Silver Sands State Park
Milford, CTMain (203) 735-4311
Overview
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- An alcohol ban is in place at Silver Sands State Park - alcohol is prohibited
- Bus Permits are required for mid-size and full-size busses seating 30 or more passengers
- Park Map
Fishing
Fishing is open throughout the park, including the tombolo which extends about a mile from the mainland to Charles Island. If you decide to cast a line from the sandbar, please use extreme caution and check the tides before you head out! Swift tidal currents during a flood tide can make passage dangerous and leave you stranded on Charles Island until low tide. And the tides come in fast and furious!
Types of fish: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad, weakfish
For after-hours fishing parking: At the end of Surf Avenue, turn right onto East Broadway and look for the after-hours fishing parking lot on the end of the street.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations.
Hiking
Two miles of walking trails, boardwalk, and bridges await to bring you through the parkās range of terrain, from wetlands, beach, coastal forest, to the tombolo linking the park to Charles Island.
Charles Island Trail
Timing is everything with this hike. Be sure to check the tides before heading out, they rise fast ā as much as ten feet in less than two hours. And the way the waves crash and roll over the spit of sand creates a dangerous undertow, perilous for even the strongest swimmer.
- 1.5-mile out-and-back across the tombolo
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- This lollipop trail follows the land bridge to Charles Island, loops around its perimeter, then doubles back to the mainland. The interior of the island is an avian sanctuary and off limits to human visitors, but you might be able to catch a glimpse of the ruins from the former resort and religious retreat once located there.
Boardwalk Trail
- Two-mile walk on the boardwalk
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Follow the parkās main trail along the boardwalk, pedestrian bridge, gravel, and natural dirt pathways for beautiful views of Long Island Sound and Charles Island and for an up-close look at the parkās restored tidal marsh and impressive dunes.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- The walk to Charles Island is closed during nesting season, typically May through September.
- Trail Map
Historic
Nature
Birdwatchers flock to Silver Sands for a chance to see the over 200 species of birds that migrate to the park each year to nest, winter, roost, and forage, including many rare species protected by Federal and Connecticut Endangered Species Acts.
Charles Island is one of the three largest wading bird rookeries in the state. Being such a critical wildlife habitat and coastal resource, the sanctuary is a designated Natural Area Preserve, Long Island Sound Stewardship Site, and Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA).
Raptors such as the rough-legged hawk, snowy owl, and short-eared owl roost here during winter. Heron, egrets, and other wading birds find safe haven in the wooded interior of Charles Island. Landbirds stopover in the upland habitats. Migrant shorebirds forage and nest in the marsh and intertidal wetlands. And along with the park's feathered visitors, many butterflies, rare plants, and other wildlife also call the park home throughout the year.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Self-Guiding, educational materials:
Picnicking
Swimming
Despite its name, Silver Sands State Parkās beaches are both sandy and rocky with lots of seashells. This means the best of both worlds. Wade along the long stretches of sand, where tidal pools form during low tide ā ideal for kids to splash around and explore aquatic sea life. And hike through the rockier areas or search for seashells.
Accessible Swimming/Beach Surf Chairs: Available free of charge on a āfirst come/first servedā basis.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day ā Labor Day)
- Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information
Additional Park Info
FREE ā In-State Registered Vehicles
$22 ā Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays)
$15 ā Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays)
$112 ā Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass)
Boardwalk
Parking
Restrooms (Portable Toilets)
Beach & Boardwalk
Not permitted
Picnic Areas
On leash