Westport:
Sherwood Island State Park
Parking fee: $9 Connecticut Residents, $15 non residents on weekdays ($13 for residents and $22 for non residents on weekends).
Connecticut's first state park is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform at Sherwood Island. It is handicapped accessible with a concession stand, bathroom, picnic grounds, etc.
Fairfield:
Jennings Beach
880 South Benson Road
Fairfield
Parking Fee: $20 on weekdays and $50 on weekends
The largest of Fairfield’s Beaches, this 27 acre site offers visitors a large sandy beach with great views of Long Island Sound. It is handicapped accessible with a concession stand, bathroom facilities, volleyball poles and sailboat racks.
Penfield Beach
323 Fairfield Beach Road
Fairfield
Parking Fee: $20.00 weekdays and $50 weekends
Penfield Beach is a 3.5 acre beachfront property that is a favorite for many Fairfielders. A great place to swim and sun along the Long Island Sound, it offers a long stretch of sandy beach.
Bridgeport:
Seaside Park
1 Barnum Dyke
Bridgeport
Parking Fee: $20 for out-of-town day pass
$40.00 for out-of-state day pass
With its 325 acres of lush lawns, shady glades and sports fields rolling toward Long Island Sound, Seaside Park is a park without peer on the Eastern Seaboard. Visitors are delighted by the beaches, surf and sunshine along three miles of sparkling coastline. Open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Milford:
Walnut Beach
113 East Broadway
Milford
Parking fee: $5 for non residents
Walnut Beach is a great place to spend the day strolling along the edge of the Long Island Sound, fishing from the pier, or swimming in the beautiful ocean. S Visitors have a view of Charles Island from this site. The site provides ample parking. Non-Residents visiting Walnut Beach must park in Lot #4 located in the rear of the main parking lot. Parking fee is $5 for non residents. Open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Silver Sands State Park
East Broadway
Milford
Fee: No parking fee
“Could Captain Kidd really have buried his treasure on Charles Island in 1699? Visit Silver Sands for a fun-filled day in the sun and make up your own mind about this legend.
A beautiful boardwalk to beach, no concession stands. Open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Stratford:
Short Beach
1 Dorne Drive
Stratford
Parking fee: $20 per day
Short Beach is located adjacent to the mouth of the Housatonic River, and is an excellent example of multiple use planning that provides recreation for citizens of all ages. There are picnic areas, calisthenics course, playground and Stratford’s largest sand box! Concession stand and showers are located on the beach. Open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Long Beach
Oak Bluff Road
Stratford
Parking fee: $20 per day
Long Beach, approximately 1.5 miles in length, is Stratford's coastal barrier beach lying between the waters of Long Island Sound and the Lewis Gut. The beach is easily reached by car (parking permit required from May 31st until Labor Day), and is located at the end of Oak Bluff Road in the Lordship section of Stratford.Fees/hours for all beaches are subject to change.
For more info on any of the beaches go to: http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325260&deepNav_GID=1650
