I stopped by Silver Sands State Park with my husband and some friends when we were driving down the…read moreConnecticut coast over the Fourth of July weekend. The park is almost 300 acres of beach, dunes, salt marsh, and woods. You can beach, swim, fish, walk along the beach or boardwalks, birdwatch... (FYI: alcohol is prohibited, so this is a beach for families, relaxing, and no-alcohol fun.) It's free for in-state registered vehicles. If your car or rental car is not registered in Connecticut, it costs $22 on weekends or holidays and $15 on weekdays (or $112 for a season pass). We couldn't stay long (the downside of a roadtrip with a planned out itinerary), which was too bad, because the beach was very nice! Crowded, perhaps, but what beach isn't on a hot July day?! I could've stayed a while with an umbrella for shade, a book, and a picnic! A lovely public beach.

We had a perfect seaside lunch at Frenchie's Coffee Bar - our serious lobster roll consumer said…read morethat this was the best she's ever had. The black bean burger was perfectly prepared to order They were super nice about making me a grilled cheese even though it wasn't on the menu. Staff were super cheerful and helpful and friendly, and we couldn't have asked for a better lunch stop on our coastline walk!

I'd more likely come here to walk on the path, but the beach is incredibly shell-y. It was not…read moreconducive to much playtime in the sand or in the water. Park in the street for better rates. There are lifeguard chairs, though we didn't see any lifeguards around 10am on a summer weekday.

Walnut Beach is a beautiful shore along Long Island Sound. There's an island across the way, that's…read moreCharles Island. People like to fish here. There are picnic benches, boardwalks, and a lot of seagulls. You can also explore the little shops on the area. If you are not a Milford resident, make sure you pay for parking! Even for residents, you need a sticker. You can explore Silver Sands by it.

Another trip to CT landed me at Savin Rock Beach. Very pretty location. There is a nice divided…read more walkway with a bike lane as well. Many gorgeous pictures to be taken here. As you come to the end (or beginning depending on which direction you started) of the trail/walkway there is a nice park for the kiddos. Slides, monkey bars/jungle gym. There is a parking fee if you aren't a resident.

Nice clean park with beautiful hand painted art work and wall murals. Very nice long walking path.read more

I visited here before the Memorial Day season open so entrance and parking were free. There is a…read morelot of parking available. It was a gorgeous warm day in May 2025 and not at all crowded. Plenty of parking and beach area to walk or relax on. You can walk to the Audoban land from a part of the beach which is a level and easy walk that offers great views and a view of the Stratford Point Lighthouse. There are several pavilions for rent get togethers. There are resident and non residents seasons passes or a daily charge (more for non residents). There is also an adjacent golf course. it is a livelyovely setting and quite sure it's very popular and packed during the summer season, but opened all year long.

Love this beach. It's nice that it is on the tip of Stratford near the housatonic and in lordshipread more

I found their Wednesday group paddle on FB. You can rent single, doubles or paddleboard from them…read morefor the group paddle. You can also BYOB and join for free. I showed up with my own paddleboard and had a great time exploring the Long Island Sound from Walnut Beach. They also rent bicycles. They have a cute little shop right near the water. I look forward to visiting again and renting a bicycle to explore the nearby parks. Thanks for an awesome community event.

Small Hidden establishment, a few hundred yards from the beach. Very Friendly and laid back staff…read more You can rent Kayaks, bicycles and paddle boards. All in great condition, colorful and new! A great way to spend an hour to a full day in the sun and fresh air! Gift shop is available, too, featuring beach ware and beach necessities to ukuleles!!! If you want to spend quality time with a loved one or just yourself, Go! You won't regret it!

My friend and I had a delicious lunch. The chef was very accommodating with our requests. The…read morewaitress was very sweet and efficient. I had the most delicious roasted vegetable sandwich with mozzarella. The only downside is that it's extremely noisy. Even when the dining room was less than half full, it was very noisy. I'm sure it is because the room has no soft surfaces such as drapes or table cloths. Gustos in Milford had the same issue until they added soft surfaces including noise absorbing panels on the ceiling.

We just moved here and the beaches are even nicer than we expected. We truly enjoy taking walks…read morealong the shoreline, and my granddaughter was so happy to be back at the beach for the summer. It's a beautiful area with a great atmosphere, and we're looking forward to making many memories here.

It was a beautiful day for the beach. We went to the West Haven beach yesterday. I haven't been…read morehere in a few years. They have a large parking lot, where you can pay on the meter. I love the boardwalk here. The boardwalk is long, as long as the beach, with plenty of benches if you should need a rest. They have some of the cutest pups walking along the boardwalk, it's like a dog parade. Then even have folks who walk around with boom boxes. Providing a bit of a situation to dance to anyone who's around. The beach is easily accessible right by the boardwalk. Unfortunately it wasn't the cleanest. There was a substantial amount of seaweed and other debris. The sand wasn't soft, it was full of broken shells and other particles. The cleanliness could depend on peak of season. As I mentioned I enjoyed the boardwalk of this beach. There's kids on rollerblades, and people on bicycles. It's a nice way to catch the sun.

The Connecticut Audubon Society was a surprise, hidden gem on my latest trip. We got there right as…read moreit was opening, and avid bird watchers were already there. It's quite serene to be able to look out at the marshes on one side and the beach on the other. The paths are well groomed. Be sure to go inside if you can. There are some other animals to see in tanks as well as a library of kids books. There's also a great view of the marsh with a few telescopes, as well. There was someone working here at the time we visited, and she also brought out some coloring pages. Definitely worth checking out if you're near by and want a change of pace.

Peaceful beachside bird sanctuary- away from it all. Thousands of shells on shore and beautiful…read moreeven on a windy day in April

Big playground with lots of shade, plenty of parking, and loads of different play structures. A…read morecouple minutes from a few hotels in the area or the beach. There is a playground on the beach about two minutes away, but this one is much nicer for actually playing on (Charlotte Bacon's playground).

Awesome park!!!!!! Lots of things for kids to play on!!!! Plus a spot for parents to sit onread more

This shop has so much fun packed inside. Need beach gear? They have just about everything you need…read morefor a day of beach activities. Paddle boards, canopy, bikes, coolers and so much more. Kevin and his partner are ready to deliver a party to you on the beach. They are So very friendly and helpful. West Haven has beautiful beaches and this shop has what you need to make your day at the beach a memorable day.

sole business of this type within the area and practically by the water. every other weekend i go…read moreto the beach but place seems to be closed during certain times with no notice. closed 2pm on Sunday when various listings showing open until 6pm and their facebook page shows until 8pm and no posts stating otherwise. too frequent to be a one off.