19 Family-Friendly Connecticut Beaches Worth Visiting
Summerfun at Connecticut's Best Family-Friendly Beaches!
Jump into the ocean breeze and make unforgettable memories at these family-friendly beaches across Connecticut. From the bustling boardwalks to serene shores, there's something for everyone!
1. Jennings Beach, Fairfield 🏖️
Situated on the stunning Long Island Sound, this expansive 27-acre beach offers a skate park, playground, and swimmable waters. With clean sand, calm waves, and nearby parking, it's a perfect spot for a family day out!
2. Compo Beach, Westport 🌊
Offering a delightful mix of amenities, this beach greets visitors with a playground, volleyball courts, and restroom facilities. Purchase a parking permit for a worry-free day out, and keep an eye out for the 125 daily passes!
3. Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport 🎠
Take a water taxi to Pleasure Beach, a lively peninsula, and enjoy a range of leisure activities like relaxing in the pavilion, showering off post-beach, or playing on the sandy shore.
4. Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk 🍔
Enjoy a day at the beach followed by delicious meals at Ripka's, serving fresh seafood, cold drinks, and mouth-watering burgers. Non-resident beach passes are free for the taking!
Meet interesting new friends at Connecticut area beaches. Sherwood Island State Park photo courtesy of CT Parks
5. Sherwood Island State Park, Westport 🌳
Connecticut's oldest state park boasts a nature center with free programming, offering an exciting opportunity to learn about local wildlife. Spend your day picnicking, exploring, and unwinding in this picturesque setting.
Beaches near New Haven 🗺️
6. Jacobs Beach, Guilford bbenevengo 🏝️
A hidden gem with 25-acres of sandy shoreline, Jacobs Beach offers tranquility away from the crowds. Non-residents can purchase daily passes for access to the playground, picnic areas, grilling stations, outdoor showers, and bathroom facilities.
7. Silver Sands State Park, Milford 🏊♀️
Offering easy access to Long Island Sound, this beach is perfect for swimming, lounging, and playing on the sandy shores. The park also houses a dog park for our furry friends.
8. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison ⛱️
Known as the Granddaddy of all Connecticut beaches, Hammonasset State Park boasts crystal-clear waters, a mile-long shoreline, and a nature center with exhibits and programming. After the beach, delight in Connecticut-style dining at Friends & Company!
Family-friendly Beaches in Eastern Connecticut 🌅
9. Rocky Neck State Beach, East Lyme 🐚
Less than an hour from Hartford, this expansive beach offers something for every family member: pristine sands, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping sites. Day-trippers can enjoy a post-beach ice cream at Tony D's Craft Creamery.
10. Esker Point Park Beach, Groton 🐾
Located in the delightful Groton Long Point community, this beach has volleyball courts, fantastic views of Mouse Island, and welcomes well-controlled pets. Don't miss out on fresh, local lobster at Abbott's Lobster in the Rough.
11. Dubois Beach, Stonington 🌈
Nestled in scenic Stonington, this beach offers relaxing activities like swimming, sunbathing, and crab-hunting. The park also features gazebos, and parking is free for all visitors.
12. Waterford Beach, Waterford
Exploring the home-and-garden scene, hammocks and garden chairs create a serene setup in our backyard, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel.
Taking a break from beach days, we immerse ourselves in the charm of local home-and-garden shows, finding inspiration for our future lifestyle enhancements.
