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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

These 6 Beautiful Beaches In Connecticut Are Some Of The Most Peaceful Places To Explore During The Off-Season

Connecticut beaches offer a peaceful and affordable experience during the off-season with ample parking and fewer crowds.

Updated May 27, 2023

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

When you think of beaches in Connecticut, your mind probably goes to a warm summer's day. Maybe you're walking along the shoreline, your toes dipping into the wet sand? Sure, the image is nice, but Connecticut beaches are just as enjoyable in the off-season. Visiting the beach in winter or fall may seem like an odd choice, but try it and you may see that you actually prefer it. Parking is ample and cheap (often free), and you don't have to deal with crowds with Connecticut beaches open year-round. You have all the space and time to yourself to explore. Here are a few of the best beaches in Connecticut to check out during the colder months:

1. Hammonasset Beach State Park: 1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443

A serene beach at sunset, with gentle waves and a colorful sky reflecting on the water.
Connie D/Google Maps

The largest beach in Connecticut is also one of the best to visit in the off-season. Hammonasset Beach State Park draws more than one million visitors annually, but the majority of them come during the summer. In the winter or fall, you'll have a much more secluded experience! Make sure to check out the singing beach while you're there! Take a look at what you’ll find at this beautiful beach:

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2. McCook Point Park: East Lyme, CT 06357

A rocky shoreline with houses and trees in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Josh Rovero/Google Maps

This park features the beautiful Hole in the Wall Beach, which, as the name suggests, is often somewhat private even during the summer. It's such a peaceful little area that's a great hidden gem in Connecticut.

3. Ocean Beach Park: 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320

A serene beach scene with a sandy shore, gentle waves, and a lifeguard tower in the distance under a cloudy sky.
Kathleen Krause/Google Maps

Ocean Beach Park has some of the most pristine, clean sand you'll find in the Nutmeg State. There's a half-mile boardwalk that's great for a walk, no matter the season. In the summer, there are rides and plenty of attractions here, but since they are only open seasonally, you'll find peace and quiet in the off-season. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Connecticut, no matter the season. Get a closer look at this lovely beach:

4. Clinton Town Beach: 96 Waterside Ln, Clinton, CT 06413

A serene lakeside view at dusk, with tall grasses in the foreground and a wooden pier in the background under a cloudy sky.
Cyndi Gionfriddo/Google Maps

This small town beach offers beautiful peace and quiet in the off-season. The parking passes are quite steep during the summer, so the cooler months are definitely a lot cheaper! Check out a beautiful sunset at this beach:

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5. Jennings Beach: 880 S Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824

A serene beach at sunset, with gentle waves and colorful clouds in the sky.
Matt Anderson/Google Maps

Jennings Beach is the largest beach in Fairfield, boasting great views of Long Island Sound. In the off-season (March through October), dogs and horses are allowed, so bring a furry friend!

6. Oak Street Beach: Savin Rock Trail, West Haven, CT 06516

Two benches facing a sandy beach and calm water under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
James Latimer/Google Maps

This small beach is a great spot for fishing. It's not as popular as some of the other beaches on this list even during the off-season, so it's extra-secluded in winter and fall.

Do you enjoy visiting the best beaches in Connecticut in the off-season, or are you more of a summer beach vibe person? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you prefer warmer weather, here are some wonderful summertime beaches in Connecticut.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

7 Pristine Hidden Beaches Throughout Connecticut You’ve Got To Visit This Summer

Discover seven hidden beaches in Connecticut perfect for escaping summer crowds.

Updated Jun 28, 2024

Written by 

Elisa Regulski

The warm weather season in New England is positively magical! Clear blue skies, refreshing swimming holes, and shady trees are calling your name. Beach day? We think yes! If you're hoping to escape from the crowds this summer, check out these little-known getaways. You're certain to love these pristine hidden Connecticut beaches this year:

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1. Hole-In-The-Wall Beach, East Lyme

A calm beach scene with gentle waves, sandy shore, and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
Lauren O/TripAdvisor

As its name suggests, this peaceful beach in Connecticut is tucked off the beaten path. You'll find this fun summertime getaway inside McCook Point Park in East Lyme. In the summer, it's not uncommon to hear children laughing and see parents lounging in the sun. There are also plenty of places to kayak, fish, and swim.

2. Shady Beach Park, Norwalk

A serene beach scene with gentle waves lapping at the shore under a clear blue sky. Sparkling water and sandy beach visible.
Robert C./Foursquare

Shady Beach Park is full of fun summertime activities. Splash in the water, enjoy a picnic in the shade, or play a game of sand volleyball - the options are nearly endless. This is one of the most serene Connecticut state beaches.

3. DuBois Beach, Stonington

Sign for duBois Beach with a view of the water and shoreline in the background, surrounded by grass.
ChanEvan/TripAdvisor

Looking for "private beaches near me?" Don't judge this destination by its size. Even though it's small, it's packed with exciting amenities and spectacular views. Relax under a peaceful pavilion and cool off in the refreshing waters. Visitors have to pay a small entrance fee, but it's absolutely worth it. This small town in Connecticut itself is worth a gander, too.

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4. Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme

A serene beach scene with soft sand, calm water, and a distant shoreline under a cloudy sky.
Idawriter/Wikimedia Commons

Rocky Neck State Park spans 708 acres in East Lyme, and it's full of rocky ledges, sandy beaches, and cool rivers. If you love bird watching, this is a great place to go. You may even spot a few cranes, herons, and mute swans on your adventure. Rocky Neck State Park in Connecticut is definitely one of those things you need to add to your summertime bucket list.

5. Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport

Aerial view of a coastal area with abandoned houses, sandy beach, and calm blue water in the background.
Bill/Wikimedia Commons

What was once a bustling amusement park in the 1890s is now a secluded beach that attracts thrill-seekers from all over. You'll need to take a water taxi to reach this unique destination, but it's absolutely worth the effort. For more information about the taxi schedules, call (203) 576-7233. Fans of abandoned places in Connecticut are going to love this.

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Enjoy this delightful virtual tour of this stunning Bridgeport beach:

6. Jacob's Beach, Guilford

A serene beach at sunset, with calm waters, a sandy shore, and a house surrounded by trees under a colorful sky.
slack12/Flickr

With 25 acres of sandy shoreline, Jacob's Beach is a summertime oasis. Whether you're coming to swim, boat, or just watch a sunset, there's no denying the appeal of this little-known beach in Connecticut.

7. Esker Point Beach, Groton

A sandy beach with a blue walkway leading to the water, boats in the distance, and a clear blue sky.
Sheldon Powdar/TripAdvisor

If you're hoping to get away from the crowds this summer, this tiny 600-foot beach in Groton is the perfect place to go. Swim in the refreshing saltwater and enjoy a tasty picnic under a grove of trees. Yes, this beach is man-made, but parking is free and the sand is soft. It's one of the most peaceful private beaches in CT.

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This fun drone video provides an excellent overview of this gorgeous beach:

What are your favorite Connecticut beaches? Share your thoughts and plans with us in the comments! And if you need more inspiration for your summertime adventures, take any of these wonderful day trips in Connecticut

Traveling around the state of Connecticut this summer? Make sure you take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you go.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The One Pristine Inland Beach In Connecticut That Will Make You Swear You’re On The Coast

Sandy Beach at Bantam Lake in Morris, Connecticut, is a popular inland beach offering family-friendly summer activities.

Updated May 21, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Connecticut is one of the 14 states with coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, plus, of course, we have numerous beaches with access to the Long Island Sound. However, we are also fortunate in that we have plenty of inland beaches, near our many lakes and rivers. It's often our natural assumption to think of these beaches as somewhat lesser than their oceanfront counterparts, but don't make that mistake. We have so many of the best lake beaches in Connecticut that are more than worth a visit. One of the best lake beaches in the state is in Morris, CT: Sandy Beach, Bantam Lake. This aptly-named spot is open to the public, which is rare for Bantam Lake. It's the largest natural lake in Connecticut, but much of the shoreline is privately owned. This place is just as nice as the state's beaches along the coast. Check it out:

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Sandy Beach at Bantam Lake has been a popular destination for many years, ever since it was first established in the late 1920s.

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Sandy Beach

This is a perfect place for summer fun in the Nutmeg State.

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John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons

The beach is small, but it's a good place to take the kids to splash in the water and beat the heat.

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Sandy Beach

There are even picnic areas if you'd like to bring a sack lunch to enjoy.

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Dan Lynch/Google User Reviews

Admission is charged by the car-load, or you can purchase a season pass for optimal savings.

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Dan Lynch/Google User Reviews

Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so you don't have to worry about safety when the kids are in the water.

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Dan Lynch/Google User Reviews

This spot is one of the best inland beaches in Connecticut - it's such a hidden gem along Bantam Lake!

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Daniel Hanscom / iStock via Getty Images

Have you ever visited this beach at Bantam Lake in Morris, CT? Would you agree it's one of the best lake beaches in Connecticut? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments section! We would be glad to hear what your favorite parts of the trip were. If you're planning a trip soon, take a look at LL Bean for some classic outdoor clothing, swimsuits, and more. You'll be well-prepared for a great beach trip!

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