Did you know the New Haven area is home to some of the best beaches in Connecticut? From the historic charm of Lighthouse Point Park to the serene landscapes of Silver Sands State Park in Milford, you will find the perfect beach in the New Haven area.
Below is my list of the best public beaches in New Haven. Do keep in mind that there is really only one beach in New Haven, the rest of the beaches on this list are all within a 25 minute drive from New Haven.
The New Haven beaches on this list are open to the public so both residents and non-residents will find my list useful.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely picnic by the sea, build sandcastles with your kids, or just unwind with a book while soaking up the sun, the beaches in and around New Haven have got you covered.
Best Public Beaches in New Haven
Lighthouse Point Park Beach
Lighthouse Point Park Beach is one of the best beaches in New Haven. It’s one of the only beaches in Connecticut where you can get up close to a real-life lighthouse!
Located in the eastern point of New Haven Harbor, Lighthouse Point Park Beach is perfect for lazy summer days- sunbathing on the beach, building sandcastles, or a quick dip.
Aside from enjoying the historical Five Mile Point Light, visitors can unwind on the beautiful beach, savor a meal from the concession stand, or cool off at the Lighthouse Park splash pad.
There is also a carousel at Lighthouse Point Park-perfect for families who need a break from the beach!
Lighthouse Point Park is also a renowned hotspot for bird watching along the East Coast. Additional amenities include a fishing pier and public boat launch, expanding the activities beyond the beachfront.
Address for Lighthouse Point Park Beach
Visitors can locate Lighthouse Point Park Beach at 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven, CT 06512.
Lighthouse Point Park Beach Amenities
Beach
Carousel
Splash Pad
Concession Stand
Public Boat Launch
Pavilions
Non-Resident Access to Lighthouse Point Park Beach
The beach is open to the public, with a parking fee imposed for non-resident vehicles. The cost is $25 per day for in-state non-resident vehicles and $30 per day for out-of-state vehicles. Parking is free for vehicles registered in New Haven.
Check the Lighthouse Point Park website for the latest information.
Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands State Park is one of the most beautiful beaches near New Haven. Located in Milford, Connecticut, Silver Sands State Park is a short 19-minute drive from New Haven.
It ranks among the best beaches near New Haven. Silver Sands State Park visitors can enjoy a day relaxing on the sandy beach or take a leisurely stroll on the three-quarters of a mile-long all-weather boardwalk.
Silver Sands State Park Beach Address
Silver Sands State Park Beach is located at Silver Sands Parkway, Milford, CT.
Amenities at Silver Sands State Park Beach
Beach
Boardwalk
Portable Toilets
Non-Resident Beach Access at Silver Sands State Park
Non-residents can access Silver Sands State Park Beach for a daily entrance fee. Charges are $22 per car per day on weekends and $15 per car per day on weekdays. For the most up-to-date information, please check the Silver Sands State Park Beach website.
Walnut Beach
Walnut Beach is one of the best beaches near New Haven. Located in Milford, just 22 minute drive from New Haven (next to Silver Sands State Park!).
Despite being a town beach, it has a private beach feel without typically not too crowded. Perfect for a relaxing day sunbathing at the beach.
Walnut Beach is very family-friendly, making it a perfect destination for both individuals and families looking for a pleasant day at the beach. The calm waters add to the serene and safe atmosphere, especially for families with children.
Walnut Beach Address:
Walnut Beach is located at 113 East Broadway, Milford, CT
Walnut Beach Amenities
Beach
Restrooms
Parking
Parking at Walnut Beach
From May 1st to September 30th, you non-residents will need to pay to park at Walnut Beach. Non-residents can park at Walnut Beach for a daily rate of $40. Pay at the parking kiosk. Don’t forget to bring your credit card! If you are lucky, you can find street parking at an hourly rate of $5.
Hammonasset Beach
Hammonasset Beach is one of the best beaches near New Haven. Located in Madison, Connecticut, Hammonasset Beach State Park is home to over 2 miles of sandy beach.
There is also a boardwalk at Hammonasset Beach. Just a short 26-minute drive from New Haven opens up to a beach of stunning beauty.
Hammonasset Beach State Park boasts over 2 miles of beach, making it one of the largest shoreline parks in Connecticut.
Visitors can spend a day relaxing on the sandy beach or strolling leisurely on the boardwalk while soaking in the breathtaking views of Long Island Sound.
Hammonasset Beach State Park Location
Hammonasset Beach State Park is located at 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT.
Amenities at Hammonasset Beach State Park
Beach
Bathrooms
Boardwalk
Car Top Boat Launch
Concession Stand
Nature Center
Non-Resident Access to Hammonasset Beach State Park
Non-residents can enter Hammonasset Beach state park. Hammonasset Beach state park non-Resident daily entrance is $22/car per day on weekends before 4pm, $15/car per day on weekdays before 4pm and $7/car per day after 4pm. Check Hammonasset Beach state park site for the most up-to-date information.
Bradley Point Park
If you are looking for a beach with a boardwalk, Bradley Point Park is a great beach to go to.
Just a 14-minute drive from New Haven, Bradley Point Park is part of the West Haven Beaches and a top-rated beach destination.
This small sandy beach comes complete with a paved boardwalk, perfect for biking and walking. Dog lovers will find this beach ideal for dog walks.
The park offers stunning views of Long Island Sound, making it an excellent place to swim or simply relax on the sandy beach. Beach volleyball enthusiasts can also enjoy impromptu games at the beach’s volleyball net.
Bradley Point Park Beach Address
Bradley Point Park is located at Captain Thomas Blvd, West Haven, CT.
Amenities at Bradley Point Park
Beach
Boardwalk
Portable Toilets
Parking
Beach Volleyball
Non-Resident Beach Access at Bradley Point Park
Non-residents can access Bradley Point Park Beach for a parking fee. The charges are either $5 per hour or a daily flat rate of $30, with payments accepted only through credit cards. Nonresidents also have the option to purchase a seasonal parking pass for $250.
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with 40 parking spaces available at the Bradley Point Park Beach parking lot.
Free Beach Parking for West Haven Residents
Residents of West Haven have free beach parking at Bradley Point Park.
For the most up-to-date information, please check the West Haven Beach Parking website.
Sea Bluff Beach
Sea Bluff Beach is one of the best beaches near New Haven. Located just 14 minute drive from New Haven, it is a large sandy West Haven beach open to the public.
Sea Bluff Beach is perfect for spending a sunny day sunbathing on the sand or taking a refreshing dip in the water.
Those looking for more active pastimes can enjoy impromptu beach volleyball games, thanks to the beach’s several volleyball nets.
If a more serene beachside experience is preferred, the beach also offers walkways for leisurely strolls along the picturesque shoreline.
Sea Bluff Beach Address
Sea Bluff Beach is located at Captain Thomas Blvd, West Haven, CT.
Sea Bluff Beach Amenities
Beach
Parking
Portable Toilets
Non-Resident Beach Access at Sea Bluff Beach
Parking at Sea Bluff Beach operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-residents are charged either $5 per hour or a daily flat rate of $30 for parking (credit cards only- bring your credit card!). Nonresidents also have the option of purchasing a seasonal parking pass for $250.
Free Beach Parking for West Haven Residents
Residents of West Haven have free beach parking at Sea Bluff Beach.
To stay informed about the most current parking details, check West Haven Beach Parking for the latest information.