This eight-acre beach--actually two great beaches--is loaded with amenities including handicap-accessible picnic area with picnic tables and grills, bath house, boat launch ramp, gazebo and a concession stand. At the mouth of the Goodwives River, the beach is home to the Darien Boat Club. If you are interested in a boat slip, write to Commodore of the Darien Club, PO Box 121, Darien, CT 06820.

22 acre park with waterfront beach, picnic area, bathhouse, concession stand, children's play areas, tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, a windsurfing area, car-top boat launch, rest rooms. Passes available for non-residents. No Dogs Allowed.

This 11-acre park has a picture-postcard beachfront for swimming and relaxing, as well as benches, playground, picnic tables and a concession stand. There is also a boat dock adjacent to the park. Non-residents can obtain daily passes. Rates for Non-residents: Adult Daily- $19 Children Daily- $13

Wangumbaug Lake, also known as Coventry Lake is body of water that graces the heart of Coventry. Patriots Park is 17.5 acres in size and links directly to the Millbrook Greenway for a short walk to historical Coventry village, shops and dining. It also borders the state boat launch and is across the street from Patriots Park Forest Trail, a short loop trail with environmental interpretation. The park was orginally a Salvation Army Camp, purchased by the town in the late 1970s. Amenities includes playscape, waterfront beach, picnic pavilion, bandshell, picnic tables, grills, basketball court

The summer season fills the lake and beach area with swimming, kayaking, sailing and boating. Season passes available for non-residents.

The town of Chester owns Cedar Lake and maintains two public beaches on its shore. The main beach, on West Main Street, has a 50,000 square foot swimming area. The park at the shore is named Robert H. Pelletier Park in memory of the Chester resident who was the Head Lifeguard for more than two decades. The area includes seasonal lifeguards, picnic tables, a pavilion, grills and a food concession. The smaller beach is located on Cedar Lake Road. It is unstaffed and has no designated swimming. The beaches are accessibly by permit only. Non-residents must display a park pass on their vehicles

A sandy beach facing the entrance to Clinton Harbor with views of Long Island Sound. Enjoy the beach at high tide, and walk out to the sand bar in low tide. There is a car-top boat access area for sea-kayaks, and a walkway for fishing off an old stone bridge the crosses the Hammock River. In season, food concessions and rest rooms available. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, beach passes are required from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. During the official season access to the Town Beach is restricted to beach passes (starting the third weekend in June through Labor Day). A Gatekeeper is on duty from 9 a.m

With its 325 acres of lush lawns, shady glades and sports fields rolling toward Long Island Sound, this extensive municipal park offers many amenities including a bathing beach, bath house, ball fields, picnic areas and hiking trails. Visitors are delighted by the beaches, surf and sunshine along three miles of sparkling coastline. The park was laid out just after the Civil War by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, whose other efforts include Manhattan's Central Park and Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Their 19th century landscapes have proved timeless as they entice each new generation of

Bring binoculars to watch the birds and wildlife on walkways with spectacular views of Long Island Sound and Black Rock Harbor. Located in the distinctive Black Rock neighborhood, the site holds historic and cultural interest for visitors to explore. Contact the Bridgeport Parks & Recreation Department for obtaining a parking permit to visit the site. There is no fee to park in the parking lot.

The beach is located in the south central park of town at the end of Harbor Street. The beach is open to the public until dusk. Parking is limited to Branford residents only. Staffed by lifeguards Memorial Day through Labor Day. Facilities include swimming, picnicking, small playground, running water, rest rooms, and bath house. Photo: Mimi Dudley