Beaches in Connecticut offer unique boardwalks to explore. Boardwalks are usually any type of wooden planks. But beach boardwalks are always very special to us. If you are a fan of great boardwalks, you’ve come to the right place. And that’s CT! These Connecticut beach boardwalks are great for experiencing alluring sunrise, also.
In Connecticut, there are various types of amazing beach boardwalks, many of those are beachfront, too. Plus, the places offer several fun things to do around including shopping, restaurant hopping, spending fun time in playgrounds or parks etc. So, get ready to explore CT beaches without getting all sandy! These nice spots are also great for aspiring photographers.
Most of the CT beaches are accessible with wheelchairs and walkers. Here are some of the best beaches in Connecticut with boardwalks that will give you the freedom to stroll the area without getting sandy and to feel invigorating energies just like a child has!
1. Silver Sands State Park (Milford)
Silver Sands boardwalk in Silver Sands State Park is one of the best beach boardwalks in Connecticut and this amazing boardwalk connects two beautiful beaches. The boardwalk extends from the parking lot to the beach area. Here visitors are able to access a nice fishing pier, biking paths and a volleyball court.
The panoramic views of the Long Island Sound and beautiful Walnut Beach are very easy to access from this boardwalk.
Dogs are not allowed coming to the boardwalk to protect the shoreline wildlife. Silver Sands State Park is also famous for seashells, seabirds and nice sandy beaches.
Address: 1 Silver Sands Park Way, Milford, CT
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2. Niantic Bay (Niantic)
The construction being started in 1994 and finished in 2005, the incredible Niantic Bay boardwalk is very popular among both locals and visitors. The boardwalk is a long stretch between Niantic and Waterford. There are small beaches that you could explore at the ends of this broad boardwalk.
The boardwalk was created by the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation. The 1.1 miles long boardwalk runs between Cini Park in Niantic Bay Beach and Hole in the Wall Beach in Niantic. Each year, a huge number of travelers come to this boardwalk to enjoy the wonderful shoreline of Niantic. Must explore the boardwalk with your near ones and spend amazing fun moments with them.
From parking lot, this boardwalk is easy to access. If you want to skip parking fees, opt for Main Street. Here you need not to pay any fees for your vehicle. Along the paved path you will discover several placards that describe the history of Niantic. Amazing fishing and swimming opportunities are also available here.
Along with dogs, no biking and skating are allowed on this boardwalk.
Address: 4 Baptist Ln., Niantic, CT
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3. Ocean Beach Park (New London)
If you want to enjoy live entertainment events along with magic shows and other charming events, must attend this boardwalk. Multiple special events are hosted for year-round throughout the Ocean Beach Park.
Along the pathway, you will discover numerous restaurants and ice cream shops. A gift shop is also present here.
The picture-perfect boardwalk along with nice sandy beaches, refreshing ocean water and lots of entertaining activities, make Ocean Beach Park boardwalk a perfect family-friendly destination. In summer, the boardwalk gets more crowded.
The park is quite famous for offering an Olympic-size fresh-water pool. In the 50-acres of area, you can enjoy multiple panoramic views. And recreational facilities are endless! The volleyball courts, amusement park rides and water park rides make Ocean Beach Park a hot spot entertainment destination among families.
Address: 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT
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4. Walnut Beach (Milford)
The family-friendly Walnut Beach is one of the most popular getaway destinations for offering a great boardwalk and family entertaining facilities. There are numerous shops, restaurants, water parks and breathtaking events that turn this CT beach into a great entertainment hub.
Farmers market exploration and live music concerts enjoyment are must-to-do activities among the beach goers. The boardwalk has a railed observation area, too. Must take a stroll there.
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5. Savin Rock Boardwalk (West Haven)
Savin Rock Boardwalk offers amazing beaches, restaurants and numerous freely engaging activities. Evening stroll is popular in this boardwalk.
This small boardwalk gives the nice views of the Long Island Sound.
Address: 6 Rock St West Haven, CT 06516
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6. Harkness Memorial State Park (Waterford)
The short but nice boardwalk in Harkness Memorial State Park is a great spot to make yourself afresh! The panoramic views, quieter ambience, amazing beaches and nearby cushiony grasses, all will make you feel that you have landed in a totally different world which is much peaceful than our stressful world.
The boardwalk leads to the small rocky beach. It’s a nice spot for taking photos. Wedding photography are also popular in this gorgeous location. You might also find families, enjoying picnic. For kite flying, Harkness State Park is also a great place among the locals.
Address: 275 Great Neck Road., Waterford, CT 06385
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7. Audobon Center (Milford)
Audobon Center boardwalk is an incredible spot for birdwatching. Photographers love to visit this place for capturing lots of photos of both colourful birds and natural wonders.
To get unique and gorgeous boardwalk experience, must add this place in your list of best beaches in Connecticut with boardwalk.
Address: 1 Milford Point Rd., 06460, CT
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8. Mystic Boardwalk
Mystic Boardwalk is able to give you one of the most memorable experiences, as remarked by the past visitors. The charm of the whole area and its outstanding engaging fun-loving activities make this boardwalk experience one of the best day-trip experiences!
Shopping at the boardwalk will be interestingly enjoyable with your near ones. Spend some relaxing time on the available benches. If you visit in summer time, lots of events and concerts will grab your attention.
You could also admire the nice views of the Mystic River and the Bascule Bridge.
Address: Cottrell Street, Mystic, CT
9. Lordship Seawall
Lordship Seawall is really a special place for the visitors. It offers a great view along with nice strolling opportunities on the beach. The unique stone-walk is enough to provide the views of Long Island Sound at this beautiful scenic overlook.
A number of pristine beaches, nice restaurants and hotels are lined up to serve you. The beach has a parking lot available for visitors, and it is free. A stroll along the boardwalk is a must! The nearby area is home to some of the popular parks and museums. If you’ve enough time, visit these attractions too.
10. Captain’s Cove Seaport (Bridgeport)
Captain’s Cove Seaport is a family-owned and operated bar, restaurant and marina with slip space for over 350 boats. Captain’s Cove is world famous for offering one of the best boardwalks that is rare to find in anywhere else! There are many small shops placed on the boardwalk where you will find much more than souvenirs!
Take a leisure stroll down the boardwalk with your dear ones and enjoy the soft breeze and colorful views Captain’s Cove has to offer!
Address: 1 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Phone: (203) 335-7104
11. Calf Pasture Beach (Norwalk)
Calf Pasture Beach offers a long and beautiful beach along with a pier. The pier is a lovely place to relax, sit back and enjoy the serenity of the ocean.
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12. The Rocky Neck Boardwalk (East Lyme)
Rocky Neck State Park provides the beautiful soft sandy beach along with a nice boardwalk. The park is ideal for families. Other beach amenities include a pavilion, picnic tables, and diverse trail systems. Must head off the Rocky Neck Boardwalk to enjoy all the fine attractions!
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13. Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)
Hammonasset Beach State Park not only offers an amazing boardwalk with the wooden railings, but its popularity lies for many reasons. A day trip to Hammonasset Beach allows the visitors to explore a variety of things including multiple trails.
The boardwalk is good for a leisure stroll. Moreover, you could also get a glimpse of Long Island Sound from this Connecticut beach. The boardwalk will give you all the beach feelings without getting sandy!
Willing to explore more in the state park? Head off for camping or for the park’s nature center. Or you might go for the hikes or trails. Meigs Point Trail, Hammonasset Beach State Park Walk, Willard’s Island Nature Trail are the popular one.
14. Harbor Point Marinas
Harbor Point Marins boardwalk offers magnificent views of the Harbor. It is a nice spot to hangout with friends. The marina’s boardwalk hosts many events throughout the year. Many people gather to enjoy these vibrant events. Loud music, a copious amount of foods and drinks, make the boardwalk a desired destination among fun lovers, and specially, among young people.
FAQs
1. Are there boardwalks in Connecticut?
There are many boardwalks you could enjoy along with soft sandy beaches in the state of Connecticut. The most popular beaches with boardwalk include Silver Sands State Park Boardwalk, Niantic Bay Boardwalk, Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk, Walnut Beach Boardwalk and Savin Rock Boardwalk.
2. Are Connecticut beaches free?
There are few beaches which are not free, but some are definitely free to the public, though some require little charges. Connecticut’s coastal state parks boast free beaches for residents. Some free for residents state parks are Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, Sherwood Island State Park in Westport and Silver Sands State Park in Milford.
3. Is Ocean Beach Park CT free?
No, it’s not free. Visitors need to pay charges to enter Ocean Beach Park. On weekdays, the admission charge is $30, and on weekends it is $35, and Parking charge includes admission for up to five guests. If you want to get season pass, you have to pay $160.
4. Does Connecticut have any nice beaches?
Connecticut has a good selection of nice beaches. The top one is Ocean Beach in New London. Other most beautiful salt water beaches include Niantic Bay, Walnut Beach and Silver Sands State Park.
5. Can you swim in Ocean Beach CT?
Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean Beach not only offers great swimming opportunities at the beautiful beach, but visitors could also enjoy rewarding swimming in the Olympic-size pool in Ocean Beach Park. Except swimming, there are tons of engaging activities that families and other beach goers enjoy here, including playing in a miniature golf.
6. Can you drink on CT beaches?
No CT beach allows visitors to drink any alcoholic beverages in the day-use beaches or boardwalks. But there are some state parks that allow visitors to consume alcohol.
7. What is the biggest beach in Connecticut?
With its 2 miles of pristine beachfront area, Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison is the biggest beach in Connecticut. The beach receives more than 1 million visitors each year. Its popularity is not limited for the large beachfront area, but in this beach visitors get the opportunity to explore more than 550 campsites and 10 themed gardens.
8. Are Connecticut beaches clean?
Most of the Connecticut beaches are clean. But there are few beaches where water quality is very poor. There are approximately 22% beaches in CT ranked at C or lower regarding cleanliness.
9. What is the infection in the beach in CT?
Vibrio vulnificus infection, a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection is currently present in the ocean in CT. These bacteria have also caused the death of three people in Connecticut and New York.
10. What is the cleanest beach in CT?
The five cleanest beaches in CT include Noank Dock in Groton, East Wharf Beach in Madison, Quigley Beach in Stamford, Burying Hill Beach in Westport and Anchor Beach in Milford. These are the highest scoring beaches in Connecticut.
