Before summer slips away for good, it’s time to take advantage of our extensive shoreline and hit the beach. Whether you want a family-friendly locale or a nature lover’s paradise, there is something for everyone in Connecticut. One of these nine beach day trips is sure to fit the bill when you need a late summer day-cation. Are you ready to experience some of the best day trips in Connecticut?
- Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk
TripAdvisor/Greg S
TripAdvisor/Greg S This seaside spot in Norwalk is buckets of fun for the whole family. It’s easily one of the best day trips in Connecticut! Not only can you lounge on the sand and swim in the waves, but a beachside splash pad gives you a fun break from the Sound. There is also a playground, volleyball courts, a skate park, and plenty of open space. Stay until after the sun goes down for movie nights, classic car shows, and other seasonal events. Visit Calf Pasture Beach on Calf Pasture Beach Road. Calf Pasture Beach Road, Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06855, USA
- Eastern Point Beach, Groton
TripAdvisor/Maria V
TripAdvisor/Maria V This small family-friendly beach at the mouth of the Thames River is great for younger kids. Shallow water provides plenty of entertainment. Picnic tables and a playground are other bonuses that make this spot a gem of a find. Spend the day with a picnic lunch or grab a bite at the concession stand to make your trip complete. Visit Eastern Point Beach at 1 Beach Pond Road. 1 Beach Pond Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
- Cove Island Beach, Stamford
Google Images/Ivan Kysov
Google Images/Aaron Johnson Visit Cove Island Beach for its sandy shores on the Long Island Sound. This 83-acre park has plenty of open space with paved paths for walking and rollerblading. A fitness park and playground will keep you entertained when you tire of the beach. Nature lovers can sight local birds hanging around the small tidal salt marsh while some rocky shore offers anglers a spot to try to catch the big one. 363 Weed Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, USA
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
TripAdvisor/Jemlnlx
TripAdvisor/Amidori Hammonasset is Connecticut’s largest beach with two miles of shoreline to use for the day. Wander down to Meig’s Point to visit the nature center, hunt for seashells, or walk the fishing jetty. There is also plenty of rocky coastline to explore where you may just spot a seal in the distance if the timing is right. You can camp overnight in the campground, but book early, spots fill up quickly at this popular shoreline spot. This beach is certainly one of the best day trips in Connecticut. 1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, USA
- Hole In The Wall Beach, Niantic
Google Images/Ian Mann
Google Images/Jesse Pictures Hole In The Wall Beach is reached by walking through a tunnel. The small sandy beach is in a cove making it popular among families with smaller children. The entrance to the Niantic Bay Boardwalk is right next to the beach where you can enjoy a nice stroll with panoramic views. 4 Baptist Ln, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
- Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
Google Images/Jessica Polizzo
Google Images/Lisa Mentes Plenty of amenities and beautiful scenery make it easy to spend the day at Connecticut’s oldest state park. Enjoy splashing in the water and relaxing in the sand, but stop by the nature center for an added bonus. Don’t forget your camera, there are many stunning photos waiting to be taken. Take in a day on the beach at Sherwood Island State Park for the perfect day. Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880, USA
- Ocean Beach Park, New London
TripAdvisor/management
TripAdvisor/management If your goal is to find an action-packed location that will keep the family busy for hours, Ocean Beach Park has it all. Sugar white sand and rolling waves are draws to the beach, but the Olympic-sized pool with ocean views is pretty amazing, too. On top of it, the park has a boardwalk, arcade, splash pad, water slides, amusement rides, and much more. 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA
- Silver Sands State Park, Milford
TripAdvisor/Tricia11161
TripAdvisor/cjrmay20 Silver Sands Beach is a welcome oasis on the shoreline. Frolic in the surf or enjoy relaxing with a good book. Take a stroll on the wooden boardwalk to enjoy the scenery. Time your visit right and you can walk the sandbar out to Charles Island where you might stumble upon a pirate’s buried treasure. 1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460, USA
- Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
TripAdvisor/introspectionx
Google Images/Michael Plouffe, Jr. Rocky Neck State Park combines a sandy beachfront with plenty of nature. Explore the plentiful hiking trails and then take a refreshing swim. Pack a picnic and take advantage of the green expanse of lawn for a lunchtime break. This state park also offers overnight camping so you can make a mini-vacation out of it. 244 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
Which of these beach day trips appeal to your sense of adventure? What do you think are the best day trips in Connecticut? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
TripAdvisor/Greg S
This seaside spot in Norwalk is buckets of fun for the whole family. It’s easily one of the best day trips in Connecticut! Not only can you lounge on the sand and swim in the waves, but a beachside splash pad gives you a fun break from the Sound. There is also a playground, volleyball courts, a skate park, and plenty of open space. Stay until after the sun goes down for movie nights, classic car shows, and other seasonal events. Visit Calf Pasture Beach on Calf Pasture Beach Road.
Calf Pasture Beach Road, Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT 06855, USA
TripAdvisor/Maria V
This small family-friendly beach at the mouth of the Thames River is great for younger kids. Shallow water provides plenty of entertainment. Picnic tables and a playground are other bonuses that make this spot a gem of a find. Spend the day with a picnic lunch or grab a bite at the concession stand to make your trip complete. Visit Eastern Point Beach at 1 Beach Pond Road.
1 Beach Pond Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA
Google Images/Ivan Kysov
Google Images/Aaron Johnson
Visit Cove Island Beach for its sandy shores on the Long Island Sound. This 83-acre park has plenty of open space with paved paths for walking and rollerblading. A fitness park and playground will keep you entertained when you tire of the beach. Nature lovers can sight local birds hanging around the small tidal salt marsh while some rocky shore offers anglers a spot to try to catch the big one.
363 Weed Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, USA
TripAdvisor/Jemlnlx
TripAdvisor/Amidori
Hammonasset is Connecticut’s largest beach with two miles of shoreline to use for the day. Wander down to Meig’s Point to visit the nature center, hunt for seashells, or walk the fishing jetty. There is also plenty of rocky coastline to explore where you may just spot a seal in the distance if the timing is right. You can camp overnight in the campground, but book early, spots fill up quickly at this popular shoreline spot. This beach is certainly one of the best day trips in Connecticut.
1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, USA
Google Images/Ian Mann
Google Images/Jesse Pictures
Hole In The Wall Beach is reached by walking through a tunnel. The small sandy beach is in a cove making it popular among families with smaller children. The entrance to the Niantic Bay Boardwalk is right next to the beach where you can enjoy a nice stroll with panoramic views.
4 Baptist Ln, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
Google Images/Jessica Polizzo
Google Images/Lisa Mentes
Plenty of amenities and beautiful scenery make it easy to spend the day at Connecticut’s oldest state park. Enjoy splashing in the water and relaxing in the sand, but stop by the nature center for an added bonus. Don’t forget your camera, there are many stunning photos waiting to be taken. Take in a day on the beach at Sherwood Island State Park for the perfect day.
Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880, USA
TripAdvisor/management
If your goal is to find an action-packed location that will keep the family busy for hours, Ocean Beach Park has it all. Sugar white sand and rolling waves are draws to the beach, but the Olympic-sized pool with ocean views is pretty amazing, too. On top of it, the park has a boardwalk, arcade, splash pad, water slides, amusement rides, and much more.
98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT 06320, USA
TripAdvisor/Tricia11161
TripAdvisor/cjrmay20
Silver Sands Beach is a welcome oasis on the shoreline. Frolic in the surf or enjoy relaxing with a good book. Take a stroll on the wooden boardwalk to enjoy the scenery. Time your visit right and you can walk the sandbar out to Charles Island where you might stumble upon a pirate’s buried treasure.
1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460, USA
TripAdvisor/introspectionx
Google Images/Michael Plouffe, Jr.
Rocky Neck State Park combines a sandy beachfront with plenty of nature. Explore the plentiful hiking trails and then take a refreshing swim. Pack a picnic and take advantage of the green expanse of lawn for a lunchtime break. This state park also offers overnight camping so you can make a mini-vacation out of it.
244 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
If you want to get off the shore and onto the water, check out this self-driven boat experience in Connecticut.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Connecticut March 08, 2022 Elisa Regulski What are the best day trips in Connecticut? For a fun and unique outing, embark on one of the best small town day trips in Connecticut. You can never go wrong with an excursion to Mystic. Here, you can peruse the shops, soak up the sights, and explore fascinating museums. We also love exploring Niantic. During the summer, this place really comes alive! Make sure to stop by one of the lobster shacks. Nothing beats enjoying a delicious, buttery lobster roll on the dock. Can’t get enough adventure? Pop over to the town of Colebrook. This place is especially great for beer-lovers. The tasty brews and scrumptious eateries will keep you coming back again and again. What are the most beautiful beaches in Connecticut? Looking for unique things to do around Connecticut? Why not explore one of our extraordinary beaches? Walnut Beach boasts a lovely view of Charles Island, and the waters are clean and clear. Dubois Beach, located in Stonington Borough, looks especially mesmerizing at sunset. Bring your camera and capture the views. You’ll never want to leave! And, you can’t forget about Pear Tree Point Beach near the Goodwives River. These picturesque views will make you fall in love with Connecticut all over again. For more fun travel ideas, check out our list of the best little-known beaches in Connecticut. What are the top trails in Connecticut to add to my bucket list? You can never go wrong at Kent Falls State Park. This area is home to numerous hiking trails, both difficult and easy. And, if you’ve never seen the waterfall first-hand, you must add it to your bucket list immediately! For more lovely views, hike to Indian Well Falls in Shelton. This gorgeous hike isn’t terribly difficult, and it has an astonishing end view.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Connecticut
March 08, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What are the best day trips in Connecticut? For a fun and unique outing, embark on one of the best small town day trips in Connecticut. You can never go wrong with an excursion to Mystic. Here, you can peruse the shops, soak up the sights, and explore fascinating museums. We also love exploring Niantic. During the summer, this place really comes alive! Make sure to stop by one of the lobster shacks. Nothing beats enjoying a delicious, buttery lobster roll on the dock. Can’t get enough adventure? Pop over to the town of Colebrook. This place is especially great for beer-lovers. The tasty brews and scrumptious eateries will keep you coming back again and again. What are the most beautiful beaches in Connecticut? Looking for unique things to do around Connecticut? Why not explore one of our extraordinary beaches? Walnut Beach boasts a lovely view of Charles Island, and the waters are clean and clear. Dubois Beach, located in Stonington Borough, looks especially mesmerizing at sunset. Bring your camera and capture the views. You’ll never want to leave! And, you can’t forget about Pear Tree Point Beach near the Goodwives River. These picturesque views will make you fall in love with Connecticut all over again. For more fun travel ideas, check out our list of the best little-known beaches in Connecticut. What are the top trails in Connecticut to add to my bucket list? You can never go wrong at Kent Falls State Park. This area is home to numerous hiking trails, both difficult and easy. And, if you’ve never seen the waterfall first-hand, you must add it to your bucket list immediately! For more lovely views, hike to Indian Well Falls in Shelton. This gorgeous hike isn’t terribly difficult, and it has an astonishing end view.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
For a fun and unique outing, embark on one of the best small town day trips in Connecticut. You can never go wrong with an excursion to Mystic. Here, you can peruse the shops, soak up the sights, and explore fascinating museums. We also love exploring Niantic. During the summer, this place really comes alive! Make sure to stop by one of the lobster shacks. Nothing beats enjoying a delicious, buttery lobster roll on the dock. Can’t get enough adventure? Pop over to the town of Colebrook. This place is especially great for beer-lovers. The tasty brews and scrumptious eateries will keep you coming back again and again.
What are the most beautiful beaches in Connecticut?
Looking for unique things to do around Connecticut? Why not explore one of our extraordinary beaches? Walnut Beach boasts a lovely view of Charles Island, and the waters are clean and clear. Dubois Beach, located in Stonington Borough, looks especially mesmerizing at sunset. Bring your camera and capture the views. You’ll never want to leave! And, you can’t forget about Pear Tree Point Beach near the Goodwives River. These picturesque views will make you fall in love with Connecticut all over again. For more fun travel ideas, check out our list of the best little-known beaches in Connecticut.
What are the top trails in Connecticut to add to my bucket list?
You can never go wrong at Kent Falls State Park. This area is home to numerous hiking trails, both difficult and easy. And, if you’ve never seen the waterfall first-hand, you must add it to your bucket list immediately! For more lovely views, hike to Indian Well Falls in Shelton. This gorgeous hike isn’t terribly difficult, and it has an astonishing end view.
