Unfortunately, summer is beyond the halfway mark, but fortunately, plenty of time is left before school starts to take advantage of Fairfield County’s beautiful beaches. I’m rounding up some of Fairfield County’s best beaches and the rules and fees for admission.
In addition to the beach, many also have playgrounds, walking/running/biking trails, picnicking, concession stands, and much more. Be sure to click on each beach name for more details and the most up-to-date information. And don’t forget that after Labor Day; you can get into most without a pass/fee. Additionally, many beaches become pet-friendly in the off-season. September might be the most beautiful month to take in the area’s local beaches. Have fun and enjoy!
Free for CT Residents All Year Around (Long Island Sound)
Milford’s Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands Park Way, Milford, CT
There is a daily fee for non-CT residents.
Special Attractions: 3/4 Mile Boardwalk, Birdwatching, Sandbar to Charles Island
Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park
Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT
Connecticut residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at CT State Parks and Forest Recreation areas. There is a daily fee for non-CT residents.
Special Attractions: Nature Center, Picnic Tables, Concession Stand, Bike/Running Path, Model Airplane Runway, Geology
Free for CT Residents All Year Around (Inland Lakes, Ponds, & Rivers)
New Fairfield’s Squantz Pond State Park
Pets are allowed between September 31 to April 14.
Lifeguard coverage is available during the summer season.
Indian Well State Park
Special Attractions: Scenic Waterfall & Brook, Picnic Tables, Field Sports, Hiking Trails
Lifeguard coverage is available during the summer season.
Fees Charged During Summer Season (Long Island Sound)
Stamford’s Cove Island Park
Cove Road, Stamford, CT
Fees charged from May 1 thru September 30
Daily Fee – Weekdays – $42.50 Weekends – $69 (for non-Stamford residents)
Special Attractions: Playground, Cycling/Rollerblading Path, Walk/Run Trail, Two Sandy Beaches, Bird & Butterfly Wild Life Sanctuary
Dogs are welcome on leashes in most of the park but not on the beach itself.
Rowayton’s Bayley Beach
11 Pine Point Road, Rowayton, CT
Fees charged from Memorial Day Saturday thru September 15
Daily Fee – Non-Holiday Weekdays: $25, Weekends & Holidays: $30, Special Events: $50, Walk-ins: $10 per person or $25 per family
Special Attractions: Children’s Playground, Snack Bar, Basketball Court, and Outdoor Showers
Lifeguard services are provided in season between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are allowed via a designated water lane.
Pets are allowed between November 1 and March 31.
Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach
Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk, CT
Daily Fee – Weekdays before 5 p.m.: $42, Weekends: $72, or After 5 p.m.: $20
Special Attractions: Splash Pad, Playground, Volleyball, Basketball, Sailing School, Bocce, Ripka’s Beach Cafe
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are allowed via a designated launch ramp.
Westport’s Burying Hill Beach
Burying Hill Road and Beachside Avenue, Westport, CT
Fees are charged from May 1 thru September 30.
Daily Fee – Weekdays: $25 for CT-registered vehicles and $35 for out-of-state, Weekends & Holidays: $30 for CT-registered vehicles and $50 for out-of-state.
Special Attractions: Wildlife Area, Picnic Tables, Grills
Westport’s Compo Beach
60 Compo Beach Road, Westport, CT
Fees are charged from May 1 thru September 30.
Daily Fee – Weekdays: $45, Weekends & Holidays: $70.
Dogs are allowed between October 1 and March 30 and must be kept on a leash.
Special Attractions: Accessible Boardwalk, Concession Stand, Large Wooden Playscape, Skate Park, Softball Field, Basketball Courts
Additional ADA amenities include:
- Mobi Mats are accessible on both the main beach and the south beach
- Four wheelchair-accessible picnic pads
- One floating beach wheelchair (must be accompanied by an able-bodied adult)
- Two wheelchairs (inquire at Entrance Gate)
Fairfield’s Jennings Beach
880 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT
Fees are charged from Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day.
Daily Fee – Weekdays: $40, Weekends & Holidays: $50.
Special Attractions: Concession Stand, Sand Castle Playground, Sand Jam Family Fun Dance, and Family Movie Nights
Lifeguard services are provided in season between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Dogs and horses are allowed between October 1 and March 31.
Fairfield’s Penfield Beach
323 Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield, CT
Fees are charged from Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day.
Daily Fee – Weekdays: $40, Weekends & Holidays: $50.
Special Attractions: Lockers, Large Covered Deck, 2 x Waterfront Banquet Facilities, Concession Stand, Grills and Picnic Tables, Swing Sets
Bridgeport’s Seaside Park
1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT
Fees are charged from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Daily Fee – Weekdays: $30 for CT-registered vehicles and $50 for out-of-state, Weekends & Holidays: $40 for CT-registered vehicles and $60 for out-of-state.
Special Attractions: Wildlife Preserve, Lighthouse, Splash Pads
Stratford’s Short Beach
1 Dorne Drive, Stratford, CT
Daily Fee – Monday-Thursday: $20, Friday-Sunday: $40
Special Attractions: Accessible beach access, Sandbox, Playground, Calisthenics Course, Playground, Sports Complex, Fishing