Five out of six of the New England states boast wonderful seashores along the Atlantic Ocean, including Connecticut. With nearly a hundred miles of stunning coast, there are plenty of beaches to discover here. From state parks to an array of other public and private beaches, there is something for everybody in “The Constitution State”.
9 Best Beach Towns to Live in Connecticut
Connecticut has 96 miles (618 miles according to the NOAA) of idyllic New England shoreline, complete with small islands, lighthouses, and top East Coast beach towns. While the Nutmeg State may not be known first and foremost as a beach destination, vacationers and house hunters will be delighted to see the selection it has by …
Top Beaches and Coastal Towns in CT
Located in southern New England, Connecticut features some amazing beach towns and coastal cities. Destinations like West Haven, Milford, and Westport all showcase charming downtowns and beautiful shorelines to stroll. Make the most of your trip to “The Provision State” by visiting one of its fascinating beaches, all of which are most popular during the warmer summer season.
Guide to Visiting the Beaches in Connecticut
Connecticut is a small state, but its 96 miles of coastline (618 miles according to the NOAA) and views of Long Island Sound more than make up for it. The majority of the state’s beaches are protected as part of the state parks department, but there are many more public shores in close proximity to or even inside quaint seaside communities.
The use of many of Connecticut’s beaches is subject to a fee, which might be more for tourists than for residents. Tourists should plan and carry cash for parking costs collected at the entrances.
One seaside town with fantastic beaches in a state park is Westport. With its 238 acres of beach and forest, Sherwood Island State Park is a wonderful destination for a day trip. Many people go there for outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and exploring the environment center (open seasonally).
There is also a magnificent shoreline at Silver Sands State Park in the vicinity of Milford. It showcases a mile of beautiful beaches, albeit it is sometimes closed due to breeding birds.
Great beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities may also be found in the Niantic, Madison, and New London areas. You could have a great day in the sun doing everything from water sports and hiking to beach volleyball on these beaches. After a long day of outdoor fun, relax in your hotel room or vacation rental and enjoy a meal of local seafood.
Connecticut Coastal Climate
The Connecticut coast is most enjoyable during September and early October or in the late spring between May and June. The weather here is similar to the weather in the rest of New England.
Beaches in this state have the most significant visitors from June through August when students have summers off and go to the coast for some R&R. July and August are popular times to be the ocean, and many of the resort towns can be crowded or more expensive at this time.
The climate varies from season to season, with harsh winters and balmy summers. July, on average, is the warmest month, with highs of 81 °F and lows of 64 °F. January is often the coldest month, with temperatures averaging about 38°F / 21°F.
Activities
Hunting for seashells, sunbathing, sea kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding are some of the favorite activities on Connecticut beaches. Many seashores are linked to nearby downtowns, where visitors can find restaurants and stores to visit after spending time by the ocean.
State park beaches are lovely places to enjoy nature, take a trek with a spectacular view, and unwind. The terrain can vary at some beaches and even include great spots for hiking or wildlife watching.
Accommodations
The communities surrounding the several Connecticut beaches provide a wide range of lodging options. Some of the state parks in coastal regions also offer campgrounds. It’s important to remember that many locals and tourists from neighboring states like to plan ahead for their vacations so you can expect a surge in bookings beginning in the spring.
If you want to make your beach vacation more than just a day excursion this summer, start plans as soon as possible. No matter how long you stay in Connecticut, you’ll always remember the stunning scenery, delicious seafood, and laid-back attitude of these East Coast beaches.
