Posted in Connecticut On The Water May 22, 2023 by

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

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
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:

Hammonasset Beach, Madison, CT 06443, USA
2. McCook Point Park: East Lyme, CT 06357
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.
McCook Point, East Lyme, CT 06357, USA
3. Ocean Beach Park: 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320
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:

Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA
4. Clinton Town Beach: 96 Waterside Ln, Clinton, CT 06413
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:

Clinton Town Beach, 96 Waterside Ln, Clinton, CT 06413, USA
5. Jennings Beach: 880 S Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824
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!
880 S Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA
6. Oak Street Beach: Savin Rock Trail, West Haven, CT 06516
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.
Oak Street Beach, Savin Rock Trail, West Haven, CT 06516, USA

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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The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Attractions in Connecticut

May 27, 2023
William Suphan

What are some hidden gem natural attractions in Connecticut?

Hidden gem natural attractions in Connecticut include:

  • West River. This serene river is a perfect place for kayaking and taking in many scenic breathtaking views.
  • Charles Island. This lovely, tiny island is only accessible by a sandbar which disappears with the rising tide.
  • Squantz Pond. This lush area is surrounded by beautiful mountains that are especially vivid during the fall when the foliage is awash with color.
  • Mianus River. This area is filled with lovely, rushing waterfalls and swimming holes. It is the perfect place to visit during the summer months.

Learn more about hidden gem natural attractions in Connecticut. 

What are the most incredible natural wonders in Connecticut? 

The most incredible natural wonders in Connecticut include:

  • Sleeping Giant near Hamden. This is a traprock mountain that looks like a man sleeping on his back.
  • Kent Falls. There is a multitude of waterfalls in this beautiful area. There are stairs and observation decks to grant you a great view.
  • Thimble Islands near Branford. This is an archipelago of about 100 tiny islands with only a few residents. Many of them only contain wildlife.
  • Bluff Point State Park near Groton. This is an 800-acre peninsula near the Long Island Sound with utterly gorgeous scenery and beautiful sunsets.

Find out more about the most incredible natural wonders in Connecticut. 

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Connecticut?

Bucket list natural attractions in Connecticut include:

  • Case Mountain Recreational Area. This area contains 640 acres of natural beauty. Get a panoramic view from the trail to Lookout Mountain.
  • Cathedral Pines in Cornwall. This is a forest of hemlock and white pine which has grown back since tornadoes hit the area in 1989.
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park near Madison. This serene shoreline attracts about 1 million people to visit it every year.
  • Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum. You'll find dinosaur tracks here that are over 200 million years old.

Discover more about bucket list natural attractions in Connecticut.