Seaside Park Is A Hidden Gem In Connecticut That Makes The Perfect End Of Summer Day Trip

Are you looking for a fun day trip that the whole family will enjoy? How about a trip to the park? If you haven't already had a chance to visit Seaside Park in Bridgeport this summer, this is one park you'll want to visit before summer's over.

Seaside Park began development as the United States' first rural marine park in 1865. The idea for the park began with showman P.T. Barnum. The park was designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park and Brooklyn's Prospect Park.

Today, the gorgeous Seaside Park covers more than 365 acres of lawns, ball fields, and a beach.

Other amenities in the park include hiking trails to explore, picnic areas, a beach, and a bathhouse.

There is plenty to explore when your family visits Seaside Park. There are two playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids to play on.

You'll also feel like a kid again when you treat yourself to the delicious food vendors on site offering snacks such as hot dogs, Italian ice, and ice cream.

Seaside Park's beach covers three miles of coastline that people have been known to travel out of their way for. The sand is incredibly soft and clean with no rocks or shells. It's the perfect beach to build a sandcastle on.

Take a hike to the end of the park and onto the jetty at Fayerweather Island to see the beauty of the natural wildlife preserve and view the lighthouse on the island. The lighthouse was a guide that helped navigate boats into Black Rock Harbor from 1823 through 1932.

The island is a serene place to have some quiet time. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring bug repellant.

Seaside Park is open every day during the summer season from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking fees for Connecticut residents are $30 on weekdays and $40 on weekends and holidays. You can find out more details by visiting the Bridgeport website.