Related Articles

Many of Connecticut's top beaches are lined along the southern coast where Long Island Sound divides Connecticut from Long Island. Most of the top beaches in the state are controlled by the states parks department and have a wide range of amenities in addition to beaches and swimming.

Calf Pasture Beach (lisrc.uconn.edu) is part of Shady Beach Park, which is on the east side of Norwalk Harbor. Along with the beach, the Calf Pasture has a picnic area, a pier and car-top access for boats like kayaks. In addition, the park is known for activities such as birdwatching, shelling, boating and fishing. The Sherwood Island State Park (ct.gov) is a little further east on the coast near Westport. This is Connecticuts first state park, and beachgoers can lounge around on the beach, swim or fish. The park has facilities such as concessions, picnic areas and showers. The park also has a Nature Center, underwritten by the state and the Friends of Sherwood Island.

"Yankee Magazine" named Silver Sands State Park (ct.gov) one of the Top 10 beaches in New England in 2007, pointing out its remoteness that makes for a less-crowded experience. Located on the southern edge of Milford, the Silver Sands State Park features a beach area with a boardwalk and portable toilets nearby. Local legend says that Captain Kidd buried treasure on the adjacent Charles Island in 1699, which draws treasure hunters and curious tourists. Hammonasset Beach State Park (ct.gov) near Madison Center has the largest shoreline of any beach area in the state, with two miles that line the Atlantic Ocean. Hammonasset Beach has several activities, including bicycling, camping, fishing, picnicking and walking trails. The park also has a nature center that offers tours and programs for all ages.

The Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area (ct.gov) is one of the few interior beaches in the state. The beach is part of the second largest forest in Connecticut and features activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in the summer, and hunting, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Lakes with beaches offer freshwater swimming and picnic areas. Harveys Beach (liscr.uconn.edu) is a small beach located in Old Saybrook on the east end of Long Island Sound. This beach has lifeguards, along with picnic areas, public showers and a food concession.

Ocean Beach Park (ocean-beach-park.com) is a resort area that draws tourists from all across New England. The beach offers direct access to Long Island Sound and has its own concessions and restrooms. But the park also has amenities such as the Sandbar Cafe and Lounge, a freshwater swimming pool, a fitness center it calls Work Out World and activities for families such as an arcade and miniature golf. There is no hotel on-site, and admission and parking fees apply. Rocky Neck State Park (ct.gov) is in Niantic. Along with the beach and swimming access, the park offers an extensive camping area, picnic areas and hiking. The camping season at this park is from May to the end of September. The park also has a reputation for native birds such as cranes, hawks and herons.

M.C. Postins has been a writer and editor since 1995. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and websites across the country, such as the "Charlotte Sun-Herald" and the "Denton Record-Chronicle." He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Read more:

Top Beaches in Connecticut | USA Today