Beaches Along Long Island Sound In Connecticut

Connecticut’s shoreline along Long Island Sound offers a wide range of beaches, from family-friendly stretches to quieter coastal parks. This guide highlights notable beaches worth visiting for swimming, walking, and enjoying the water. There are even state parks, where parking for Connecticut residents is free!

Rocky Neck State Beach

Coastal scene with houses along a rocky shoreline at sunset. Snow and barren trees are visible; the sky is filled with orange and yellow hues. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Rocky Neck State Park’s beach offers a mix of sandy shoreline, rocky coastlines, a boardwalk, and scenic views of Long Island Sound. During the season, there’s a concession stand, restrooms, and showers available for beachgoers to use. If you’re going in the summer, expect crowds. The off-season is much more peaceful.
Learn more about visiting: Rocky Neck State Park CT

Waterford Beach

A serene beach view with clear blue skies, gentle waves, and a few people walking along the shoreline. Lush greenery borders the sandy beach. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This beach in Waterford is personally one of my favorite beaches in the state. It’s a great spot to spend a summer day. In the winter months, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the shoreline and to birdwatch.
Discover more things to do in town: From Beaches To History: Things To Do In Waterford, CT

Sound View Beach

Sunset over a sandy beach with calm waves and scattered clouds. Houses are visible in the distance on the right. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Sound View Beach in Old Lyme is a beautiful beach on Long Island Sound. There are a handful of beach bars you can grab a drink or bite to eat at along this beach. It’s a great spot to hang out in the summer. In the colder months, it’s one of my favorite places to catch a sunset.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Old Lyme, Connecticut

Silver Sands State Beach

A small tree stands on a rocky outcrop by the water, with grassy areas and another tree-covered island in the background under a clear sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Silver Sands State Beach in Milford features a long boardwalk, sandy shoreline, and beautiful views of Long Island Sound. The park has has tidal sandbar that leads to Charles Island during low tide. It’s a relaxing destination for beach walks, picnics, and sunset views.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Milford, Connecticut

Ocean Beach

A beach with gentle waves, a sandy shore, and distant vegetation under a cloudy sky at sunset. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Ocean Beach Park in New London is a great spot for a beach day. With a beautiful beach, a boardwalk, mini golf, an arcade, a splash pad, and a pool, it offers fun for all ages. Whether you’re looking to relax or keep the family entertained, this beachfront destination has it all. It’s no wonder it was named one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S.
Learn more about visiting: Relax At Ocean Beach Park In New London, CT

Sherwood Island Beach

Beach scene with people lounging under colorful umbrellas, walking along the shore, and swimming in the sea. Cloudy sky and trees in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Sherwood Island’s beach is a great spot for a beach day in Westport, Connecticut. The beach is great for swimming, walking, and relaxing by the water. It’s a popular spot for picnics and sunsets as well.
Learn more about visiting: Sherwood Island State Park

Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse near a sandy shore with waves, trees, and a small building nearby; city skyline visible in the distance under a cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

The beach at Lighthouse Point Park is small, but beautiful. I love that it features a historic lighthouse you can get right up to! On clear days, you can see the New Haven skyline and another lighthouse as well.
Learn about visiting: Lighthouse Point Park New Haven

Jacob’s Beach

A peaceful beach scene with calm waters, overcast sky, shoreline with rocks, and distant houses on the right. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Jacob’s beach is a must-visit if you’re looking to enjoy the shoreline while you’re in Guilford. This park not only has a beautiful beach, but it also has amenities as well as a playground. It’s the perfect spot to spend a summer day, but it’s also super peaceful in the off-season.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Guilford, CT

Short Beach

A sandy beach with scattered shells and dry vegetation stretches along calm water under a partly cloudy sky at sunset. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Short Beach in Stratford offers a scenic sandy stretch right where the Housatonic River meets Long Island Sound, making it perfect for swimming, beachcombing, and stunning sunrise strolls. It’s also a great spot for bird watching in the off-season.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Stratford, Connecticut

Harvey’s Beach

Sunset over a snowy landscape with a bench in the foreground, overlooking calm water and distant shoreline under an orange sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Harvey’s Beach is a great spot to visit year-round. This is one of my favorite sunset spots in southeastern Connecticut. It also makes a great spot for a beach day before the sun goes down.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Old Saybrook, CT

Hammonasset Beach State Park

Silhouettes of people and chairs on a beach, with the sun setting over the horizon and a bird flying in the sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This beach in Madison is largest beach in Connecticut. The beach features over two miles of sandy shoreline along the Long Island Sound. In addition to being a great place for a beach day, it’s also a great spot to go for a walk and to view wildlife.

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