Where Darien Beachgoing Gets Practical…read more Pear Tree Point is the more, shall we say, functional, of the two Darien public beaches. Weed Beach, located across a bay from Stamford, has something of a mystical quality to it. It is where high schoolers go in the summertime to smoke out (yes, the name is a coincidence), where the passionate but slightly off-tune sounds of local bands fill humid night air. Weed Beach has woodlands to wander through, a hidden playground through a clearing of trees, paddle tennis courts that I think only ghosts use, and lots and lots of weeds, making every step into the water squishy and unsure. But Pear Tree Point is the beach where you get things done. It's got boat docks attached, so it's the starting point for many a "booze cruise", a favorite pasttime of the Darienite. Families love Pear Tree Point, probably because it's shaped in such a way that it's easy for the kids to stay in view; there's nowhere to disappear to. So children go about producing their childlike things: sandcastles, trenches for the water to flow through, holes to bury themselves in. Pear Tree Point has a gazebo at its center, perched on top of rocks. It's perfect for eating a hamburger and fries from the concession stand during the day, and for making out at night. Pear Tree Point is situated along Long Neck Point, location of some of the fanciest houses in this very, very fancy part of the world. If you're the kind of person who likes to gawk at luxurious homes a la Newport, Rhode Island, then it's worth a slow drive down Long Neck Point road until you get to the end, which is a former girls' school now converted, I think, into residences. The atmosphere is rarefied, elegant, and oh-so-preppy. Pear Tree Point, like all the beaches in southern Fairfield County, has a kind of rough sand, and the water's generally cold. Tahiti it is not. The sun, like so many phenomena in the New York area, is either too dim or too scorching. It takes a certain toughness to enjoy beachgoing in the northeastern part of the United States. But after a day being there, you feel as if you have accompilshed something, and accomplishment, after all, is the highest personal value among most Darienites who bring the never-stop-achieving ethos of New York City back to their town.

Pear tree point is lovely. A beautiful beach to go to during the sunset. Large amount of parking…read moreand can either be quiet or busy depending on when you go. The snack bar "uncles by the shore" is owned by uncles deli which is situated on the post road in Darien and closes around 3pm I believe which is pretty annoying. One star off for their gross bathrooms. This beach is smaller than weed beach and does not have a pavilion like weed beach but has a cute gazebo and plenty of space. If you're lucky enough to even get in.

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

A marine educational center, tennis center, lots of piers and docks to fish and launch kayaks and…read moresmall boats. I used to love going to the village beach here, play tennis & bike.

Great Little Spot to enjoy a festival walk around in plenty of parking wheelchair handicap…read moreaccessible, which is important because I have a lot of people in my family disabilities and something generally healthier to do with the family so it's a plus and on a nice day is perfect to enjoy

It's a beautiful place to spend with your family. It's a small quiet beach with clear water.read more

Great park. Went here for the first time for my company picnic. We took up the entire pavilion…read morearea. Weather was good, mid 70's. Set-up some volley ball, frisbee can, corn hole, and few people fished along the shore. Looks like they also have a beach and place to launch kayaks. Our picnic was in mid-September, since those activities looked like they were done for the season, we'll have to wait until next year, if we go a bit earlier.

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

A super adaptable park, here you can get your cardio along the walking trail or workout equipment…read more 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.

GREAT BEACH, AWFUL GOVT…read more You can park a couple blocks away, then take a fun, 20-minute ferry ride from Greenwich Harbor. The island includes a slightly-rocky beach with shaded benches; a park area with a playground, BBQs, and picnic tables; and restrooms and a snack bar. Cost, not incl. parking, can be up to $19 per person aged 5-64 y.o.. But Greenwich govt. is a joke: odd policies, inconvenient requirements, key info either missing or buried on website. Make sure you get a Park Pass before doing anything else. To board the ferry, you need not only a ticket, but also a Park Pass - which isn't sold at the ferry ticket counter. They're sold only at various civic centers, located 3-5 miles away, and *not open on weekends*. Also, the Parks & Rec webpage on Park Passes doesn't mention cost; you have to look at their Ferry PDF. Then consider parking at Horseneck Parking lot. On weekends, it's free. A parking attendant advised this, and it was corroborated by a sign at Horseneck indicating that the lot was reserved for Greenwich residents with the "G" permit on M-F 9a-5p. As of this writing, the Parks & Rec webpage cites only the parking lot across from the ferry, which the aforementioned parking attendant advised can cost up to $35 per car. The most recent Parking dept. press release with news about these lots doesn't mention this cost. A ferry ticket is up to $12 per person aged 5-64 y.o.. APPENDIX Ferry http://www.greenwichct.org/upload/medialibrary/aa4/2016_Summer_in_Greenwich.pdf Park Pass http://www.greenwichct.org/government/departments/parks_and_recreation/park_beach_tennis_passes/ Parking http://www.greenwichct.org/government/departments/parking_services/

Totally confusing website Website doesn't actually work and…read moreit might be that u can inly get tickets 9-5 monday-friday No one answers the phone monday-friday Says you can buy tickets in person-but one point. Parking-it is $40. At the kiosk it is $7...maybe you have to buy a ticket in the website that doesnt work or by the phone number that no one answer's? Which amount and method is the right one and which one will get you a ticket? Do you need a set of tarot cards to find out? Look at the pictures from the website thst wont actually let you buy a ferry ticket All of this is designed to keep people out of the island I thought i might be able to get a ticket day of since i wasn't able to before hand The lady worker went out of her way to scream ar me and call me stupid Attached are the instructions from the awful website Thanks for screwing up my birthday

What a lovely lake generally not open to the public for a private community that was hosting a…read morelovely event the Abele park jam and it was honoring a member that died from cancer. We went today to celebrate one of our girlfriend's birthday. There was a community potluck or you can bring your own and cheer them out yourselves. Everything was allowed great place to swim some parking that was adequate. It was a perfect day to sit out by the water and enjoy jam in a wonderful community of people. The lake is beautiful to own a place here must be a dream because it is just a lovely lovely place to have a boat go for a swim and it's very quiet and reserve for just the community members my day of Sun fun music will be remembered fondly. What a beautiful piece of earth to enjoy it in.

How are you going to name a town after a lake that is private and seemingly inaccessible to the…read moreresidents of the town for a simple stroll. Correct me if I'm wrong please. I'm not a brain surgeon, but I drove around for a half hour and couldn't find any public access entrance.

This is a beautiful beach and 2.9 acre park with splendid views of the Long Island Sound, open to…read morethe public and free after Labor Day till Memorial Day. There are 2 small parking areas.- The beach is not long, but is a nice walk and great exercise while listening to the small waves splash against the rocks.. There are grassy areas with some picnic tables and grills. Very clean. Porta potty and no trash cans, take out what you came in with.

My bf and I walked around at burying hill beach at the end of March. The view is beautiful! It was…read moreso peaceful to walk around and enjoy the quiet. I can imagine it's a very popular spot in the summer. We're happy we got to check it out in the off season.