Hit a CT beach at the right time, and you will have plenty of room to play and roam. Photo by Ally Noel

15 Great Beach Day Trips for Connecticut Families

One of the attributes of living in Connecticut is our close proximity to water. No matter where in the state you find yourself, you're likely within an hour's drive of a beach, and in the summer, with energetic children ready for adventure, the less time spent in the car the better. We've compiled a list of 15 great beach day trips within or near Connecticut. All you need to do is pack the sand toys, sunblock, and snacks. For more summer fun ideas, be sure to browse our CT Summer Fun Guide.

Note that beach information for the 2020 season is changing daily. Most parking lots have reduced capacity and will fill up early, especially on weekends. Lifeguards, bathrooms, and other amenities may not be available this season or on certain days; please click the links to the individual beaches below for the most up-to-date information. Please note that the state of Connecticut advises that at least six feet of social distancing must be maintained among beachgoers, groups over five are prohibited, and spacing of 15 feet or more should be kept between beach blankets.

1. Rocky Neck State Beach - East Lyme

2020 update: Rocky Neck Beach is open. Partial opening of the camping season at Connecticut State Parks and Forests will take place on July 1, at which time the 14 state park and state forest campgrounds will begin to open, but initially only to campers with self-contained RVs with working bathroom/water systems.
Just under an hour from Hartford, Rocky Neck is a large, popular beach, and for good reason. Part of Connecticut's state park system, Rocky Neck offers something for everyone: a wide sandy beach, trail system for hiking, and a stone jetty for fishing black fish or flounder. Plus, if you care to stretch your day trip into a weekend, 160 wooded and open campsites are available. Rocky Neck fills up quickly during peak season, so it's best to get there early. For a post-beach sweet treat on the ride home, swing by the popular Tony D's Craft Creamery on Main Street.

Enjoy a quiet moment at Silver Sands State Park.

2. Silver Sands State Park - Milford

2020 update: The boardwalk connector from the parking lot at Silver Sands State Park (Milford) will be closed for the duration of the public health emergency. Visitors to the park will have access to the beach and must follow posted directional signage.
Located on the southern edge of Milford, Silver Sands' somewhat remote location makes for a much less crowded experience than other beaches in Connecticut. While the amenities are few, the protected, calm waters make it perfect for families with older children. Charles Island is closed between May and September to aid bird nesting. Parking is free. Just a short jaunt from the beach, grab a quick sweet bite at the Walnut Beach Creamery.

3. Harvey's Beach - Old Saybrook

2020 update: Harvey's Beach is open to residents only until at least June 30th.

At low tide, the sand never seems to end. Tucked away off Route 154 in Old Saybrook, Harvey's Beach offers families a ton of space to comb for shells, build sand castles, and wade in the cool waters of Long Island Sound. The crowds tend to be small, and so are the waves. Hit the beach in the morning—be sure to schedule it around low tide for maximum beach frontage—then head into town for lunch. Lenny and Joe's Fishtale and The Back Porch are local favorites.

Ocean Beach Park boasts a wide, sandy beach.

4. Ocean Beach Park - New London

2020 update: As of June 19th, no lifeguards are on duty. All swimming is at your own risk. For additional information, please visit their website.
Ocean Beach's large, smooth beach provides direct access to Long Island Sound, views of lighthouses, and nature trails. For a sit down meal after a day of fun in the sun, Fred's Shanty on Pequot Avenue is a popular spot for burgers and dogs. Or head a bit further down the road to Captain Scott's Lobster Dock for some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere.

5. Hammonasset Beach State Park - Madison

2020 update: Hammonasset Beach is open. Partial opening of the camping season at Connecticut State Parks and Forests will take place on July 1st, at which time the 14 state park and state forest campgrounds will begin to open, but initially only to campers with self-contained RVs with working bathroom/water systems. Meigs Point Nature Center is currently closed.
What would any list of CT beaches be without including the Granddaddy of them all? Hammonasset offers a mile long, pristine beach, fishing, camping, concessions, full amenities, and much more. You may have overlooked the Meigs Point Nature Center before, but why not stop in on your next visit and see what exhibits are on display? Take a drive through town after the beach and hit Friends & Company for a fabulous, family-friendly dining experience.

6. Esker Point Park Beach - Groton

2020 update: Starting June 20th, no car will be allowed past the gate without a 2020 Season Pass affixed to its windshield.
Groton Long Point is a small community situated between Stonington and Mystic, and almost smack in the middle is Esker Point Park. This beach offers fantastic views of the sound and Mouse Island. Or, if lobster is on your mind, take the quick trip into the village of Noank to Abbott's Lobster in the Rough.

7. Misquamicut State Beach - Westerly, RI

Technically, this beach is just over the border in Rhode Island and it's worth the trip from anywhere in CT. Misquamicut State Beach sits directly on the Atlantic, so the waves are often large and powerful. The sand is smooth and sugary, and there's a lot of it: seven miles, to be exact. With full amenities and handicap accessibility, plus a slew of other attractions up and down Atlantic Avenue, this beach gets full fast during peak season.

8. Napatree Point - Westerly, RI

Unlike Misquamicut, Napatree sits quietly and more serenely between Narragansett Bay and Watch Hill. In addition to the beach, Napatree provides year-round habitats for a variety of species of birds and other wildlife. It's worth venturing around Watch Hill, especially for the carousel, the Watch Hill Lighthouse, and to catch a glimpse of the spectacularly renovated Ocean House.

Enjoy a nice day at McCook Point.

9. McCook Point Beach - East Lyme

2020 update: As of June 19th, there are no non-resident day passes available.
Just a bit down the road from the hustle and bustle of Rocky Neck, McCook Point Beach is a local favorite of East Lyme-area families. There's a large playground, in addition to the small but lovely little beach. Keep watch, as McCook is known for seal sightings off in the distance. The park also hosts concerts and other events all summer. Grab a pizza from Village Pizza at the end of the day.

10. Jennings Beach - Fairfield

2020 update: Parking Lots at Jennings, Penfield, Sasco, and Southport will be open from 8am to 11pm to Fairfield Residents with a valid 2020 Fairfield Resident Beach Sticker.
This 27-acre beach, the largest in Fairfield, offers great views of Long Island Sound, concessions and bathroom facilities. Located near the Henry Rowland Memorial Playground, it is also home to an exciting playscape and a skate park. Swimming lessons are offered during the summer. Beach access is free, but parking here doesn't come cheap: $20 on weekdays and $50 on weekends and holidays.

11. Jacobs Beach - Guilford

2020 update: Day passes are available, and credit cards are the only form of payment. There are no lifeguards on duty as of June 19th.
A well-kept summer secret (not anymore!), Jacobs Beach offers a peaceful retreat from more popular and crowded beaches. Enjoy 25-acres of sandy shoreline and watch or join kayakers in floating by. Non-residents require a daily pass, which provides access ot the playground, picnic areas, grilling stations, outdoor showers, and bathroom facilities.

12. Eastern Point Beach - Groton

2020 update: Starting June 20th, no car will be allowed past the gate without a 2020 Season Pass affixed to its windshield. Beach passes cannot be purchased at the beach gate and daily parking fees will not be taken.
This small, family-friendly beach at the mouth of the Thames River is adjacent to the UCONN Avery Point campus. The water is shallow and the amenities are plentiful, which makes it popular with families. Either on your way in or out, do not miss the opportunity to have lunch, dinner, or both at Paul's Pasta.

13. Sherwood Island State Park - Westport

Connecticut's oldest state park has a fantastic nature center that features wonderful (and free!) programming. There are picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and food concessions—making it easy to spend a day here enjoying the summer breeze while looking for seashells.

Shady beach at Calf Pasture is a great place for a BBQ.

14. Calf Pasture Beach - Norwalk

2020 update: A limited number of non-resident parking spots are available.
In addition to the beach, visitors can enjoy a skate park, playgrounds, splash pad, and beach volleyball. Make sure you check out Ripka's for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and delicious burgers.

15. Cove Island Beach - Stamford

2020 update: Out-of-towners’ fee to park at Stamford beaches is now $40 on a weekday and $65 on Saturdays and Sundays. The $225 seasonal pass is now $275. Representatives hope the move prevents crowds from forming on beaches as the weather warms.
Cove Island houses two beaches, bike paths, a large lawn to play on. Budding naturalists will also enjoy the small salt marsh, intertidal mudflats, and prime spots to view water birds. Cove Island is also home of Sound Waters - a local non-profit organization regionally recognized for being a leader in educational programming about the Long Island Sound.

Originally published June 4, 2014

Unless otheriwse noted, photos courtesy of Connecticut Office of Tourism