14 Connecticut State Parks with Water Views You Don’t Want To Miss

Sharing is caring!

This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclaimer.

Connecticut’s shoreline and inland waters offer some of the most scenic and peaceful spots in the state, and its state parks are the perfect places to take in these views. Whether you’re drawn to the calm of Long Island Sound, the serenity of a quiet lake, or the rugged beauty of riverfront landscapes, Connecticut has multiple parks that offers unique water view experiences.

Rocky Neck State Park

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 in Niantic is known for its scenic beauty, offering a combination of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and wooded trails. The park is a popular destination for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and hiking. Its diverse ecosystems make it a haven for wildlife, and the park’s rich history adds to its charm.

tumalo falls oregon
Find your happy place

Sign up to get our latest guides and special offers!

Harkness Memorial State Park

Garden with purple flowers and small trees, set against a backdrop of a stone wall and a tower.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford is a must-visit. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and the historic Eolia mansion, which offers picturesque views of the coastline. Visitors can enjoy peaceful picnics, birdwatching, strolling through the various gardens, and the history.

Ferry Landing State Park

A steel bridge spans over a river during sunset, with a wooden boardwalk beneath and tall reeds to the side.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Ferry Landing State Park in Old Lyme is located on the Connecticut River. This park features a beautiful boardwalk that has an elevated viewing platform at the end as well as various tables to picnic at. It’s a great spot for a walk or for birdwatching.

Gardner Lake State Park

Two people stand on a dock silhouetted against a vibrant purple and pink sunset over a calm lake, with trees lining the distant shore.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele

Gardner Lake State Park, located in Salem is located on a large lake that offers opportunities for boating and fishing. The park features a picnic area and a small beach, making it a quiet spot for relaxation. There’s also a state park located on an island within the lake, Minnie Island, which is accessible by boat.

Bigelow Hollow State Park

A calm lake surrounded by tall green trees under a clear blue sky.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union is centered around a small lake and surrounded by woodlands. It offers fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities, with several trails that lead through the forest. You can even hike to Massachusetts on the trails. The park is a popular spot for those seeking a more secluded outdoor experience.

Sherwood Island State Park

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 State Park in Westport is the state’s first official state park. It offers a mix of salt marshes, woodlands, and a beach area along Long Island Sound. The park provides opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching, and is home to a variety of wildlife.

Bluff Point State Park

A sandy beach with a person standing near the water's edge under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Bluff Point State Park, situated in Groton is known for its coastal trails and scenic views of Long Island Sound. The park is popular for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, with areas of both forest and open meadows. Visitors can access the park by foot, bike, or boat, making it a flexible destination for outdoor activities.

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.

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison is one of the state’s largest and most visited parks. It features a long stretch of beach along Long Island Sound, as well as camping areas, picnic spots, and walking trails. The park is a popular location for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.

Seaside State Park

A sunset over the ocean with orange and pink hues in the sky, waves gently rolling onto the sandy shore.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele

Seaside State Park, located in Waterford sits along Long Island Sound and is known for its coastal views and historic buildings. The park includes a beach area and walking paths, with remnants of hospital buildings that add historical interest, with a touch of eeriness. It’s a quiet location for picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the shoreline.

Black Rock State Park

A sandy beach stretches toward a calm lake surrounded by dense trees under a clear blue sky.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Black Rock State Park in Watertown is centered around a lake that offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The park has hiking trails that lead up to scenic views of the surrounding area. It also provides picnic areas and a designated space for camping.

Eagle Landing State Park

Steel bridge over a river with a large white building on the right, surrounded by trees under a blue sky.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam sits along the Connecticut River with beautiful views of the East Haddam Swing Bridge and Goodspeed Opera House. The park features picnic areas, making it a good spot for relaxation. It is also known for birdwatching, especially during the winter months when bald eagles are often spotted in the area.

Stoddard Hill State Park

Sunset over a calm lake with vivid orange, red, and pink hues reflecting on the water. Silhouetted hills frame the horizon under dramatic clouds.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele

Stoddard Hill State Park, located in Gales Ferry, Connecticut, sits on a hill with views of the Thames River. The park offers hiking trails and a picnic area for visitors to enjoy. It’s a peaceful spot for outdoor activities, with opportunities for birdwatching and relaxing in nature. It’s also a great spot for a sunset in southeastern CT.

Squantz Pond State Park

A scenic view of a calm lake surrounded by rolling hills and trees under a cloudy sky.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Squantz Pond State Park, located in New Fairfield, Connecticut, is centered around Squantz Pond. The park offers swimming, fishing, and boating, with a designated beach area for visitors. There are also picnic areas and hiking trails along the surrounding woods.

Quaddick State Park

A tranquil lake with autumn-colored trees on the far shore, and a small red house nestled among the trees. The sky is partly cloudy.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Quaddick State Park in Thompson is centered around Quaddick Reservoir. The park offers fishing, boating, and hiking, with a small beach area for swimming. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the park’s designated areas.

Similar Posts

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *