Shoreline Attractions

Connecticut Beaches - The Connecticut shoreline provides an array of beaches and state parks that offer swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, picnics and other outdoor activities and sights. Many are only a short drive away and make for summertime full- or half-day trips. Local beaches include Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, Hammonasett State Park in Madison and Ocean Beach in New London. For those interested in traveling a little further (under 1 hour), there's Misquammicut State Park in Westerly, Rhode Island, just across the Connecticut border.

Shoreline Parks - For those interested in other shoreline attractions, you'll find Harkness Memorial Park in Waterford, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the elegant summer mansion of the Harkness family set on over 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, with stately trees and spectacular gardens. Built in 1906, the mansion was purchased by Edward and Mary Harkness in 1907 where the 200+ acres served as a working farm and the Harkness’ summer home.

For walking, hiking, mountain biking and nature enthusiasts, Bluff Point State Park, an over 800-acre coastal preserve in Groton, has over 5 miles of bird and wildlife-filled trails that lead out to an impressive rock bluff and beach overlooking the Sound. Visitors to Fort Trumbull in New London will get an interactive history lesson at the visitor's center, or they can just walk the Fort and ramparts for a view of the Thames River. Fort Trumbull has something for everyone including a boardwalk and 24-hour accessible fishing pier.