Located by the mouth of the Housatonic River, Short Beach has all kinds of amenities for fun in the sun. It's an excellent recreational venue for all ages. The northernmost section provides handicap access to the beach as well as tern and piping plover nesting areas. Fisherman use the marine basin to fish for snapper bluefish during the summer. As you move south along the beach, you will find picnic areas, a calisthenics course, playground and the town's largest sandbox. Additional recreation areas provided include golf course, softball fields; courts for basketball, paddleball, tennis and

Nestled between Long Island Sound and the Great Meadows tidal marsh it shelters, Long Beach, at a little over one mile in length, is one of the longest barrier beaches in Connecticut. A stroll along the beach surround the visitor with dunes, the Great Meadows Marsh and the open waters of the Long Island Sound. Many species of shorebirds and waterfowl can be found there, including the "threatened" Piping Plover that nests throughout the summer on the western part of the beach. These birds nest both on the beach and the sandy "trail" behind the dunes. Therefore, if you must pass areas of nesting

Located in the picturesque seaside village of Stonington Borough. Enjoy the shallow water depths, on-site pavilion, and clean, family-oriented sandy beach. Park at the Stonington Point lot at the end of Water Street. Visitors to duBois Beach are required to display season passes. Individual adult passes or family memberships are available for purchase at the Stonington Community Center, located at 28 Cutler Street, Stonington or online. Daily fees will be assessed at duBois beach if passes are not provided.

A beautiful, 79-acre park on Long Island Sound. Visitors can enjoy a sandy beach, pavilions, snack bar, boardwalk, and fishing pier. Outdoor recreation facilities include tennis courts, handball and basketball courts, playground, four softball fields, restrooms, and parking. Parking permits at Cummings Park from May 1 to September 30. Rates and further information can be found at the following website:

The park has it all, including developed recreation facilities such as a one-mile walk/run trail, playground, roller blade/cycling path, expansive lawn area and two sandy beaches, small salt marsh, interidal mudflats and the estuarine embayment's of Holly Pond and Cove River that provide opportunites for birders. Rocky shoreline areas offer a place for anglers to hook the "big one" and a small bluff ofers an excellent viewpoint for those looking for a place to view Long Island Sound while strolling this park. A state-of-the art nature center contains displays on Long Island Sound. Non-resident

Martin Park Beach offers refreshing swimming and boating activities in a natural, spring-fed pond. Enjoy our sandy beach, Zoom Floom, Wibit Slide, water mat, and playground. Perfect spot to play beach volleyball or rent a kayak, paddleboard or paddle boat. Lifeguard staffing is provided during operating hours from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. For your comfort, bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, playground and a volleyball net are all on site. Season and day passes available to residents and non-residents. Visit following website for membership rates: http://www.ridgefieldct.org

A great place to swim in the summer, along with picnicking, hiking and nature study. The beautiful 280 acre facility offers a great sand beach and guarded swimming area, as well as fun watercraft (kayaks, paddleboats, canoes for your enjoyment free of charge with admission to the park). Visit following website for parking/admission information: http://townofreddingct.org/project/topstone-park/

Located on Lake Zoar, this park offers a quiet beach with a large pavilion and 27 acres of woodland trails. Resident permit or by non-resident day pass only. Non-residents may purchase a day a day pass for use of the beach area only, for $25 from Southford General Store (on Rte. 67). Visit following website for more parking/admission information: https://www.oxfordrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=9670

Beach with saltwater swimming on Long Island Sound. Lifeguards on duty daily, from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Town resident parking only with beach sticker. Facilities include bathrooms, changing room, shower.