut’s coastline that feels like summer distilled. The kind of place where beach grass sways with the tide, kids chase gulls with sandy feet, and the smell of salt air lingers long after you’ve headed home. Welcome to the Connecticut Shoreline—where the beaches are as varied as the towns they touch. Whether you’re in search of tidal pools for the kids, a long walk on untouched sand, or a classic New England boardwalk, there’s a beach here for you.
Hammonasset Beach State Park – Madison
The Classic Connecticut Beach Day
You haven’t done summer in Connecticut until you’ve unfurled your towel at Hammonasset. With over two miles of shoreline, it’s the state’s largest beach and arguably its most beloved. Families dot the sands with beach chairs and bocce balls, while kayakers launch into the calm, shallow waves.
Walk the raised boardwalk through dune grass and native beach plums. Visit the Meigs Point Nature Center to meet turtles, crabs, and local birdlife. Come early to stake out a spot—it fills fast on weekends—and stay late to watch the sky turn sherbet-pink over Long Island Sound.
Insider Tip: Bring your bikes—Hammonasset has paved trails and shaded paths ideal for a breezy afternoon ride.
https://ctparks.com/parks/hammonasset-beach-state-park
Nearby Restaurants
Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale
Donahue’s Madison Beach Grille
Cohen’s Bagel Company
Taco Pacifico/Clam Castle
Make it a Weekend, Nearby Hotels and Inns
Madison Beach Hotel
Beach Tree Cottages
duBois Beach – Stonington Borough
A Quintessential Sound-Side Escape
Tucked into the end of Stonington Borough, duBois Beach looks like a scene from an Edward Hopper painting. Quiet, local, and impeccably maintained, it’s a favorite for young families and couples seeking calm.
Gulls wheel above the breakwater, kids wade into the shallow surf, and just offshore, lobster boats drift by with their morning catch. There’s a small entrance fee in summer, and parking is limited—walk in if you’re staying in the Borough.
Pair It With: Lunch at Noah’s or Dog Watch Café, then a stroll through the borough’s charming boutiques and antique stores.
https://www.stoningtonboroughct.com/dubois-beach
Nearby Restaurants
BREAKWATER
Dog Watch Cafe
Noah’s
Make it a Weekend, Nearby Hotels and Inns
Harbor View Landing
Westbrook Town Beach – Westbrook
Where Mornings Begin with Salt and Stillness
With views of the offshore Menunketesuck Island, Duck Island and Salt Island and a gentle beach slope that’s ideal for kids, Westbrook Town Beach is perfect for a low-key day on the Sound. There’s a small jetty for wave-watching, a snack shack.
Bring your beach chair, your latest novel, and a lobster roll. This is the kind of beach that invites you to linger.
Local Favorite: Catch the sunrise here. Fewer crowds and the salty morning stillness are well worth the early alarm.
Nearby Restaurants
HAYWIRE Burger Bar
SHANKS Waterfront Dining
Lobster Landing
Make it a Weekend, Nearby Hotels and Inns
Water’s Edge Resort & Spa
Eastern Point Beach – Groton
Calm Waters, Coastal Views
Eastern Point is a compact, town-managed beach with all the essentials: a clean stretch of sand, guarded swimming areas, shady spots to picnic, and views of ferries as they make their way to Block Island and Long Island. Families love its calm waters and playground, while locals come for the breezy sunsets.
Visitors from out of town should plan ahead—non-resident day passes are limited and not available on holidays.
https://cityofgroton.com/593/Eastern-Point-Beach-Season-Passes
Nearby Restaurants
Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough
Make it a Weekend, Nearby Hotels and Inns
The Whaler’s Inn
Honorable Mentions
Harvey’s Beach – Old Saybrook: Perfect for low-tide exploring, with shallow waters and panoramic sunsets.
Jacob’s Beach – Guilford: A cozy, quiet beach with paddleboard rentals and a kayak launch.
Rocky Neck State Park – East Lyme: A wide sandy beach, scenic trails, and a historic stone pavilion make this a great all-day destination.
Clinton Town Beach – Clinton: Kid-friendly, with a playground, splash pad, and beautiful marsh views.
Tips for Visiting Connecticut Beaches
Parking: Many beaches require resident or non-resident permits. State parks are free to Connecticut-registered vehicles, but municipal beaches often charge out-of-towners.
Facilities: Some beaches are fully equipped with bathrooms, changing rooms, and snack bars; others are more bare-bones.
Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays are your best bet for avoiding crowds. Late afternoons bring golden light and calmer vibes.
Make It a Day (or Weekend)
The beauty of the Connecticut shoreline is that it’s not just about the beach—it’s about the experience. Pack a picnic from your local farm stand. Stop at a waterside winery on your way home. Grab ice cream in a town where flags flap from white-painted porches and hydrangeas spill over garden gates.
Spend the day barefoot and sun-kissed—and leave with that rare summer feeling that everything slows down, just a little, at the edge of the water.
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