Came here for a walk along the beach in end of October because my in laws live in the Atlanta area so they don't get to see the beach often haha. It was nice and refreshing, beautiful views with fresh air. read more

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A super adaptable park, here you can get your cardio along the walking trail or workout equipment. You can stroll slowly between the sand and clam beds, or you can sit and watch the waves, or let your kids have fun at the playgrounds. Though you need resident parking during swim season, it's a great winter escape for all between Labor Day and Memorial Day. People decorate memorial benches for the winter holidays, and jingle bell horse rides go on during the December holiday season. It's a park near and dear. At some point we'll make it to the museum, but the historic interpretative signs helped us make do. Kids can sled the hills by the entrance, and everyone can find beach glass along the cove itself. Whether you're looking for nature or exercise, this is a great local escape. read more

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A really nice park which might be free to visit. Both the sign and their web site quote ludicrous fees for the beach and for parking in their lot. We parked there and got out quick, but I read that others got citations. Next time, park a block away and walk in. read more

Cove Island Park - Summertime parking lot fees; park on the street and walk in. - Parks Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

This park has it all ! Hailing from Queens NY, visiting this park is like a full package for me. It has ocean view, breakaway, marina, harbor, beach with soft sand, amazing view of CT houses as background, kayaking or boating rentals, plenty of restrooms spread out, bar or snack stand by the beach , clean shower room, beautiful walk/ run/ bike path, plenty of greenery you'll see, accessible benches, bbq area is spread out, plenty of picnic tables, has playgrounds and massive parking lot. We had a great time during our stay. The best part was our visit was after summertime ( beginning of October) when parking fee is free. Even if I pay for $25, with plenty things to do and see, it will be worth it. We sat down for a short while and enjoyed the Long Island sound in one corner of the park, it is so serene. I could stay there the whole day and wait till sun sets but needed to go somewhere. Amazing place to relax and enjoy. A highly recommended park to stop by when in the area. read more

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I can't say enough good things about this part of Stamford. It is always a multicultural experience and there's never any riffraff. Everyone is happy to be here and enjoy the view with their families. I prefer it over Todd's point any day because of that. The landscape is so varied from outcroppings of giant rocks to three different beaches and grasslands, a bird sanctuary, tennis courts, hockey rink and walking trail. I think the cove is the best place around! read more

We had our engagement photos taken at this park on 10/28/23. It was our first time visiting and it ended up being so beautiful. The views and all of the different background locations, beach, grass, trees, long island sound, marina with boats, big rocks, etc. ended up being perfect. Originally, I was hoping for fall engagement photos with the foliage, cozy sweaters, flannels and boots. Our first attempt at the end of September was the first of many weekend washouts so we rescheduled for Sunday, 10/29/23 but sure enough, expecting another day of non-stop rain so we luckily, have the best photographer out there (shout out to Melanie Fan) who was able to reschedule us for Saturday, 10/28/23. Of course this was one of the hottest days of October BUT it ended up being perfect. I think the pictures say enough. I see lots of posts about parking but I think since we went out of season, it was free. There were a ton of people there using the paths for walking, biking, exercising. We saw families grilling and hanging out. There was a food truck when you first walked in from the marina side over the little walking bridge. I realize my review is very specific since we had our engagement photos taken here and isn't really giving much to the actual park itself, beach in the summer or anything that I see other reviews talking about but I think going for these views alone on a beautiful day is worth it. read more

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Cove Island Park gets hit with a penalty for Stamford's overall xenophobia. We can debate the relative merits of dollar slices and $200 concert tickets but the non-resident weekend daily parking price of $69 (as of 2022 season) is an embarrassment. I reckon the legal department told them they couldn't pursue their preferred ban on out-of-towners. The beach itself is nothing special, you can find much better sand in Staten Island or any other coastal region. But this is the rare 2-star review where you should disregard my rating in most cases. The park itself is worth checking out, with multiple varieties of waterfront scenery, with the pond on one side and the Long Island Sound on the other. I didn't make it to the official wildlife refuge but did briefly venture into an unmarked woodsy area that got too muddy. Saw two deer. There's presumably free or at least cheaper parking when the beach is closed (don't quote me, but it seemed free yesterday, will correct if wrong). I got here by bus. Please check the schedule; it runs hourly and not at night. read more

Beautiful park!! There's grills and there a little food place and they have claw machines and most people think they made it rigged, I play 2 times and won 2 balls! The claws were meant for us to win and not spend money. They have 2 amazing beaches but ones technically not a beach but people go there too. They have this little island where you can walk on but get dirty. They also have benches that are dedicated to dead people ( R.I.P ). I definitely agree to come here but just know that if you don't have a Connecticut plate then you have to pay parking. Still definitely recommend read more

Decent little waterfront park in Stamford. Not in the best neighborhood, but relatively close to Chelsea Piers. $25 daily parking from 1 May - 30 September. But free to walk in. I visited in late September. There were no lifeguards on duty and the snack bars were all closed. So I'm not sure what my $25 buys. Quite a few walking paths. With special lanes for kids on wheels. The beach looks kinda skanky. Sand was dirty, lots of rocks, no waves. Police were actively enforcing CT State fishing licenses. I'm sure I will enjoy this park more once the daily parking fees disappear. read more

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A beautiful place for a relaxing day. I am from NY, so I had to pay $25 for 1-day (weekday) parking. Not bad compared to other places. I wish there were more options at concession stand. I'm no food snob (I love a burger and fries just as much as the next person... maybe even more!), but it seems like a missed opportunity. Especially since there are great walking/biking/skating paths-- they must get a lot of health conscious folks. Smoothies or sandwiches would be amazing! I went on a weekday and it was serene. There were other people there but not crowded. It was just what I was looking for. read more

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I've ridden my bike through this park a few times, and I've spent some time in the Cove Island Nature Preserve, which is a little separate nature area (no dogs allowed there.) There are beaches here, and it's very popular during the summer season, which runs May 1 through September 30. During that time, you need to either have a resident permit, or pay a $20 parking fee (which is actually relatively cheap compared to Greenwich Point Park or Weed Beach.) I would highly recommend not trying to be a scofflaw here -- even on Cove Road you are running the risk of an $80 ticket. There's a lot of things to do here -- There's the nature sanctuary, an ice rink, a marina, playgrounds, a snack bar (run in 2017 by Magee's Curbside) and the HQ of Soundwaters. The island itself is foot and bicycle traffic only. It's a great place to spend time during all seasons, there's plenty to see and do. read more

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Came here on a warm winter Saturday. Parking is free during the off season, and it's a great place for a walk. Lots of people with dogs, people a friendly and the views are outstanding. Nice beach as well, but not sure what this place would be like in the winter. read more

Cove Island Park - Dog friendly! - Parks Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

I made my way down here after two or three people had mentioned that this was a go to spot in Stamford. I'm a Jersey girl, so they did warn me that the "beach" here wasn't going to be like what I'm used to. Nevertheless, I came here by myself after an extremely busy month just to decompress, and I was pleasantly surprised of how peaceful it was. It was a large vast park, and I was a little sad I didn't have my dog visiting me that day to take him on a long walk -- he would've loved it! Tons of dog owners were walking their dogs. I came in a little past sunset and the skies were the colors of cotton candy; it was very visually pleasing. The beach wasn't crowded at all, but did have a couple of families scattered. I enjoyed the peaceful alone time spent here. I decided to get up and go when mosquitoes started attacking me. Word of advice: if you're sensitive to bug bites like me, BRING BUG SPRAY especially at sun down! I can imagine this place getting crowded during the summer time but I went after Labor Day weekend on a weekday during sunset, so definitely a way different atmosphere than what it would be during peak times. I'm moving out of Connecticut soon, but if I ever come back, this will be a place I'd like to return to if I ever visit. read more

Cove Island Park - Cove Island Beach - Parks Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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Great beach and picnic area in Stamford. I love to come here, sit on the rocks and look out at the rocks and boats. Dogs are allowed and there are walking trails. Parking is expensive but you can park for free after 8 or 8:30 p.m. Street parking is limited to mostly residents. read more

Cove Island Park - Parks Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Came here with the family and we enjoyed it. It's really clean, has a food concession by the beach area, and is dog friendly. The only downside is that it's really rocky, so definately bring your water shoes. Also parking is $20 if you are not a Connecticut resident. read more

Cove Island Park - Parks Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

I think this is the best of the beach parks in Stamford. You can grill, picnic, and relax, or go for a run or walk around the loop. Beautiful views read more

A decent beach, Cove Island Park offers Stamford residents the opportunity to get away to the beach for the day without having to drive far to do it. Worthy of note: you need a beach pass for this place, and to acquire one you need to be a resident of Stamford. You can come here if you aren't a resident, but then you need to pay the attendant at the entrance to the parking lot. I don't know how much it costs to come here for the day, though. The beach is a solid stretch of sand that curves around and faces the Long Island Sound. Since it faces the sound, waves are pretty much nonexistent here, and everything is very calm and relaxing. Each time I've been here, there have been speedboats out in the farther waters, trying to shake things up, and kayakers have been known to paddle closer to shore. The view is generally really clear, and Long Island can be seen off in the distance as a grey sliver. The water itself is fairly refreshing, particularly after laying out on the hot sand, although it is a little rocky by the water's edge. Clumps of seaweed are often found floating in the water, and a horseshoe crab even made an appearance in the shallow water when I was there last. Unfortunately, a group of people found it, brought on shore, and turned it over on its back to see if it could flip itself over, which it couldn't. I thought that was just cruel. A la Pink Floyd, I wanted to say "Hey! People! Leave that crab alone!" Fortunately, they righted the poor animal and put it back in the water. I know it's kind of a weird-looking animal, but it's still an animal. That's just not right. There tends to be a good mix of people at this beach, and as with any beach you get your standard families-with-kids situations. Barbecuing can take place on the grassier areas, and there are nice walkways leading up to the beach where people can stroll, bike or walk their dogs. Unlike Jones Beach, there is no place for umbrella rentals here, so be sure to bring your own unless you want an ugly sunburn. There is a small, kind-of-dull snack bar that is cash-only, but it's a good place to buy water if you forget to bring your own. The changing bathrooms here are disgusting, so only use them if you absolutely have to do so. I used the bathrooms at a beach in Tobago and those were cleaner than the bathrooms at Cove Beach. Seriously. All in all, this a good stretch of beach for those who want to relax for a day. It's not nearly as large as the other beaches in this area, and if you go in expecting a Jones Beach/Robert Moses type experience then you will definitely be disappointed. It's a nice town beach, with relaxing views, and should definitely be appreciated as such. read more

My favourite park in Stamford. Cove Island Park is quite large, so finding some space just for you isn't too difficult most of the time. I enjoy going to read a book and enjoy the sea views. There are also sandy beach parts if that's what you're into, and plenty of seats and table for picnics. There is a charge for bringing your car, but I tend to travel by bus, and can then walk in for free. read more

Love having this basically as our backyard. If you live in Stamford, the summer pass is only $20 - def. worth it. It does get very crowded on a beautiful summer day but it has never been a problem for me to find a spot on the beach. There are 2 different beach spots - the main one across from the track, and smaller beach on the side - it's more secluded but this one has an updated bathroom/pavilion. I love that this place is 5 minutes from my apartment and basically has it all - a tennis court, track, hiking trail, beach, bbq stations, and more. I absolutely love running on the track - especially during the late afternoon when there are not as many people, it's so peaceful. The huge grass area in the middle is useful for when I stretch or do my own workouts. I have seen kid's football practice, flag football and someone "parasailing" in that grass area. There is also a roller blade track (each track is marked for either walking/running, bike, roller blade) so I am excited to invest in a roller blade! The road is flat and smooth, so I am not worried too much about rocks on the road - I am more fearful for people that get in my way since I don't even know how to stop! This beach park definitely has it all in my opinion - especially for being my backyard. We don't need to drive over an hour to RI to enjoy the day and pay $20-25 for parking. It's so convenient! Next summer, we are throwing a bbq party at the beach since people seem to bring their whole grill set, find a spot and just grill, eat, party all day. If you are from Stamford, I would say check it out! read more

My only perspective is the interior of the park... never really went to the beach here. But there is a half-mile asphalt ring, which is actually made for things on wheels. Bikes, rollerblades, etc. Would go here on a regular basis to get my workout on. It's alright. The ring is not as well paved as other places, but it's passable. Sometimes little kids are riding all over it, which really isn't safe. I've almost hit a few of them, and found myself bailing out on the grass just to avoid a lawsuit. If you get here late enough, they won't charge for parking. I can imagine it gets crowded and expensive for beach days though. read more

The park is huge with a wide variety of activities and things to do - 3 different beaches, barbecue areas, 2 playgrounds, places to buy ice cream and food, path for bikes and rollerblading. It has gotten cleaner over the years. It is nice and friendly. Very popular with Hispanic families playing traditional music over barbecue. Parking is a huge problem, however. Only Stamford residents can purchase parking permits. Anyone else (including other CT residents) must pay $20+ per day. Worse, there is no other parking anywhere near the park, so one is forced to park in the expensive lot. On an empty Friday afternoon, there was no staff at the ticket purchase office, so I parked and then got ticket $86. I appealed and lost, though found out that this had happened with other drivers. Beware of their parking. Sometimes you may not be able to buy day-parking if nobody is at the ticket window in work shift, but you will STILL get ticketed within 2 hours. :/ read more

A good value for Stamford Residents. The gate fee is $20 for anyone out of town, but generally I would go elsewhere if I were to pay. This beach/park offers a variety of space for biking, roller blading, running etc. There is almost endless space even if the parking lot is spilling over onto the grass. People set up some serious BBQ areas with tents, tables and chairs and almost everyone brings a grill. If you don't you'll wish you did as all the smells make you hungry. It's really worth the beach pass for the year and being only a few minute drive Cove Island provides a wealth of activity or inactivty for everyone from laying in the sand, beach volleyball or take a swim or stroll along the shore. The beach part is decently maintained and combed and seems like some new sand was brought in. A nice change of scenery and good place to spend the afternoon. I might go earlier to a spot near the trees as those are the most packed places. read more

Cove Island serves Stamford residents well. It's the visitors who have to stay away, unless of course they ride bikes across the Post Road or are lucky enough to find a parking space on the street somewhere among the back street (Forget it.). The additions to the park as of late have served it well. Now, anyone on wheels has his or her own riding/blading path while walkers are relegate to another. That works, since there are lots of walkers on the weekend, many of whom are senior citizens. It's about a mile around the loop with nice views of the sound and of Darien. The beach, however, is, well, lower Long Island Sound, which we have all but poisoned. Perhaps Soundwaters and other environmental groups can continue their efforts to save it from the rest of us. read more

Great walking/running loop, nice overlook view from the rocks and good playground. Don't go alone and be careful though after hours as there have been bad crimes Stamford tries to 'keep quiet'. read more

The park is beautiful from the photos. I was going to go in but the parking fee is ridiculous... 70$!!! Especially during this pandemic!! Overpriced. Went to Playland for free instead. So dissatisfied and disappointed. read more

It's a nice place to go for a walk or have a picnic. It's got pretty views and flat paths that are divided for wheels and walking. The bird sanctuary across from the boat launch is pretty to take a quick walk through. I've seen deer and humming birds and a beaver there. It's a nice place to go especially when all the flowers are in bloom af the pretty butterfly garden! read more

This is my first time at expansive beach park. Very impressed with several athletic options one can do here. .roller blade paths, bike paths, walk only paths,, volleyball courts, and kayak rentals. I have yet to come here in the summer but I am looking forward to the experience. I admire the fact that Stamford has preserved bits and pieces of old mill on property. read more

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We love coming to this park. It has amazing views and I love that they allow the dogs to swim and roam around. The nice little beach is also a perfect touch. Please watch out on the summer weekends as it tends to attract loud crowds. I usually stay by the smaller beach and enjoy the part with my dog. She also loves the tiny beach and always has a great time. There is an admission fee of $25 if you're a non resident which I would say is completely acceptable. The park is very clean and so are the restrooms. read more

Came here for an earth day clean up the beach event fir the first time ever (I'm from Goshen NY) and what a gem you have here in CT! Lovely people, shoreline, easy pathways, open parking, digs running around, museum/interactive house with nice bathrooms, plenty of benches to chill out and ponder the water.. lovely place. read more

Very dog friendly, great place to walk and socialize!

An absolute gem of a park, Cove Island has something for everyone. 2 beautiful beaches, large open grass area, bike and walking paths, picnic pavilion, volleyball nets, tennis courts, ice skating rink, basketball court, newly added outdoor workout equipment, wildlife sanctuary, kayaks, playground and more! Parking is ample (just make sure you have a beach sticker or pay the day fee) and there is a free tram that takes you from place to place on the island. The snack bar near the main beach has been updated and is fantastic!!! While on the island don't forget to pay a visit to the Soundwaters building to see some exhibits on the wildlife of Long Island Sound. Only thing missing is a splash pad for kids. read more

Dog waste EVERYWHERE! Last year I would have given this place a 4 but I am extremely disappointed and super grossed out by the dog waste. There is a massive amount specially in the grassy areas. There is one large green area that we tried to walk across and we could not take one step without there being dog poop! It's disgusting! I looked up #coveisland on IG and it all it shows is pics of dogs. I actually LOVE the idea that dog's are allowed! BUT there has to be a clean up, in case the dog owners don't do it! At this point I would say this is a hygiene issue. I saw people walking in the grassy areas barefoot! The only nice thing was the area where the benches overlook the water. That area is very pretty. read more

What a awesome spot! Coming from Westchester we were looking to hit the beach without the tolls and weekend traffic to Jones. $20 admission is pricey but worth every penny. Grounds are massive and beautiful. Plenty of space for beach, grilling, swimming and all around fun! Try it out when the weather is nice :o) read more

It's ok but August is the season for fleas! Beware of going in the grass and marsh areas!!!!

I love the size of this park! I went for the beach which was small but not overcrowded. It was quiet and peaceful during my visit. I look forward to coming back and exploring the rest of the park, it looks well kept. There is a parking fee which is $25 for the day if you're not a resident of CT. read more

I found out today that cove island does public sailing on the long island sound. On Saturday & Sunday the educational sails are from 3-5pm for $20pp; then from 6:30-8:30pm its $30pp. You are allowed to bring food with you. All sails leave from the Stamford Harbor Park Marina. read more

We parked our picnic blanket on a grassy spot near the beach and hung out for hours. We were a little unclear on the alcohol policy but we saw several groups bringing in glass bottles (though I'm pretty sure glass is forbidden). We stuck with boxed wine and cans of beer. Lots of kids but not too crowded. The beach is pretty tame--smallish and no waves--but looked like a nice place to go for a relaxing swim. Cons: $20 for a one-day parking pass. read more

I went here with my ten year old on a whim when we were in the area, having never been to any beaches in CT. This park is very pleasant. Parking is pricey-25.00-but we wanted to check it out and it was a hot day so we paid it. There are two (or three?) small, pleasant beaches on the sound. They are clean and well maintained. There is a little tram that will drive you around to the different areas of the park and there is also a nice playground. The tram driver and staff were super friendly and overall the place has a great vibe. It is very relaxed. We went swimming, took the tram, and my daughter played on the playground, which is new and clean. My only complaint is about the bathrooms, which are clean but old. I don't mind the old, but some don't even have doors, and that was odd since the rest of the place is so well maintained. Also, the food grill, which looked promising and had a big menu, wasn't open the whole time we were there on a beautiful sunny Friday before Labor Day. Since they charge 25.00 for non-residents to park, it seems the facilities (bathrooms, food service) could be maintained a bit better. But at least they were clean. Overall this is a very nice park. My daughter has already asked when we're coming back. It is perfect for families with kids and there is a lot of space to roam. read more

This is probably the best Connecticut Park we have been to! So many activities to enjoy!

Growing up in Stamford my childhood wouldn't have been complete without cove park! It's perfect family spot- the kids park, the volleyball nets, the huge open grass, multiple bbq grills Around with picnic tables, excellent place for a run/walk/or bike ride on the path, the beaches are spacious and there's a food stand! And of course soundwaters, from personal experience of attending the program in the building i learned so much about the Long Island sound that I still remember ! Plus they have a cute small aquarium inside. read more