Connecticut beaches offer great swimming variety from ocean to lakes to rivers
Depot Road, off US Route 1
Groton, CT
Phone: 860-444-7591
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve offers the visitor a delightful mixture of wooded hiking and biking trails coupled with spectacular wildlife viewing on Long Island Sound.
Activities include hiking, saltwater fishing, mountain biking, shell fishing.
A permit is required for shell fishing. Permits are issued by the Town of Groton. Town offices are located at Route 1 and Depot Road. Telephone: 860-441-6600.
No fee to park.
Day Pond State Park
State Route 149
Colchester, CT
Harvey's Beach
Route 154
Old Saybrook, CT
Phone: 860-395-3152
Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day
Beachfront is 100 yards long and includes a concession stand, playground and restrooms. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours. There is an entrance fee to use the beach.
Hopeville Pond State Park
Just off State Route 138
Griswold, CT
One of the area's largest parks, on 554 acres, and featuring a freshwater pond, beach, fishing, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails.
257 Atlantic Avenue
Westerly, RI
Phone: 401-596-9097
Seven miles of sandy, white beach, clean, clear, water with moderate surf little undertow. Parking for 3,000 cars. Picnic area, restroom, telephone, complete wheelchair access, warning signals for blind people, fire alarm signals for deaf people. Open only weekends, May through Memorial Day (weather permitting); open daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking fee.
1225 Ocean Avenue
New London, CT 06320
Phone: 860-447-3031
Toll-Free: 1-800-510-SAND (7263)
Rated one of the best beaches by National Geographic
There’s family fun and more at Ocean Beach Park. New this year is our Splash Park for kids under 8. For more water fun we have the ocean, of course, an Olympic-size swimming pool and triple waterslide. Our award-winning lifeguard staff is on duty for your safety. For more fun we have rides, mini-golf, and a Family Fun Center with a video arcade. Kids can enjoy our playground and adults can work out in the health club. The nature walk and observation deck let you enjoy our natural beauty. When all the activity makes you hungry you can choose from our full-service restaurant, a food court, or ice cream stands. Ocean Beach Park can also accommodate picnics and corporate events. Our nightly entertainment schedule includes Classic Car Cruises on Mondays; kids movies on the beach Tuesday and Thursday; live magic on Wednesday; live bands on Friday; and family entertainment on Saturdays.
244 West Main Street (Route 156)
East Lyme, CT
Phone: 860-739-5471
The large stone pavilion, diverse trail systems, and gently sloping beach make this park ideal for families. Try crabbing or fishing. Look for hawks, cranes, and herons. Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, saltwater fishing, interpretive programs, saltwater swimming. Facilities include bathrooms, food concession, pavilion, and picnic tables. Rocky Neck Campground offers 160 sites in both open and wooded settings. The camping season begins in May and ends September 30.
From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day there are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees. On weekends from April 17 through May 23 and again from September 11 through September 26, the weekday rate for parking will be in effect. There is also a camping fee at Rocky Neck State Park.
Sound View Beach
Hartford Avenue
Old Lyme, CT
Fewer crowds and concession stands are the mark of this small beach in Old Lyme. Parking is available for a fee in lots run by the town.
Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info
Watch Hill
Located minutes east of Westerly on Bay Street
Watch Hill, RI
The village of Watch Hill sports the more tranquil cousin to Misquamicut. This is a terrific scenic beach, and requires a walk of at least one half mile from your car. This area is more popular with boaters and bird-watchers. A noticable landmark is the Fort Mansfield, which is an attractive spot for photographs. The beach has no facilities or snackbars, although dining can be found in Watch Hill village itself. On-street parking is free but on a one or two hour time limit. Private parking is available at a fee.
