Gulf Beach
Exit 39A off I-95 Milford, CT Phone: 203-783-3280
Admission: $5 per day, season pass $165.
Connecticut beaches offer great swimming variety from ocean to lakes to rivers
Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road Madison, CT Phone: 203-245-2785
Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf.
Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis.
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m. Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m. Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).
Lake Quonnipaug
Route 77 Guilford, CT Phone: 203-245-2785
Beach and swimming area in a fresh water lake. Admission: $4 per person Monday - Friday, $6 per person Saturday - Sunday.
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Road New Haven, CT Phone: 203-946-8005
Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 6 pm - sunset
This 82 acre park on Long Island Sound features exhibits on natural history, swimming areas, nature trails, a bird sanctuary and an antique carousel. There is a parking fee.
Morse Beach
Exit 42 off I-95 West Haven, CT Phone: 203-937-3651
Admission: $10/day, $5 after 4 pm
Oak Street Beach
Exit 42 off I-95 West Haven, CT Phone: 203-937-3651
Admission: $10/day, $5 after 4 pm
Sandy Point Beach
Exit 42 off I-95 West Haven, CT Phone: 203-937-3651
Admission: $10/day, $5 after 4 pm
Silver Sands State Park
Exit 35 off I-95 Milford, CT Phone: 203-735-4311
Swimming and fishing (saltwater) are allowed at this park, which features Charles Island, legendary location of Captain Kidd's buried treasure. Admission is free.
Swimming Holes
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
Walnut Beach
Exit 34 off I-95 Milford, CT Phone: 203-783-3280
Admission: $5 per day, season pass $165.
Bradley Point Beach
Exit 42 off I-95 West Haven, CT Phone: 203-937-3651
Admission: $10/day, $5 after 4 pm
Clinton Town Beach
Waterside Lane Clinton, CT Phone: 860-669-6901
Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 9 am - 5 pm daily
This is a sandy beach facing the entrance to Clinton Harbor with views of Long Island Sound. Enjoy the beach at high tide, and walk out to the sand bars in Clinton Harbor at low tide. There is a car-top boat access area for sea-kayaks and car-top boats, and a walkway for fishing off an old stone bridge that crosses the Hammock River at the entrance. In season, sanitary facilities and a food concession are open to the public. A pavilion is available for picnic lunches as well as a viewing platform with interpretive signs to enjoy wildlife in adjacent tidal marshes. Lifeguards on duty during daytime hours.
Cost: $25 per day per car from third week of June through Labor Day