The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Connecticut Like Never Before
The beach scene in Connecticut is mostly calm. Since most of them fall on the Long Island Sound they lack waves, which means you’ll see more boats than surfers. But nonetheless, we love the beach. And for good reason! The water is nice and cool, you can easily discover (and touch) sea creatures and the views are unparalleled. So naturally, we had to create this road trip to the best beaches in Connecticut.
With this easy 100-mile road trip you can explore the Gold Coast and beyond in a little over two hours. But you’ll definitely want to drag this one out and take the time to appreciate each beach. Grab the beach ball and sunscreen for this awesome trip and prepare to have fun! You can access the interactive map for this road trip here.
But you can discover all that for yourself. Just have fun with it!
You can ride a tram around the island at this 83-acre park and beach. It's also a great spot for rollerblading with sea views and lounging in soft, white sand. In fact, the number of activities you can do here makes it easy to spend the whole day here and folks often do. Pieces of the movie Reservation Road were also filmed here.
Say hello to the oldest state park in Connecticut. You can enjoy your snack at the charming picnic grove and look out over the marsh from the observation platform. Wildlife explorers will love this place just as much as the beach bums. The 9-11 Living Memorial is also located here, and fishing is allowed anywhere on the shoreline. This is definitely a must-visit.
Located within the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center, this spot is perfect for a peaceful stroll. The scenic backdrop of this bird sanctuary is jaw-dropping and this spot is known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Connecticut. Enjoy the extensive boardwalk and avoid crowds. But keep in mind this spot is for exploring, not swimming.
Go fishing at the end of the pier and walk along the edge of the Long Island Sound. This beach is also host to a sandcastle building competition that attracts folks from near and far. With a view of the haunted Charles Island just across the water, this place is full of fun and folklore. If you believe the hype you can try your luck at treasure hunting.
As part of McCook's Point Park, Hole-In-The-Wall Beach is the best family beach in Connecticut. The sloping soft sand beach features the best of both worlds. On three sides it's surrounded by grass and trees, but one side, of course, is the beach. You have to go through a short tunnel underneath the railroad tracks to get there, which is how it got its name. How cool is that?
Like the idea of a sea breeze and panoramic views without the beach scene? We've got you covered! This is an excellent spot to take advantage of hiking trails. Some would say this park is a natural wonder with its various habitats and Instagram worthy photo ops. Nature lovers will be in heaven.
It’s hard to visit all of the best beaches in Connecticut in a single day. If you had to add your favorite to this list, which one would it be? For another unforgettable ride try out this captivating Waterfall Road Trip. These cascading gems are simply gorges – get it?
Best Beaches In Connecticut
What are the prettiest beaches in Connecticut?
Silver Sands State Park, Milford Point, and Walnut Beach in Milford are considered some of the best beaches in Connecticut because of their awe-inspiring beauty. Discover soft white sand leading up to the water and lovely stretches of scenic boardwalk to stroll. The best family beach, but still a pretty gem, is Hole-In-The-Wall Beach in Niantic with its gentle slope into the water and calm waves. If your kids are older, Ocean Park Beach in New London has it all. Plenty of entertainment plus the bonus of views that stretch for miles. Enjoy the rolling surf of the Atlantic alongside a popular boardwalk. The park is also outfitted with a waterpark, Olympic-sized pool, amusement rides, miniature golf, and more.
What are the best beach towns in Connecticut?
From the Gold Coast to the Rhode Island border, Connecticut has beach towns galore. For that small town feel with a dose of nostalgic charm, check out the coastal locales of Old Saybrook and Stoney Creek. If you’re looking for a little more hustle and bustle, the town of Westport will do the trick. And history buffs and nautical enthusiasts will need an entire day to explore the beach town of Mystic.
What beaches have the clearest water in Connecticut?
The more circulation you get in the Long Island Sound, the clearer the water is bound to be so if you want to see your toes when you take a dip, head to the western portion of the state. The Connecticut beaches with the clearest water are Ocean Park Beach, Dubois Beach, Rocky Neck Beach, and Harveys Beach.
