From Town Beaches to State Parks – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Fairfield County has miles of Long Island Sound coastline and honestly, you could spend the whole summer rotating through different beaches and never get bored. Some are big and lively with concession stands and parking lots, some are quiet and tucked away. Here's what you need to know before you go.
Quick Note on Access
Town beaches are generally free for residents with a valid permit or beach sticker. Non-residents pay a daily fee and some towns offer limited non-resident season passes. Check your town's parks and recreation page for current details.
State Parks (Sherwood Island and Silver Sands) are free for Connecticut residents with CT-registered vehicles. Out-of-state visitors pay a daily parking fee.
Beaches by Town
Greenwich
- Greenwich Point Park (Tod's Point) – A peninsula with sweeping Sound views and a proper beach walk
- Byram Beach
- Island Beach (ferry access)
- Great Captain Island (ferry access)
Fairfield
- Jennings Beach – Sandy, family-friendly, consistently popular
- Penfield Beach – Wide beach with concessions and a pavilion
- Southfield Park
Bridgeport
- Seaside Park – Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Expansive and beautiful.
- Pleasure Beach – Walkway access only, no swimming
- Short Beach Park
Darien
- Pear Tree Point Beach
- Noroton Bay Beach Club (private)
- Darien Beach Club (private)
Norwalk
- Calf Pasture Beach – One of the most popular in the county, with concerts in the summer
- Seabright Beach
- St. Mary's by the Sea
Stamford
- Cummings Park – Big beachfront park with a lot going on in season
- West Beach
- Cove Island Park
Stratford
- Short Beach Park
- Lordship Beach
- Silver Sands State Park – Beautiful, open to everyone
Milford
- Gulf Beach
- Walnut Beach
- Long Beach
- Anchor Beach
- Bayview Beach
- Laurel Beach (semi-private)
Westport
- Compo Beach – The one everyone loves. Wide, sandy, busy in a good way.
- Burying Hill Beach
- Old Mill Beach
- Sherwood Island State Park – Open to all, with nature trails and picnic areas behind the beach
Living near this coastline is one of Fairfield County's best qualities. If you're curious about buying or selling in the area, we'd love to talk. And for monthly local guides like this one, subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss anything.